This post is to recognize those that provided positive and constructive feedback and to respond to those who were less than helpful.
For one I want to set the record straight. I moved to Brazil because I wanted to live here. I actually love this country, its people, culture and hospitality. I would not have given up everything to be here without thoroughly thinking through the decision. That would be very childish and impulsively and ultimately led to my return within a few days. I rank my decision as the second most difficult decision I made in my life. That said I fully prepared myself for what I would expect once I made the move. I was well aware of this countries world famous bureaucracy, infrastructure issues, laziness and mediocrity this country accepts and lives by daily. What I was not aware of how contagious acceptance of these issues were!
That said, I will begin to reflect my love for this amazing country more in my posts. That said, my sarcasm will remain; along with relevant and useful information to prevent the same things happening to others.
Now, for the obnoxious feedback. I do not accept mediocrity. This country can be so much more than it is now and I mean SO MUCH MORE. In my personal opinion what holds it back is the general acceptance of mediocrity by the general population. The level of bureaucracy experienced here, horrible infrastructure, views towards human rights and overall generally lazy attitude towards life is far from "normal," especially as seen from westernized nations. By accepting it as the norm only contributes to the problem. What is truly intriguing though, it appears the acceptance of mediocrity has become contagious and spread to expats as well.
That said - Brazil is a beautiful country and because I sarcastically comment on its insane policies and laws does not mean I do not want to be here.
I'll leave with this - Brazil can always return to the days of this slogan:
I agree with you 100% Matt. This country despite all of its problems is a wonderful place to be. However it is one of the most poorly governed countries in the civilized world.
ReplyDeleteBureaucracy, while not invented in Brazil, has been turned into a science here. It suffocates everyone equally, Brazilians and foreigners alike. Fully one third of Brazil's GDP is consumed by feeding this insane bureaucratic machinery. Another devastating effect of the bureaucracy is that it scares off foreign investment that could improve the economy even more.
Brazilian aren't in love with the government and they often complain about the problems in this country. Until just recently they haven't ever complained in any organized way or en masse. I find it completely ironic that the same people who are now taking to the streets, protesting the many wrongs and injustices are so overly sensitive when we "gringos" make critical observations about the country. No matter how long we've lived here, no matter if we've got Brazilian spouses and children or even if we've naturalized; most Brazilians consider us nothing more than tourists. They seem to have the misinformed notion that we have absolutely no right whatever to form or express any opinion about this country, especially if that opinion is negative. Pure rubbish, anyone who resides here for any length of time can't help but see the wrongs and injustices. They also have the experience of seeing how things work in other countries, something that Brazilian politicians do their utmost to keep Brazilian citizens ignorant of.
Brazilians for some strange reason tend to take any criticism of their government as a personal attack on them. This wrong-headed notion is all the more difficult to understand when they themselves are out there protesting. Kind of like telling your kids "do as I say, not as I do". We have just as much right to criticize incompetence, injustice and stupidity as they do. Just as they have to criticize the same things should they find them during their travels.
The days of, "well if you don't like it go home!" are long gone my friends. Wake up and smell the coffee.
Just to show exactly how pervasive government bureaucracy is here in Brazil just think of these facts:
ReplyDeleteThere are 24 Ministries in the Cabinet
There are also 10 Secretariats with the status of Ministry
There are also 5 government bodies with the status of Ministry
Total 39
In the United States of America there are 15 Cabinet Departments
In the UK there are 22 Ministries
Yikes..... Canada has 37
You're both right. I found it amazing how everyone accepts the HUGE lines anytime you had to get something done important. When I finally get there, we'll have to join forces and organize to get Brazil straightened out! :-)
ReplyDeleteWow. Canada 37? I would have never guessed. I am surprised the US has so many too. Every year they are trying to breakup another department.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, Brazilians especially the people that are not your friends take ANYTHING and EVERYTHING we say bad about their government personally. That is why when I was in the DPF and I told the agent what I really thought about Brazil and how I am not here on vacation because I do not find bureaucracy a vacation destination. I hope her blood was boiling.
ReplyDelete