Diversity Climate Notes

*** WELCOME TO BRAZIL

The Diversity Network’s Country Diversity Notes provide readily accessible summaries of country- specific information on potential challenges for students who are from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in study abroad programs. The notes were created to facilitate the ability of study abroad professionals to find a good country fit for prospective study abroad students who are uncertain of how they will be received abroad because of their race, ethnicity, sexuality, , religion or .

The Brazil diversity note, below, features a country overview as well as information pertinent to the climate of respect that U.S. students of diverse backgrounds can reasonably expect while living in the country. It also offers bulleted information noting facts that may directly relate to student experiences in the country. Links for students to pursue additional information resources on the various topics are also offered.

While the note provides a bird’s-eye view of diversity matters in the country as they pertain to U.S. students, the country information found in the note is not exhaustive. Advisors should use the information contained below in collaboration with faculty and staff who have experience in the particular country, returned study abroad students who are able and feel comfortable to discuss their own observations of diversity in the country, and the advisor’s own knowledge.

COUNTRY OVERVIEW

Acknowledging the significance of the African Diaspora, Portuguese colonization, and indigenous natives of , the Federative Republic of Brazil (commonly referred to as simply “Brazil”) boasts having one of the world’s most diverse cultures. Due to this rich history, Brazil has a vast collection of ethnic races. Considered the largest of the South American countries, Brazil is an enormous landmass of world renowned tropical rain forest and coastal beaches. As the World’s 5th largest country, Brazil not only borders all other South American countries except Ecuador and Chile, but covers 47.3% of the continent's land area. Colonized by the Portuguese, Brazil is the only country in South America where Portuguese is recognized as the native . Brasília became the federal capital on April 21, 1960; before then the capital was .

While recognized as a World Bank Upper Middle-Income Country, the average Numbeo Cost of Living in Brazil is 28.53% lower than in (aggregate data for all cities, rent is not taken into account). Rent in Brazil is 61.89% lower than in United States (average data for all cities). On the micro level, the average cost for a meal for 2 at a mid-range restaurant is between $20-42 (about R$70-140 “Reais”, Brazilian currency) while a meal at an inexpensive one might cost about R$6. Adult travelers can purchase a domestic pint of beer for about $2.

Brazil, known for attractions such as Carnival, also has other joys like tropical islands, futbol (soccer), historic neighborhoods like Pelourinho and a wonderful cuisine (Best Places to Visit in Brazil). Different than in the U.S., largest meal served is lunch, despite having both breakfast (light snacks-fruit) and dinner (depending on size of lunch). Influenced by its deep history, some of their most well-known foods are Acaraje: Black-Eyed Pea Fritters from Brazil or the national dish Feijoada: Beans, Beef, Pork, and Sausage. In addition to enjoying all this food many Brazilians compliment it with exercise like a morning or night jog along the coastal beaches or gathering in the local community to participate in types of cross-fit exercises.

Health and Safety

Review current travel risks for Brazil:

• U.S Department of State Travel Risks • Safe Travel to Brazil

In 2013, Brazil brought in about 5,813,000 tourists into the country. Brazil is in the top 20 (Ranks #16) for U.S. Students Study Abroad destinations. According to the IIE Open Doors Report 2015, almost 4,000 U.S. students travel annually to Brazil, however this is a roughly 10% decrease from the previous year recorded.

*** ETHNIC MINORITIES IN BRAZIL

Potential Considerations for Students of Color

To completely appreciate Brazilian culture, students studying abroad should understand the magnitude of its history when exploring Brazil’s very diverse ethnic racial population. For the first time since the census was recorded, 51% of the Brazilian population now identify as African Brazilians or mixed race, thus making them the majority of the population for the first time. However, Black Brazilians are repeatedly marginalized, continue to experience and and are often isolated in various ways throughout society. For example, Brazil hosts some of the most prestigious and rigorous universities in , yet the gateway to university is through the vestibular, the college entrance exam. Under funded schools and poor quality early limits the opportunities for black students to succeed on the exam and as a result entering university is not as accessible to most Black Brazilians. Students of color may find that the racial history of the Brazilian people and the intersectional meaning of race resonates with the lived experience as a person of color in the United States.

Despite its rich racial history, racial inequality is still seen as a sensitive topic because of the belief in having. Racial suggests that Brazil’s mixture of Europeans, Indigenous Brazilians, and Africans have found a way to live in racial harmony and thus racism doesn’t exist. This ideology is similar to the concept of the “American Dream”-the belief system that anyone can be president regardless of their race, class, gender, - which suggests individuals will be judged based on merits alone.

Notes:

• Capoeira is very popular among Brazilians of all ages. Beginning as a martial art form developed by slaves, today Capoeira is widely recognized as a Brazilian martial art popular among all Brazilians and tourists alike • Brazil has a rich racial history and provides a fascinating view of the social construction of race. Can two siblings have the same mother and father but identify as two different races- one white and one black? Read about two sisters who demonstrate the complexity of Forging a Collective Identity in Brazil. • - one of Brazil’s 26 states- is a product of the slave trade, hosting more African descendants than any other place in the world outside of Africa. (Minority Rights Group International). • Students of color should carry a copy of identification (or information confirming your purpose in the county) to show authorities in the event of being racially profiled.

Additional Links:

• Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2015, Brazil(see Section 6: Discrimination, Societal Abuse, and Trafficking in Persons; National Racial/Ethnic Minorities) US. Department of State. • Tips to Maximize Your Day in Brazil, Travel Noire • Black Brazilians Learn from Steve Biko Institute • Afro-Brazilian History • 10 things Black Brazilians want you to know 10 Things Afro-Brazilians Want You to Know • Brazilian Newspapers and Current Events • The Rio Times- News in English for Rio de Janeiro and Brazil • Folha de Sao Paulo-News from Brazil in English • - World News from Brazil

***

SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND /EXPRESSION IN BRAZIL

Potential Considerations for , , Bisexual or Students

According to the Gay Group of Bahia (GGB), between the beginning of this year and the beginning of this month, 117 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people were murdered in Brazil based on their sexual orientation. For many years, Brazil has held the world record for hate-based LGBT murders LGBT Murder Capital, resulting in the statistic of an LGBT person being killed roughly every 25 hours. Brazilian advocates and the LGBT community have been pushing forward to improve legislative and policies regarding LGBT issues. For many non-Brazilians, it appears to be a country accepting of the LGBT community considering Rio’s Carnival celebration often openly celebrating the LGBT community with extravagant floats, Sao Paulo hosting one of the world’s largest Gay Pride Parades and many clinics now offering free medical treatment and care for HIV patients. However, living an LGBT lifestyle is still likely to incur distasteful looks, snares, and occasional homophobic slurs.

Notes:

• It is important to keep in mind the complexity of LGBT rights and the lived experience of LGBT people in Brazil. While they currently have several laws prohibiting discrimination and legalized same sex since 2013 (before the U.S.), Brazil is still dealing with a political and cultural backlash against the LGBT movement that has resulted in an increase in anti-LGBT violence. • Brazil has also seen an increase in LGBT tourism and the Ministry of Tourism has even begun to improve their educational and recruitment materials. • Despite improvements in LGBT rights many inequalities persist, in particular, Brazil is still number one in LGBT capital murders. • Brazil provides the protection of law that guarantees equality or prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. However, progress in the constitution does not equate to complete support by citizens, therefore students should be cognizant that identity discrimination may occur.

Additional Links:

• Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2015, Brazil(see Section 6: Discrimination, Societal Abuses and Trafficking in Persons; Acts of Violence, Discrimination, and Other Abuses Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) • Contradictory Attitudes Towards LGBT, Council on Hemispheric Affairs • Record Number of LGBT Athletes in Rio 2016 Olympics, Ms. Blog Magazine • Confronting Anti-LGBT Violence in Brazil, The NY Times • Big Crowd at Gay in Rio, Global Gayz • LGBT Rights in Brazil, Equaldex

***

PHYSICAL DISABILITY IN BRAZIL

Potential Considerations for Students with

Accessibility for those with disabilities (Brazil Gets a Zero) in Brazil is limited. Due to a lack in infrastructure, accessible public transportation, and uneven terrain, students with limited mobility may find mobility more difficult than what is customary in the United States. While some people with disabilities in Brazil have access to government benefits, many special needs facilities are inadequate and partially accessible in comparison to other more developed nations.

Despite hosting the 2016 Paralympics, many in the community often face prejudice and discrimination prohibiting those with disabilities to adequately find employment, , and accessible resources. For example, according to the BBC, despite the millions of people of working age living with disabilities, only 2% are employed and less than 7% have any form of higher education. But many in Brazil’s continue to advance the efforts to ensure the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities such as when the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was adopted in 2007.

Notes:

• Some travelers face additional challenges during airport . Check out Passengers with Disabilities in Brazilian Air Transport, an article describing the different perspectives of air travel. • There are several stories about Life in Rio de Janeiro for People with Disabilities that explore the positive experiences of enjoying the numerous cities. • The metro system has elevated lifts and many new hotels have wheelchair accessible rooms, however it’s difficult to determine if they are actually fully functional or only partially accessible.

Additional Links:

• Mobility International USA, Resources for Americans Traveling Abroad with Disabilities • Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2016, Brazil, (see Persons with Disabilities). • Information for Students with Disabilities Traveling Abroad in Brazil, U.S. Department of State (see section under Local Laws & Special Circumstances) • Brazil’s Disappointing Human Rights Policies, Human Rights Watch • People Living with a Disability, Anglo info Brazil • Inclusion of People with Disabilities in Brazil, International Labour Organization

***

RELIGION IN BRAZIL

Potential Considerations for Religious Students

The national religion of Brazil is Roman Catholicism; many Brazilians are practicing Catholics (65%), although Evangelical (22%), the second largest religion, has grown considerably in recent years. In fact, Brazil has the largest number of Roman Catholics in the world. Among people of African descent, Candomble is a popular religion. Candomble came into existence as a direct result of slavery. Candomble consist of many deities, originally each African nation worshiped one of the deities. However, as a result of Africans enslavement and often being forced to socialize with each other, the existence of all the deities began to tie together into one religion. What is interesting about Candomble is that slaves were prohibited from practicing the religion, especially publicly, so the slaves would use catholic symbols and images to disguise when they were practicing the religion. These Catholic symbols and images eventually became incorporated into the religion and are central to the history of Candomble.

Notes:

• Religion plays a role in the majority of Brazilian’s lives with more than 90% believing in some type of religion. • Many celebrate religious holidays and have housing décor reflecting their religious faith. • Despite the heavy influence of Catholicism, Brazil's constitution guarantees religious freedom and the country outlaws speech that promotes religious intolerance. Atheist or Agnostic believers should feel comfortable in their freedom of expression in Brazil. • Popular soap operas contribute to the negative stereotypes of what it means to be a Muslim or Arab in Brazil, where they are often depicted in exaggerated ways and viewed as backwards and sexists. • Read about Deciphering Islamophobia in The Islamic Monthly, An award winning non-religious current affairs platform.

Additional Links:

• Afro-Brazilians, Countries and Their Cultures (see section on Religion and Expressive Culture), Every Culture • International Religious Freedom Report for 2015, Brazil, U.S. Department of State • African Derived Religions, Harvard Divinity School, Religious Project • Brazil's Muslims and the New Government, The Intercept • Candomble-Women and African Religiosity, Black Perspectives • Religious Beliefs in Brazil, Country Studies: Brazil ***

WOMEN IN BRAZIL

Potential Considerations for Female Students

According to the Nation Census of Brazil, there are about 7 million more women than men (51%) making Brazilian women the numerical majority. However, Brazil is still considered a patriarchal & “machista” society, because women lack access to power, status, political, social, and economic means. Despite this numerical advantage, women continue to face gender barriers as well as break through glass ceilings.

Dilma Vana Rousseff (Dilma) was elected Brazil’s 1st Female President in 2010, until she was impeached and removed from office in 2016. Despite Brazil breaking the gender barrier by electing their first woman president, violence against women remains one of the most pervasive and widespread forms of violence in Brazil. In the 1970s, the Brazil’s women’s movement were successful in bringing to the national stage the topic of violence against women and influencing the governmental policy agenda. The women’s movement was in response to an increase in female-partner homicides that were often going unpunished. This history and activism initiated a process of legal, judicial and institutional change, eventually leading to the criminalization of domestic violence in 2006 (Domestic Violence Against Women). Passage of the Maria da Penha law in 2006 was a milestone, beginning the process of codifying effective legal measures that aimed to guarantee women’s rights, prevent violence, and ensure justice in the event of violence.

Notes:

• Brazil ranked number 79th (out of 144 countries) in the 2016 Global Gender Gap Index conducted by the World Economic Forum. • Since women travelers have been more likely to be targets of high risk crimes, it is recommended that travelers are vigilant of their surroundings and make a conscious effort to travel in groups as often as possible. • Brazilian president launched a zero-tolerance policy in March of 2015 towards violence against women and girls. The penal code was changed to include femicide – defined as any crime that involves domestic violence, discrimination or contempt for women, which results in their death • Despite legislative improvements in women’s rights, violence against women is still viewed as a private matter between a husband and wife. The current social climate is to provide women with resources and access to safe houses to circumvent violence.

Additional Links:

• Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2015, Brazil (see Section 6 subheading for Women) U.S. Department of State. • Women's Right to be Free of Violence, Human Rights Watch. • Black Women of Brazil, Black Women of Brazil • Women Travelers to Brazil, Pink Pangea the community for women who love to travel. • Women’s Travel in Latin America, Hostel Bookers • Safety for Women, Brazil Travel Guide • The Independent Woman's Guide to Brazil Tourism, Women on the Road • Rolling Back Women's Rights?, Aljazeera ***

FAST FACTS: BRAZIL

Capital: Brasília Population: 205,823,665 (July 2016 est.) Language(s): Portuguese (official and most widely spoken language) Note: Shares sum to 120.8% due to multiple responses on census (2013 est.) Religions: Roman Catholic 64.6%, other Catholic 0.4%, Protestant 22.2% (includes Adventist 6.5%, Assembly of God 2.0%, Christian Congregation of Brazil 1.2%, Universal Kingdom of God 1.0%, other Protestant 11.5%), other Christian 0.7%, Spiritist 2.2%, other 1.4%, none 8%, unspecified 0.4% (2010 est.) Ethnic groups: white 47.7%, mulatto (mixed white and black) 43.1%, black 7.6%, Asian 1.1%, indigenous 0.4% (2010 est.)