A Gap in the Brazilian Middle Class

I made a mistake the other day. I left out the bill for my kids' school when my maid was here. Each month I make a point of having it put away when she comes.

Why? I'm freaking embarrassed by it. While my boys go to a mid-level private school, it still costs a small fortune. I pay more to their school each month than my maid makes. Significantly more.

Since I know her general rate, I did the math. In one months she makes a little more than what I pay for 1 kid.  In what world is that fair?

And you know what, I don't know what I can do about it. We already pay her a very competitive rate for twice a week and I can't afford to pay her anymore.  Just keeping up our middle class lifestyle is taking a lot of money. I feel like the school alone is sucking us dry.

This is why I laugh at all the reports of Brazil's increasing middle class. There is such a large range that it may as well be 3 or 4 different classes.

I know she isn't in this "new" middle class, she has said that she has some friends who are. These friends now have the month to put some pretty plaster up on the outside of their place to cover the bricks.

I do think that Brazil deserves a pat on the back for the process that they have made. Even I can see adifference in the small chunk of time I've lived here. But this need for progress is far from over! I only hope they can keep up the pace.

What makes a Country a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd World?

I entered into a debate with my Mother over whether Brazil is a 2nd or 3rd world country. And since I am a true pain in the ass daughter, I had to go look it up to prove her wrong.

And why did I think I was right when I said Brazil is considered 3rd world?  Because I had no idea what a second world country is.  They all seem to be either 1st or 3rd anyway.

So who the hell are the 2nd world countries? I was thinking the ones the first world countries exclude from their bingo parties.  Funny enough, I wasn't far from the truth.

Basically, The US made a club after WWII.  Their besties, the developed, capitalist, and industrialized counties made up the 1st world.  Let's not forget that they all hated the same people and wore the same outfits on Fridays.

The 2nd world was made up by their sworn Frienemies (aka. Friend Enemies, Hello watch Sex in the City).  Basically, former communist-socialist, industrial states.  The Eastern bloc and their friend China.  Of course we are all friends with China now as we love to get discounted electronics.

And lastly but certainly NOT least, the 3rd world.  Well, these guys just wouldn't pick sides for starters. That and they didn't have sufficient numbers of Targets or Walmart to be considered Capitalist enough.  3rd World countries are non-aligned or not moving at all with either capitalism and NATO or Communism and the Soviet Union.

Obviously, 3rd world is now used in conjunction with countries of poverty, high birthrates, and dependence on other countries.

As for the debate with my Mother.  I'm right. Were we really ever in doubt.  Brazil, although it has the 8th strongest economy or something like that, is considered a 3rd world country. Damn gaps in wealth distribution will get you every time!

Speaking of gaps in wealth distribution. I stumbled upon this article claiming to have 10 signs that the US is turning into a 3rd world country.  I think I may be buying what they are selling. I don't know why but I do love a good drama story.  10 Signs Us is Becoming Third World

Anyway, this is a old classification style that they have adapted to be 4 worlds and they look at everything down to how often people get laid. Ok, maybe it's not that in-depth but they seem to be trying. Personally, it still seems like a popularity contest to me.  I vote that Brazil shouldn't worry about the popularity game and continue to stay friends with everyone.

Tell the rest of the world to shove their classifications where the sun doesn't shine. You are Brazil. And the sun is always shining down there!

Brazilian Family Grant makes a difference

It was refreshing to the read article in the NYtimes blog Opinionator that showed a bright side to Rio de Janeiro/Brazil and it's poverty. 

Let's be honest, the media has been quite nit picky about Rio de Janeiro ever since it got the Olympic bid.  Sure, we had a little issue a couple months ago that was quite dramatic and upsetting. Yes, we have some stuff to work on. But really, it was good to see a pause in the Debbie Downers. 

Brazil has a lot of poverty but people are trying to do something about it. Could they do more? Of course they could. But when couldn't people do more. 

Bolsa Familia is something I really support. For those of you who don't want to read the article (but you should because it is a good read), bolsa familia is basically the government giving out some money to the poor.

Before you go and get all 'teach a man to fish' on me, give me a minute.  We are talking really poor families here.  And this program is not handing over bundles of money or anything.  It's more or less $40 per family per month, plus an addition $16 or so for kids under 16 in school. 

This is nothing you say.  Well, every little bit helps and it's very true in this situation.  Add to it that, to get this money, the family must get regular medical check ups and their kids have to go to school.  I bet you see the sneaky plan now, don't ya!

They are breaking the cycle here! Or trying to anyway.  Kids are staying in school longer and people are learning about better nutrition.  My only suggestion is that they offer an additional $10 for each year a child stays in school after middle school.  Give that extra incentive to get the kids through high school. 

I bet a bunch of you out there have a thought or two on this one. I have heard that politicians do this to buy elections. I really don't care why if people are getting some help.  And I'm sure that some of you will consider me naive.  Am I ?  What are your thoughts on the program?

Linha Vermelha: Blocking out reality?

Anyone who has driven to the Rio de Janeiro International airport somewhat recently will have noticed the walls erected on the sides of Linha Vermelha. 

It´s an interesting idea.  The first reason for them, that comes to mind, is to "beautify" the area for all the visitors to the city.

Now, I see that as ridiculous. Let´s hide the poor.  What a very 1st world concept.  I know, that is very negative of me to say but take a minute and see where I am coming from. 

Imagine you are a child who lives there.  Mommy, why are they putting up walls?  It is practical as it lessens the chance of anyone running across the busy street. Sadly, many people get hurt that way down here. 

But let´s be honest, I doubt the government is spending money on keeping people from j walking, regardless of it being a good idea.

Sadly, I believe it´s to hide the "unattractive" aspect of Rio de Janeiro. We wouldn´t want to scare our tourists would we?  Especially since the World Cup and Olympics are coming. We must, at all costs, change the image of Rio.

So great, paint over rotting walls with new paint. That´ll fix the problem.  And what are you telling the people behind the wall?  The people who already feel all but forgotten by the people in charge down here.

I feel that it´s smoke and mirrors and I am unreasonably upset by this.  Unreasonably because I do not live in the community and am not directly affected by the walls.  Plus, I´m not even from here.  I always feel a bit out of place complaining about things here that have been going on for longer than I´ve been born and then some.
It´s just, I feel the money could be used differently. Put it into public education. Build more public school and fund them well so the child of these communities will have more options in the future. Hell, make the public Universities bigger and put in affirmative action programs to make sure the poor get the slots they deserve to get, that being over the rich students who have the money to hire private tutors/courses to get the precious free spots in the good pubic universities. 

Will this solution help for the games? Not really. It´s one of those long going ones that take time.  In the mean time, give offer free English courses and tourism classes so that people have the opportunity to work with the organizations that put on both games.  Give all organizations a break for hiring locals.

Basically, there are things to do other than just throwing up a wall. Will they take more time, money, and effort? Sure.  But they´ll be better in the long run. 

That is a problem I see down here, the lack of vision in the long run...