When Did Poverty Become PR?

Going into Favelas in Rio is really becoming all the rage. There have always been favela tours for tourists but now even large events are happening in these special parts of Rio.

I think it's cool. It's nice that The Rio animated movie will have it's premier in the German Complex Favela (Complexo do Alemao).  The first screening will be for the stars, public school students, and guests. This one will be followed by 3 additional screenings open to the public.

That rocks! I can barely afford to see a movie here, I bet it's a real bitch for others. This is the kind of thing that boosts moral and really excites kids. Everyone loves a good movie and it's even better when it's about your city.

Now the thing I wonder about is the celebrity factor.  Ok, so Jamie Foxx and them are going to watch a movie in a favela and take pictures. So what?  Why does that cause warm fuzzies?

First off, the kids don't know who the hell they are.  It'd be a much bigger deal if these kids got to watch the movie with the latest cast of Big Brother Brasil.  Now that would get them excited!

And what are the kids really getting from this?  A photo with some skinny white girl? The free movie is obvious, but why make the whole premier there, other than for media attention.

I just don't think it's cool to use the poor to attract attention to your movie.  Sure, they have a great new movie theater, but open it to the public and let the families and people of the neighborhood enjoy the film in peace.

But if you did that, you wouldn't have all the photo-ops of poor children with Hollywood Movie Stars.

That's really something the American public loves, seeing their stars holding hands with someone less fortunate.  And you know, I love it too, if they are really doing something.  I'd like to see Anne Hathaway opt to wear a new pair of Havaianas and donate the $600 to $800 she would normally spend on shoes to  a program inside the favela.

Of course Jamie Foxx will end up playing soccer with some child. That is the picture they are waiting to see! If you are famous, have a penis, and you come to Brazil, you have to play soccer with a poor little boy. Just ask Bush and Obama.

I know I'm being a bit of a downer here. It doesn't hurt anyone to have this kind of event in a favela. Everyone enjoys a bit of stardom and a party.

I just can't help seeing the "good" PR they know they are getting. These stars get chauffeured from Ipanema or Leblon to their staged event. They take a few pictures and watch a movie and it's supposed to be a big deal.

Who are they kidding? Do the kids and families of Complexo Alemao a favor and bring in some of the Brazilian Soap Opera stars to really get the party started! I guarantee you, that would really rock the world of any Brazilian.