Are we still in danger? It seems Brazil is...

More than a week ago, an issue on Brazilian newspapers caught my attention, the vaccination campaign against swine flu. The formidable influenza A H1N1.

In exactly one year ago the whole world was shocked with the emergence of a new type of virus, many nominating a new variation of the Spanish flu, which then devastated much of the European population.

For a couple of months scientists worked really hard to find a cure for the swine influenza, and as soon as it was released most of the rich countries were keen to ensure the purchase of it for its inhabitants. Even creating discussions between the British government and some countries of the European continent, since the United Kingdom bought twice as many injections required to its population, leaving some without the required number for its people.

However, the strain decreased, most of the acquired injections were not used and the sale of Tamiflu, the medicine used against Influenza A H1N1, stopped almost completely, after making millions of pounds for the pharmaceutical industry Roche.

But, as always, in the tropical country, everything comes a little late, and the fear of contamination is still alive. Last month the Brazilian government started a mass vaccination campaign.

Here across the world, in the northern hemisphere, where everything happens first, the pig flu is news of yesterday. The request for further injections was revoked for various countries of the EC, and the NHS flu line in the UK was cancelled more than two months due to the lack of demand, even with the coldest winter in recent years.

The Brazilian Minister of Health said he hopes to immunize 80% of the population, but is disappointed with the campaing's low adhesion. Perhaps the government believes in the third wave of contamination and wants to ensure that all “tupiniquins” will be immunized by then. Or it may be that our leaders still believe in the old saying "for free, even forehead injection."

Brazilian-American military force?

Brazil and the United States confirmed the military cooperation agreement on Monday 12th April 2010. The agreement does not include bases, immunity for U.S. troops or fight against drug trafficking. The cooperation is only related to equipment, technology and training. The intension is to exchange knowledge, as both countries have different areas of expertise.

The idea of a united continent is a dream of many years, but my doubt is up to what point the United States of America really want to start a partnership with Latin countries, where they will get the same rights as its neighbours?

According to the Brazilian minister of defence, Nelson Jobim "its terms in no way hurt the principles of the Letters of the UN and OAS of respect for sovereignty, non-intervention in internal affairs of countries."

In 2009 the U.S. government also signed an agreement with Colombia, allowing greater U.S. military presence in the country. The possibility of invasion by the United States was raised by some Venezuelans.

Despite not believing in any kind of invasion from the US, I believe that all countries that own a part of the Amazon forest are of much interest to the United States, and perhaps more attention should be taken into agreements with the north-American country. Perhaps the American intention is good and valued, but the dream was always of a united Latin America.

Rio de Janeiro was almost over due to the rain

I once heard someone asking why the major disasters that happen in the world befall in poor countries, often reaching those who are in most need, principally referring to the Asian tsunami, the recent tragedy in Haiti, and the whole situation of the African continent.

Upon learning about the rains that hit the state of Rio de Janeiro last week, I remembered this comment, and today I wonder if this person was not right. In Brazil, a religious country, the excuse would be karma, or fate. But even if fate exist, why those who already suffer so much in life, must suffer even more?

Many people, especially those who do not know much about Rio de Janeiro or Brazil, are not aware that many Brazilian citizens live in places totally unfit for habitation, such as on top of dumps, slopes of hills and riverside areas, as they have no option of where else to live. Although we are now considered to be a rich country, referring to the economical situation, the quality of life is still hard, leaving much to be desired. And sadly, the people most affected by the rains were precisely those that do not have other options.

The mayor of Rio stated that Monday’s rain (6th April) was the biggest in history. And till today 229 deaths were recorded, the city hardest-hit was Niterói with 146 fatalities. The fire department continues to work on rescuing people and President Lula stated that he requires a full assessment on Rio de Janeiro’s condition as he guarantees aid from the federal government. At least in these moments we see solidarity from all sorts of people.

PS: At no time I intend to compare such extreme situation in the countries cited above with what is happening in the state of Rio de Janeiro, that despite having been declared state of emergency did not have so much destruction as those places.

This is media power!

From the discussion that is occurring around the media control on us, I found it interesting to analyze the Rede Globo de Comunicação, the largest communications network in Brazil and the fourth in the world. Globo was created in 1957 by Roberto Marinho, member of one of the most affluent families in Brazilian society. And despite having received help from the government for years, is still characterized by being a private company.

It is said that when one enters in Globo there are only two ways, up or out. When hired the artist will have national recognition, or will be rapidly dismissed. The power of this company is such that I once heard a Spanish hairdresser, newly arrived in Brazil saying that in order to know how to style her clients she had to watch Globo's soap every day. Globo not only influences the thinking of the Brazilian population, as it changes the way people behave.

It is impressive how a communication company can have such influence in all kinds of people, from all backgrounds possible. In Brazil it is not the designers who dictate the fashion, but Globo. If the soap leading lady is using a certain style of clothes, all Brazilians women, from north to south will be using the same clothes in a matter of time. The same works for hair, slangs, choice of holiday, house decoration and acting behaviours. When a new soap is broadcasted the way people behave completely changes. What was once viewed as something habitual, it becomes outdated in the term of 6 to 9 months (life time for each soap opera).

Years ago, when the idea of cable television was just a dream, Globo was the choice of most of people. Although SBT, Record and Bandeirantes were and still are strong channels, Globo dominates the market and often ends up deciding big issues, including who occupies the office of president of Brazil. The power of the Marinho’s family is incomparable and will continue to mould the Brazilian mind for years and years to come.

From Metallurgical to President of Brazil

With elections approaching in the United Kingdom and the preparations in Brazil being in full development, I found it interesting to talk a little bit about the current president of Brazil, Luis Inácio Lula da Silva, better known as Lula.

Lula came to power in January 2003, and in December 2010 completes his second term as President of Brazil. Lula was the first Brazilian president from left-wing and he proved that what you want and fight for it, you can get it.

Lula ran for the higher position in the Brazilian politics for years, since 1989 and despite having received numerous critics during his two mandates, he proved to be great when it comes to Public Relations. Although the population have never seen a government with so many corruption scandals as during the Lula government, his image and appreciation remains as high as in the beginning of his mandate.

Luis Inácio Lula da Silva was far from being the best president we ever had, but it was the first after Getúlio Vargas, who managed to talk with the public and make it feel valued. Lula used popular language and behaved as a simple person, making those who voted for him feel that a representative of the people was finally in power. He managed to win the heart of his electorate.

The current president of Brazil has shown that if you know your audience, you can get anywhere, and even not having the best past as a politician he leaves Brasília with one of the highest acceptance in the Brazilian history.

Diplomacy

As a Brazilian citizen and student of Public Relations I have diplomacy as one of the best talents the man can have. Brazilian diplomacy is considered one of the best in the world, and despite being quite elitist it values diversity, something that is rooted in all Brazilian people.

I have chosen to study PR because I believe is through conversation that we solve our problems. I can be seen as a pacifist, but I believe there is no weapon or defence better than words.

Diplomacy should be learned from early age, and applied at all stages of life, whether professional or personal. Today we live in a world of uncertainty and if we could count that people around us would consider their attitudes before taking any decision; the world would certainly be a better place.

All Carnival has its end!!

As they say all Carnival has its end, and this year has finally ended, as did all the debates around the Brazilian party. The girl Julia Lira (discussion of 2010) paraded, not only paraded as wept. Julia cried with the media attention upon her person and only after being caressed by her mother, like any child, was that she managed to recover and sambar.

But why expose a child of 7 years old and crown her as the queen of Viradouro Samba School, the sexiest position of the Brazilian Carnival? Her father, Marco Lira, who is the current president of the school, probably seeing the talent of his daughter dancing, did not think twice about putting her in the spotlight, and maybe get some media attention. Mr. Lira got it right; the name Viradouro was read and heard in all corners of the world. However, I ask myself, what was the reason that made Julia desire to dance in a position occupied by adult women, usually half-naked? Probably the media again.

In Brazil, there is a rule, if you are pretty and famous, you will end up as the queen of some samba school, and Julia, probably seeing this situation wanted to be as famous as such women. She probably dreamed to become a celebrity and her father used the girl's dream to his own benefit.

The whole thing made me wonder if the Brazilians are not reaching a limit, a limit where we expose our women too much, a limit of manners and respect. Is it OK to expose our bodies, just to get the media attention? At any moment, those women feel overused? And further, why the Brazilian people agree with all this? After all are our daughters, wives and sisters being exposed as a piece of meat.