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Caricago Research Paper

Decent Essays

P1: Rio de Janeiro is a beautiful country filled with warm social individuals, and an abundance of beautiful natural terrain. Nicknamed Rio, Rio de Janeiro’s residents are called Cariocas and work approximately 45 hours a week and are blessed with the opportunity to spend extensive hours in Brazil’s hot tropical climate within the beach and while exploring Rio alluring scenery like its hills, mountain ranges, islands, sandbanks, forests and mangroves. Cariocas also include individuals from other parts of Brazil and the world, that identify with Rio de Janeiro’s jeito (a spirit that is undefinable, but representative of the welcoming nature of Rio’s natives and their love of the ocean). Although the Portuguese might be the most recognized colonizer …show more content…

The status of a carioca, as stated above, is based on jeito, an undefined spirit that intertwines elements of Rio’s inhabitants who will converse with strangers as if they are good friends, and their lifestyle attitudes. The social dynamic of the people in Rio is composed of a small population that is extremely rich, and a large population that is extremely poor. Despite a large division in economic status, both demographics interact and occupy the same public spaces. The large percentage of those deemed poor, could also be linked to why Rio’s population is not keen on discussing the government, as well as attribute to the high levels of crime within Rio. It is interesting to note that the word Carioca, means a “white man’s house” in Tupinamba. I wonder if the use of the word Carioca could also possibly connect to or represent the racial apartheid issues highlighted by both Castro, and the lecture slides. The racial tensions could also be seen within Castro choice in description of the Tupinambas, calling them savages and cannibals, with sexually unbound …show more content…

Although the racial demographic of Brazil is varied, and all individuals appear to be legal under the law, the societal racial hierarchy places white Brazilians at the top, while the ranking of those below them is based on the whiteness of their skin. At the very bottom, are those who are black, but would rather identify as brown, due to the racial social controls that allow whites to control, as the official spokespersons and state representatives of Brazil. It should be recognized that although economic class is another defining element of Brazil society and culture, it could also be linked to the racial prejudices of the country, as majority of those below the poverty line are often coloured. Gender roles are also an important element in society that define the conduct, social acceptance and culture of Brazil. Men are viewed as noble, strong and with the freedom to pursue the satisfaction of their sexual desires, while women are viewed as weak, delicate, beautiful and as objects of satisfaction. The double and unequal standards in race, class and gender impact the positions of power in society, as well as societal

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