We are a nation, we are the same.

Janete Rocha Pietá, Congresswoman and founder of the Workers' Party (PT) suffers racism by a member of the Ministry of Justice’s staff. When she appeared before the launch of the Bolsa Copa and Bolsa Olímpica, Ms Pieta was barred from the event for being black and dressed in afro style clothes. When she tried to get the pin to access the event, a employee looked at her, up and down and said, "You Mrs, a Congresswoman?? !!!... I never saw you in presidential events.

Even after speaking with a responsible person for the event and have to somehow resolve the situation, Ms Pieta cried. On January 26th, 2010 a Brazilian citizen cried for being "different”, cried for not being part of the Brazilian politicians clan, (white, male and middle class), cried for accept who she is, cried for being proud of her race.

The slavery in Brazil ended in 1888 but not the racial difference. In a country which is said to be blessed by God it is incomprehensible to think that racism still exists.

Since when in a place with so many races and cultures there is room for differences?

For a while I believed racism did not exist in Brazil, I believed that people lived peacefully among themselves. With their differences but treated as equals. However my utopia ended when I moved to Europe and sadly realized that racism is a fact in Brazil. The difference is that this feeling comes accompanied with a joke, a word in the diminutive, and we white people pretend that's okay, that is only a joke, a way to connect us. What we don’t realise is that there is no format of racism, but racism, no matter how it is presented.

Zilda Arns died in Haiti

Zilda Arns, creator of the Pastoral da Criança (Children's Pastoral), died yesterday at the earthquake that hit Haiti. Zilda was in a humanitarian aid in Haiti where she was part of the UN mission of peace. Arns's death represents a great loss for the entire country (Brazil), but especially to Curitiba, where she held several jobs in order to help the community. It is with great sadness that I put this news in my blog.

News from Thailand

The best way to know if a product is a success is to see a fake copy of it. Clearly the financial loss must be enormous, but the brand‘s recognition is certain. The Havaianas sandals are the Brazilian citizen’s flip-flop. There is no person in Brazil, whether poor or rich who do not have a Havainas.
For some time the Brazilian flip-flop became known around the world, making a huge success whether in Europe, Asia or Americas, but to me the story stopped there. Once in Thailand I saw that things are a little different from what I have previously thought, I could not believe the number of fake Havaianas for sale in this place. They are all together, fakes LVs, Tiffany, Gucci and Havaianas. It is great to see a Brazilian company doing so well to the point of being copied. And although I am completely against fake copies, I felt very proud of it. It is great to know that a Brazilian product is as successful as the European’s and American’s!

The Brazilian footprint in Thailand continues with the presence of Caipirinha, and Caiporovska (vodka version) in every corner. It is possible to buy the Brazilian drink anywhere in Phuket, with the same taste as in Brazil. Well done Brazil!