This “experimental” blog started up in the beginning of February 2012. Which means that, remarkably, we have managed to keep the thing going for over four years. I might even go so far to say that we had a pretty good run. But we’re stopping now, and most likely forever. First, that occasion calls for heartfelt(…)
Six months out from Olympics, rich, not poor, are the big winners
In six months time the world’s biggest sporting event will get underway in Rio de Janeiro. Here, Jules Boykoff, author of “Power Games: A Political History of the Olympics” takes a look at the winners and losers in the race for financial, rather than Olympic, gold.
Troubled times – carnival during the dictatorship
As carnival kicks off this weekend, millions of people are will likely take to the streets and forget Brazil’s political and economic woes for a few days. During the country’s 21 year military dictatorship, however, censorship and intimidation meant carnival and politics were too closely linked for comfort.
The fog of war – corruption and media in Brazil
Confidence in Brazil’s rulers has dropped so low that accusations of corruption usually stick, even when there’s little evidence. In such a chaotic situation, many in Brazil’s media should be doing a better job, says Alex Cuadros. Above, one of a few particularly grievous examples. Alex Cuadros São Paulo Earlier this month, one of Brazil’s most popular(…)
Notes from the US – no one understands Brazil
From Brazil blog founder and editor Vincent Bevins recently spent some time in his hometown of Los Angeles. Here he reports on attitudes to Brazil in the US, and the differences between his former, and his adopted, homes. By Vincent Bevins Los Angeles In the second half of 2015, I spent a bit of time away from(…)
Tristes Tropiques – Brazil’s gloomy 2015 in review
The economy tanked, President Dilma Rousseff faced toxic approval ratings and the threat of impeachment, the shoddy, megalomaniacal caperings of the likes of Eduardo Cunha, the Speaker of the country’s Lower House, dragged an already grubby political landscape further into the mire, and the internet reflected back a society that often seemed riven by social(…)
Brazil’s WhatsApp ban: the ins and outs
Brazil’s “sad day” without WhatsApp was a short one, thanks to an appeal swiftly overturning a 48-hour blackout. But why was Brazil’s most popular app banned to begin with?
School’s not out for summer: student protests in São Paulo
With many Brazilian schoolchildren already enjoying their summer holidays, thousands of pupils in São Paulo have been protesting to save their schools from closure. Their efforts have provided a welcome break from the unseemly behaviour of the country’s adult political leaders in Brasília.
Brazil’s impeachment – questions answered
What is happening in Brazil? The President has not been removed, but the government as we have known it since Dilma started her second term in January has fallen apart. Some questions answered. So Brazil’s president has been impeached? Not exactly. The speaker of the lower house accepted a petition to open proceedings, which sets(…)
Dangerous work: journalist murders in Brazil
Over 30 journalists and bloggers have been murdered in Brazil since 1992, making it a dangerous place for those who speak out against local corruption – especially in the country’s remoter regions. And a culture of impunity means the killers are rarely brought to justice. By James Young Belo Horizonte In a country like Brazil, where there(…)
