There are so many differences across the world among politics, history and culture. Brazil is one country that was under a monarchy which they overthrew in 1889, after trying different governances the one that worked best for them was democracy which they still practice today (Moran, 2014). When Fernando Cardoso was elected he made several changes that are still helping the economy even today. In 2002 a new president was elected and he was working toward reducing hunger in the country. Although there were many accomplishments achieved over his first term there were many corruption scandals within the Workers’ Party (2014). As we came into the twenty-first century Brazil was known as “a large democratic and stable society, rich in resources, with a strong economy” (2014, p. 345).
There are several things that Brazil has to offer, especially the Amazon. Recently this is something that has fallen through the cracks. The current president, Mr. Bolsonaro has supported deforestation instead of hindering it, he has stated that he believes that the forest is slowing economic growth (Casado, 2019). There is a lot that is being lost as he pushes forward with getting to cut down more and more trees. Casado stated, “Germany’s minister of economic cooperation and development, Gerd Müller, called protecting the Amazon a global imperative, especially given the rain forest’s vital role in absorbing and storing carbon dioxide, essential to the effort to slow global warming” (2019). I personally do not think that the current president is thinking about the bigger picture but simply about how he can better his own personal gain.
The people that live in Brazil are from several different backgrounds and cultures. Those that live in Brazil are young with over half of the population being under the age of 20 (Moran, 2014). Those that live in Brazil are welcoming to all those that come to visit, “they are a warm, friendly, and emotionally sensitive people who are generous and receptive to foreigners” (Moran, p. 346). Overall those that live in Brazil have very open views in everything that they do from religion to traditions. Those that live in Brazil are very accepting and are a good example for others around the world.
The culture and greetings are much the same in Brazil as it is the Americas. Brazilians tend to greet with a handshake, but they also are quick to greet with one or two kisses on the cheeks. This is something that is usually between women and they will even give a third kiss that is thought to be good luck for single women in finding a husband (2014). Often when talking to others they do not use Mr. and Miss along with their last name the way that we do in the US. Those that are in Brazil often use first names accompanied with Lady or Mister (2014). Another big thing in Brazilian culture is to always offer food to those that are around before eating it alone (2014).
Although the culture is different there is a lot that the rest of the world can learn from Brazil. I think that some of the most important things that the rest of the world should take from the way that those that live in Brazil. I think that the way that people treat each other in Brazil should be something that those in the rest of the world should take notes on. I think that it is also the fact that those from Brazil being open to different culture and different ways of life is something that others should also follow. There are many things that the rest of the world can learn from those in Brazil about how to treat others and to be accepting of those around us.
Resources
Casado, L., & Londoño, E. (2019, July 28). Under Brazil’s Far-Right Leader, Amazon Protections Slashed and Forests Fall. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/28/world/americas/brazil-deforestation-amazon-bolsonaro.html
Moran, R. T., Abramson, N. R., & Moran, S. V. (2014). Managing cultural differences. London: Routledge.
Jessica Kramer says
You made some very interesting points! Brazil has a large abundance of resources. As you mentioned there are still changes to Brazil’s economy going on today. It is important to note, that Brazil has the “eighth-largest economy in the world” (CIA, n.d.). However, this country also has gone through high inflation, large amounts of unemployment, recessions, and more (CIA, n.d.). Since Brazilians have undergone all these changes, their resilience and adaptability to new situations is definitely something else other countries should learn. In addition to treating other people in the same way Brazilians treat each other, what other ways do you feel we should learn from Brazilians?
References
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). (n.d.). The World Facebook. Retrieved from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/br.html