Brazzil

Only thing - the 10% included tip is not like the US - US tips are normally 15-20% and are customer added to the bill, not included automatically as in Brazil.

Wait until you find a good guy to wash/clean your car !!!

Big deal - you move to a poorer and more unequal country and people with s**t jobs make more effort to please you - not cos they love being a waiter or a cook but cos they don't want their kids to go to bed hungry every night. I wonder how much they share your 'new appreciation for Brazilian life'.

What a thoroughly obnixious "story." I agree 100% with the "Not a nice story" comments above.

Wow, you can live like a colonialist on the income of someone who sells kites! Does it make you feel like a rich and powerful person? Maybe you'd feel even more "luxurious" if you didn't have to pay at all? Or maybe just pay once for them (you know, buy them like in the old days).

Jessie did pay a fair ammount of money to her maid (at least for brazilian standards), she got a nice service in return. The maid is happy because she was paid, Jessie is happy because she got a good service. What is the problem ?!? Why people are complaining about it?

Mr. "Nice Story," you're so clueless and naive. Go back to your econ. 1 class and work on solving for pareto optima in a box with "Joao" and his chicken and "Marta" with her beans. You're really cute and dumb, like a Golden Retriever, but more like a lap dog to the fuzzy headded neo-liberals living in la-la land.

"The maid is happy because she was paid?" You have to be s**tting me. I recently returned to the US after a 4 year ex-pat stint in Rio. We had a great "empragada" who we tried to treat as one of the family, she was not a live-in and we gave weekends off. We paid "3 1/2 salaries a month as well as social security. But make no mistake, the maids and poor who serve the rich are not "happy", they are just surviving. Our Brazilian friends often criticized us because they used to work their maids 7 days a week 12 hours a day...and treated them like crap because they were all scared to lose their jobs as there are a million others who would line up for a crap job like this. This is another example of Brazilian elite and rich foreigners expoliting Brazil's most vulnurable. So Mr. or Ms. Nice Story, just because you have someone to clean your toliets for a slaves wage does not mean there is a win-win.

"The best part is that she doesn't charge US$ 150, only a mere US$ 70." You meant the saddest part, right?

And the worst part: You paid her a mere $70 a month to cook and clean for you, then wrote a story about how easy life was for you in a country where you can exploit the masses of poor people with your kite money.

A young empregada is "happy" not to be raped as part of the bargain too. How nice.

Get your Gringo ass out of Brazil!

Why would you even post this story on the Blog? How sick. "Gee, I got a really good deal screwing my maid out of 1/2 a salary." I can't wait to see the story she writes about when she gets a gun stuck in her face and ripped off by the "associates" of the maid she is screwing. She should title this...I Got What I Deserved In Brazil"

It's called capitalism. You pay what the market offers. At least the author enabled someone to earn some money. What have you whiners done?

"It's called capitalism." How enlighening! And another's response may be, "Up against the wall! It's called revolution!"

Please spare us your know-nothing junk economics, fool.

Typical "chosen" cuthean wages by the Marranos !! the seceret is out on the talmudic evil

What a moron..."you pay what the market offers?" are you 14 and in high school with no understanding of global macro-economics? It's called "elitism" and the elite of Brazil continue to exploit it's poor and disadvantaged. True capitalism, if there is such a thing would in fact cause an effect where that maid might be paid a living wage. Instead Brazil's continued economic experiment only helps the rich get richer. Do you think that the continued slave labor in 2005 Brazil is also capitalism, or the result of corrupt and inept leadership.

Mr. econ 1 is still fiddling with his Edgeworth Box (if he even knows what that is LOL). Yes, he's applying ideal conditions of perfect competition, perfect knowledge, no externalities, etc. to "demonstrate" how "capitalism" works. Actually, he has no idea what the hell he's doing. He's an amchair capitalist at best. He probably gets his "economics" education from some dumb TV hack like John Stossel of "Give me a Break" fame. He should read, try to learn, and above all, keep his ignorant mouth shut.

Only a moron would call Brazil's system capitalism. In any event, I would hope that the conditions extant in Brazil are not what a preacher of the religion of capitalism, like Milton Friedman for example, would point to as a demonstration of the efficiency and superiority of capitalism.

I called the transaction capitalism, not briasil, which of course is a far from perfect example of that type of market system. So, again what have the whiners done to improve people's lot?

She pays her maid less I pay mine (I'm in Rio), but ... she is paying substantially more than minimum wage, which is what most maids probably earn.

But those screaming about elitism and exploitation -- what are "wealthy" Americans in Brasil supposed to do? I pay about $600 USD for my apartment in Rio. The same apartment would cost $3000 in NY. Is it exploitation if I don't pay my landlord the difference? Is it exploitation to pay $1 for chopp (beer) instead of the $3 per draft it costs in the states? Am we taking advantage of people just by being here?

I hired a maid, I paid her what she asked to be paid. I would like to know what those of you critical of the above story would do IF you ever were in Brasil.

Wiseguy...you are right, whatever the market can bear: I will give you mother $5 dollars for a BJ in the backseat of my car. Gratuities included. Given her looks, I been very generous.

f**k the USA

What's most obnoxious about the story is the glee with which the author describes how cheaply one can hire a person to be her handmaid. In any event, don’t try to tell us that maids are “happy” in Brazil and that they are getting some kind of living wage. Can you imagine this person writing back home in the 1700's about how great slavery is? "The lap of luxury," indeed. The callous ignorance and overall tone of the story is really awful. The indifference to the conditions that permit her to buy labor so cheaply is incredible. It's not problamatic for her, but rather some sort of revelation. I've noticed this attitude about Brazil among other middle class foreigners. They get to feel like they've made it in Brazil. Like rich people. They can pay people a pittance to do just about anything for them. It's extremely odious.

"I pay about $600 USD for my apartment in Rio. The same apartment would cost $3000 in NY. Is it exploitation if I don't pay my landlord the difference?"

First of all, your landlord isn't making below subsistance wages. Second, I'd say $3,000 a month for an appartment in NY is exploitation of the person who's being required to pay it. So, the answer to your question is that the landlord should pay you a refund in NY. Anyway, that makes about as much sense as your dumb questions that miss the social problems that are presented by this article entirely. Instead, you want to make some stupid lumpen economist supply and demand the market decides what am I to do argument. Think for Christ's sake!

Since when is criticizing some tart with an attitude from NY "whining"? It's just calling a spade a spade. Like calling you an idiot.

" Think for Christ's sake!"

Think about what? I can't think about your answer to my question, because you didn't give one. I'll try again.

What would you do in the same situation? If you lived in Brasil, how much would you pay your maid?

It is plain bad manners and an insult to all poor people to post articles extolling the virtues of living a "low-maintenance lifestyle" via paying what amount to slave wages.

Regardless of the reason for this social and economic disparity.

So, what would I do? Not have a maid, get off my arse and do my own household chores and stop bragging about exploiting poor people.

I am a returned ex-pat who lived in Brazil 4 years. Your comments are insensative and typical of the gringos who stay in Brazil. Your mistake was in saying "your maid" (empregada) was happy with your wage. My advice is to visit the home and neighborhood she lives in and then determine how happy they really are. There is a difference between happy and ignorant. If you really want to do something when you are in Brazil you must first understand the culture and under lying social problems and not show so much glee when writting about how far you dollar goes, and how great it is to hire a poor servant to wash your clothes and fix your meals...it really is quite obnoxious.

What a great blog! I am a retired American living in Rio for 5 years now, my wife is Carioca and we lived in San Diego for over 20 years. First, I have been here some time and not being from Brazil, it is impossible to completly understand Brazl without being Brazilian. I love Brazil, even with her faults, I admit, that part of this love is from the life style we enjoy on our retirement that would not be possible in Florida or Arizona. I think that error the author of the article made was in being new to Brazil, to make shallow and insensative statements. Being in Forteleza ( a beautiful spot) only a few months and then writting an article showing glee about being able to hire Brazil's poor was in poor taste and judgement. Perhaps after staying awhile she will get a much better idea of Brazil's social and political challenges and will write articles about what she is doing to help. Yes the $1.00 choppes are great and they meals are cheap, but that is not the best thing about Brazil. The best things about Brazil are my wonderful Brazilian friends.

Excellent.

You all have way too much time of your hands. All she was saying is that she appreciated this life, not that she's over-exploiting someone, give me a break!

This is Jessie - My question is: How should I feel when I do get the Gringo pricing for things? My apartment is way way way overpriced and the buggy I bought was at least R$2000 more than a Brazilian would get it for, so should I bash you guys for overcharging me? "The" maid is taken care of by me for the time she is here. She charges R$20 and I give her R$30, so I should be torn to pieces based on that?

If you read between the lines, no doubt lovely Jessie is really talking about is fear. While in NY she fears for the safety of her existence by having a potential maid give 5 references. she knows she can control the environment because her existence is protected by society taboos she herself participates in and encourages. While in Brasil albeit for 5 weeks she has discovered two things. 1: That she can find security in Forteleza similar to that in NY . 2: That she now knows that she can buy that same security in Brasil by parting with fewer dollars.
All the other things are immaterial.

"So, what would I do? Not have a maid, get off my arse and do my own household chores and stop bragging about exploiting poor people."

Great idea. Don't give a struggling person a job, don't help them improve their lives economically or help them provide for their families.Keep all your money for yourself.

Your so-called compassion for the "exploited poor" rings hollow. I have a feeling that poor people like my idea of paying them to work better than your idea of not doing jacks**t for them.

" But make no mistake, the maids and poor who serve the rich are not 'happy', they are just surviving."

I'm an American who has lived in a Rio favela for the last year and I know a little about the attitudes of the poor. One, it is true that are struggling to get by. Two, they are not miserable; there is much laughter and joy and happiness in my neighborhood, anyway. Three, the overwhelming majority do not want condescending charity. They want to give you an honest day's work for an honest day's pay. Four, those you blathering about exploitation have no clue what you're talking about. Come to Rio, live here, know the people, then form an opinion.

Give me a break, I have lived in Rio for 5 years. Now please tell me which favela you live in as an American, Vidigal? Korea? Rohcina? I have never called anyone an outright liar on this site...but your a liar. The "happy" people living in the favelas are reduced to being terrorized by drug lords, their children peddle soft drinks and ice cream on the beach and do not attend school, they have no access to a quailty education or even rudimentry health care. The favelas are a black eye on Brazil, don't romantize the miserable conditions there. How would you feel if you REALLY lived there hearing shoot outs nightly and worried if one of your kids will get hit by a stray bullet...hell, I worry about that and I live in Ipanema. Did you read about the favelas "microwave" wher ethe dead bodies are buried? While you are correct, Brazilian poor are proud and would like a REAL chance at success by working hard...there is none. It is why so many come here for a chance. It is quite simple...the rich of Zona Sul DO exploit the poor and have throughout history. And their teenaged kids keep the drug lords in cash and automatic weapons. Again, have you ever really been to the favaela other than to buy drugs? You my favela dwelling liar are full of s**t.

This is exactly what I'm talking about!
Branca is incredibly happy while she's here, she arrives @ 8am and can leave (which she had told us before she started) at 12pm, BUT she chooses to stay until 2:30pm- Not because I force her with a whip, but because she's happy to. The first time she was here, she stayed until 2:30 and she told me R$20, but I gave her R$30- I should stop "bragging??"
I'm not exactly bragging but giving an opp. to a person who earns a good living (from me) for what she does.

Actually, sir, I do live in a favela. I said nothing above to romanticize favela life. Life here is challenging, no question. I have seen things here that would break anyone's heart. The point that you seem to take issue with is that I said people here are still able to experience joy and happiness in spite of the difficulties. I stand by that statement.

Now, I don't know if YOU have ever been to a favela because there are some things that you don't seem to know. Maybe you should volunteer in a favela children's center and learn a little bit about it. There's a medical clinic here, a dental clinic, a private school, computer classes, English classes, as well as a community center that provides day care. These services are free or low cost so that anyone can afford them.

This isn't paradise and there's nothing romantic about it. But don't diminish the value of their life simply because they don't live in Ipanema next to you.

I am very cuiros and perhaps envious. Did you immigrate Brazil legally? I know it is not easy, next to impossible if you are not married to a Brazilian. Do you have a CPF, Residency Card and Work Permit, the process at the FP is brutal. Is your business legally incorporated, the average time to set up a business is 190 days in Brazil and the red tape is mind numbing. Are you there to stay, or just stopping by?

If you have made a decision to work and live with the poor in the favelas then my hat is off too you, you should be commended. I can not imagine the challenges and wish you much success. The article that started this blog was rife with naivity and a lack of understanding of Brazil's social and economic challenges. You are also correct that no matter what conditions are, the people of Brazil are eternally joyful and optimistic, it is what creates the magic here. You challenged me to work in the favelas, alas, that is something that I could not do. It must be Brazil and Brazilians that finally make the much needed changes to help those less fortunate. I will however do what I can while I am here to be responsible and understanding of the culture and dynamics that make this place so intoxicating.

I already replied once to your post (see above). But I should clarify something in my original post, in which I said that those blathering about exploitation didn't know what they were talking about. I wasn't referring to what your Ipanema neighbors do to the poor here, and how their spoiled brat kids exacerbate the problem. There's no question about that. My reference to "exploitation" was aimed at those implying that Jessie is exploiting her worker by paying her a generous wage and providing a pleasant working environment. Truly a rarity among the elitist pseudeo euro-trash that populates the south zone. But you, my Ipanema dwelling friend, are already aware of that. You and your wife socialize with that scum.

Now it's my turn to apologize. I am a little defensive.

And, by the way, if you are working in the favelas helping the children then we all should actually commend your work.

Jessie is not doing anything wrong. She in fact helping someone. She was just comparing the situation in the counties she knows, the US and Brazil. I bet that Branca is even becoming fond of Jessie's family, as usually happen in my country.

Anyway, there is always this idea that in order to be happy you must be wealthy. This is not always the case.

There's nothing wrong with providing employment to someone who needs work. The situation in Brazil is such that life is cheap. Is your maid happy to work for you. Of course she is. Is she happy to stick around in your middle class apartment a bit longer rather than to head back to the favlea? Sure. Again, the problem with the story is this attitude of "living in the lap of luxury on a shoestring." That is what is so obnoxious, to me at least. The fact that people are so desperate for work that they live on under subsistance wages to clean and cook for middle class and wealthy people, and the fact that you are one of those middle class or wealthy people, is nothing to be joyous over. Rather, some of us would have some more respect for you if you recognized that the situation is actually rather dire in Brazil. But, hey, you're selling recreational kite skis to tourists and wealthy folks (read: self-indulgent cretins), so I'm not surprised at all. People who engage in such frivolity are self-centered and self-absorbed the world is my oyster types. Right-on dude! You can be a beach bum and still hire a maid . . . okay, not exactly, you can be a capitalist pig in the beach bum lifestyle and still hire a maid to cook and clean for you. Life is good for you, isn't it? Congratulations.

First of all, You obviously have no idea what my company does. Secondly, I didn't title this article, the editor did. You can all sit there and bash my article, but don't tell me for a minute that you haven't traveled somewhere else and marveled in how cheap things are. I am not taking advantage or exploiting or coming off as a pompous upper class a*****e, I've earned my right to be in Brazil because i have worked hard and have chose this for myself. It's funny to me how taking things out of context can make people feel so much better about themselves. Thanks for all your comments... I hope you enjoy my next article about food- hopefully you'll see the appreciation and not how someone slaved to make my meal. Typical really!

I am not taking advantage or exploiting or coming off as a pompous upper class a*****e

Actually, if you read the comments posted here, you'll see that this is exactly what you're coming across as

Are you in Brazil legally? Have you obtained the proper license for your business...has the local ploice office hit you up for a bribe to keek quiet. I know how difficult these things are. If you flew into Brazil with the intention of "making it big" in the kite borading market, you are going to get your much needed dose of reality very quickly.

Oh, come on! I do not understand why you guys are going so hard on Jessie.

Jessie, some Americans guys come to Rio, for example, to get involved with cheap prostitutes. Since in Brazil there is much less serious consequence in getting involved with "garotas de programa" than in the US, they flock our cities attracted to "low-priced" and "exotic" sex.

You are here with a much better purpose and I hope that you come more often.

Americans and any other foreigners like you and the guys who work at our favelas helping the people there are very welcome. The tourists who also come to enjoy Brazil's nature and people are also welcome.

The sexual tourists, please, leave!

Jessie is NOT the person above who is working in a favela. She's selling recreational "sports" equipment to rich people (if that's not your business, enlighten me). Not that there's anything wrong with that. But she's no altruist. She's more of the ugly American type (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ugly_American).

So, when you were told that a maid would cost $150 a month, you thought "This seemed way too cheap and almost unfair for someone to do at such a low wage." Instead, she charged only $70, which was the "best part" of the experience. I'd say the best thing was you found Branca and not Preta

Then, after you strolled over to the fish mongers at beira mar to buy "some white filet" (What the hell it was called, who knows? Who cares? It's tasty.) Branca spent 2 hours cooking a delicious meal for you. Only 2 hours later! Damn, she is good! She deserves every penny of the $4 extra you pay her (just kidding, you're way too generous!).

I think the best part of the article was the description of the massages and manicures. How quaint an hard working those brown people are. I'm sure the "traveling manicurist" just loved working on your nasty feet while you laughed. Of course, again "The best part of this experience was that there weren't the usual caddy girls huffing that it was taking too long or anyone else around to disturb my time." Yes, I just hate it when girls are caddy and disturb MY TIME. Thank God, Dave wasn't bothered with that during his ONE HOUR pedicure! Can you say jealous? Of course you can!

And thanks for the tip about waiters in Brasil. "They take orders; bring drinks, food and the check." Wow, really? And "All waiters and waitresses are genuinely happy about their jobs." I'm sure you invited them to sit down with you or to come back to your middle class apartment for drinks and to learn about how much they love their jobs (I'd never do it, but I'm selfish ). You certainly wouldn't assume that was true by the friendly service you received, 'cause in the US they're such phonies (And can you believe they get away with it and aren't fired when they are rude? If only the US had Brasilian people who are GENUINELY happy, it wouldn't be a problem in places like NY.). I remember in Jamaica, for example, how happy they are there to serve. They sing, they dance. I can't remember much about the food or the check, but they did bring the drinks! Anyway, it seems like only in dirt poor countries can you find people genuinely happy to do menial tasks.

It's good to know that it's worth the wait for the food. That would really get on my wick if I had to wait around and work so hard flagging down happy go lucky waiters only to get so-so food. I might think that happy attitude was an act.

Overall, it's good to learn that even with a little money (well by NY standards) you can live like a colonialist here in this day and age if you're only willing to spend the time and money to get to a place where there are scads of poor people living in makeshift housing and willing to work for "what the market is asking." Hey, you can even feel like a big spender philanthropist and pay a "generous tip" if you want to (not me! lol. Just kidding!).

I'm surprised though that you didn't mention the other labor in Forteleza, like the young prostitutes and the friendly people who will help you park your car and watch it for you to see that it's not broken into or stolen by the shirkers who aren't willing to work. You know, if you want someone killed, just call a pistoleiro; it only costs about $40 I hear! You can also buy stuff from people while you are driving. They just come right up to your car and offer you to sell things (watch out for shirkers though who might want to rob you). And they are all so genuinely happy to do it. You clearly haven't explored all the opportunities you have in Brasil to give opportunities to people. Don't be so darned selfish (just kidding lol).

Loved the article. Don't listen to those "whiners" and "idiots" who don't understand what a great thing it is to be served by happy brown people or what a really wonderful thing you're doing for them. Thanks! And, damn, I've got to get me one of those kite thingys. Sounds hecka fun

"a kiteboarding company called Kite Adventures - . . . - that specializes in guided kiteboarding tours around the Northeast of Brazil"

Okay, you don't sell kiteboards to rich people. Where's the profit in that? You drive them around from beach to beach in Ceará with their kiteboards? Or maybe if they don't have their own, you rent the kiteboards?

You're right, I don't understand what your company does. Maybe you actually introduce poor Brasilian children the experience of kiteboarding. Somehow, I doubt that.

Whatever the hell it is you do, it does not sound very productive, intellectual, spirtually uplifting, broadening, or altruistic. It just sounds like you're showing self-absorbed yuppies from the US and Europe a good timen (not that there's anything wrong with that). But, that's becuase I'm an "idiot." Right on, dudette.

And, like the person above, I certainly hope you're paying your taxes in Brasil and are otherwise operating within the law.

My wife has worked cleaning homes, in shops, and in restaurants. Her freinds growing up did so too. Her mother was an empregada. And she laughed at your article, Jessie. Her bosses said that she should never let anyone know she has any problems and always look happy. If not, she'd be fired. Missing that dust bunny would get you fired too. Like she told me, it's good to have a job. People without jobs will assault, rob, and kill. So thanks for providing the job. We're sure you're a better employer than 99% of Brasilian employers. But don't misunderstand what's going on in Brasil. It's pretty sad, actually. Anyway, she thinks it's cute that you're so naive. Most Americans are.

Not spiritual? I'm showing people from all over Brazil's natural beauty, providing them a service that they couldn't do on their own.

My vendors are Brazilian and so is my partner so you guys really have some nerve talking about taxes and elitists when you have no clue about anything I do.

Or maybe you're all jealous that I am here and living the dream and worked damned hard to make it happen. Operating within the law? Thanks cops! I'm legal all right.

Sex tours are such a better way to make money here, you're right! Filthly I'd say.

Losers!

So....I am in Sao paulo having come down from London ....checking out the prices and cant believe how much you pay for some items...even when they are made here. 20% 30% for foods 100% for Tshirts and a huge 150% for flat screen TV's.(i know a lot of people cant afford them)...But what it says to me is that businesses are ripping you off within your own country. Forget the price changes i have seen in the last 2 years....when your currency was 5.6:1 pound back then...now less than 4:1
No wonder the poor are poor and the rich are rich.
Wonder how much Jessie sells her stuff for....

"living the dream and worked damned hard to make it happen"

Bulls**t.

"maybe you're all jealous"

I knew that you could

"Not spiritual? I'm showing people from all over Brazil's natural beauty, providing them a service that they couldn't do on their own."

Huh? Wow, you are self-absorbed and self-aggrandizing to boot. Your article certainly hinted at this. Now in your free-form style it's out in the open.

The poor aren't buying flat screen tvs and other imported electronics and other items. They're not buying kite surfing tours either. Just your basic smug rich Brasilian and foreigers can afford that suff.

On the other hand, the stronger Real should bring down the price of imported goods in Brasil.

"Losers!"

We knew you were an ugly American ass (I mean "winner')!

"living the dream" means living like a rich person in a poor country. You go girl!

You didn't write Farenhiet 9-11. Jessie, you are simply being hounded by the current rage and fashion of being Anti-American in Brazil. The teenagers in Zona Sul in there "cool" Osama Bin Ladan t-shirts, or there "f**k Bush shirts" when most of them have trouble reading or writting...maybe because they did not leard in their s**tty schools or maybe because they are too stoned to read. The critisizm is not directed at your article...there is no big movement in Brazil to "save the poor empregada" what you are experiencing is a bunch of wanna be Americans who are envious that you are a succesful New Yorker who is spending some down time in Brazil. In a few years you will go back exhausted after enjoying Brazil to get back to your life in New York and they will still be stuck in the s**thole they are so defensive about. So you go girl, enjoy the beach, sun, food, beer, and yes, cheap labor till your hearts desire and f**k anyone who tells you you shouldn't.

Wow, that person said it so well! He expressed exactly the kind of really stupid and ugly American thinking that people object to. Is s/he the kind of a*****e with whom you ally yourself? I hope not. But maybe so . . .

What an arrogant person you are! You are a shame of your people. I have many friends and relatives who are foreigners, including Americans and Europeans, and they have great love and respect for Brazil. And I mirror the feeling by having a great respect and admiration for their respective countries.

Brazilians schools had produced fine intellectuals; I could ask you to check that out however, unfortunately, you are so full of yourself. You think that you must be intellectually superior just because you were born in another country. I can guarantee you that there are many Brazilians far more intelligent than you.

Brazil is a country with great qualities even when we admit our serious problems. But our problems are our business not yours! So, go take care of your own country! Try finding someone there in need of your passion and care and leave us alone.

Yes, we do defend our country against people like you, congested with pride, arrogance and hatred.

Although I do not support manifestation by the Brazilians teenagers such as you have described, I admire that someone as superior as you proclaim to be is so childish to adhere to the same game. So grow up!

Jesse. Fear not the words of the poor beleagured Brazilians, their lack of education and social graces means that we need to allow them an avenue to vent. Forgive the thieves and robbers, rapists and murderers that make up the general population of Brazil, they are taught these amazing talents at birth, and have them further enhanced by their caring government. Feel sorry for a people that relish and gloat over not having jobs nor caring if there are any available, there will always be another gringo for them to rob and steal from. Forgive their English Jesse, as they all really only understand 4 words of English; "do you have money". Forgive those who wrote and belong to the Cicil, Military or Federal Police, as they are all too accustomed to having their hands out for the weekly extortion payments. Forgive them for Being Brazilians, 99% of whom have never travelled, never will travel and base you being an American from the "dublado" television they watch, envy and jealousy are painful emotions. And finally Jesse, watch your gringo ass in their country, as the masses would just as soon kill you as love you, remember, they are Brazilians and can't help themselves.

It is quite clear that the author of the article is class identified and race identified. I doubt quite seriously if the author would take notice in any significant way of maids, waiters, manicurists, or other service emplyees (the working poor) in either Brasil or the United States, and particularly if they be persons of colour. The author resonates with a sense of white privilege, entitlement, and self involvement, and identifies totally with that small segment of brasilian society - completely.
Having lived as a middle class New Yorker for many years, I am well aware of the difference between life in Manhattan, a la Woody Allen, and the Third World level of poverty that not only exists in Brasil, Africa,Asia or the non-Western world in general, but right in Manhattan in Harlem of El Barrio, if the author ever cared to take a look. However, that does not mean that the poor, and particularly the working poor, do not live lives of complexity with dignity deserving of respect and interest, especially if one is trying to learn a different culture, people, and the multi-dimensional aspects of each.
When I am in Brasil, I am open to and interested in everyone who appears to be a decent person. Class is not an issue for me. If I'm renting an apartment, I amd interested in the livee of the service people including the doorman and the maid. I am almost always invited out because I ask them what they do when they're off; who they live with and what is there family like. I always go, and discretely pick up the tab.
I generally stay at the same small hotels catering to the brasilian middle class in whatever city I happen to be visiting. I've gotten to know the bell hops and staff. I go out with them after work and hang out in the bars. We go to soccer games together or to parties. I always help out financially without any fanfare. I often ask people who invite me somewhere, how much money will we need - the emphasis being on "we". I try to determine first what people need, and to some extent what they want.
If I'm invited to someone's home for dinner, I always suggest we take some beer, and generally get around to, do we need to pick anything up from the store? AFter all, the cost of a fancy dinner in Ipanema for two, is easily equivalentl to a maid or bellhop's salary for a month. I might as well spend the money on some people I know who are extending their hospitality to me. I have no problem going to the store with a dona da casa, and telling her to get what she needs, while discussing what she is planning to cook. If the people are poor, I will get two bags of rice instead of one, or suggest that we buy an extra chicken or two. Maybe I'll pick up a cake or other sweets on my own, or a case of refrigerante for the kids.
If the bellhops are taking me to a fla/flu soccer game at maracana, (I could pay an inflated price to go to the game on the tour bus provided by the hotel with th other "guests"), I'm certainly going to pay for their tickets and take them out to dinner at the neighborhood charascarria afterwards, the total of which is about as much as one ticket on the bus. On the other hand, if I want to go to a particular restaurant or and event, I invite people whom I think would be interested and take them with me. One of my best friends is ironically a manicurist/pedicurist, who is also an amateur painter with an interest in the arts. I might want to see a specific museum exhibit, and take her. I will pay the entry fee, and buy two catalogues, one for her and one for me. We'll have dinner in a place of her choice because I always ask what's the best restaurant you like to go for dinner..
I know how much my friends earn, and also how hard they work. As they say, "trabalho muito, ganho nada". I also know that I bill more for an hour's work, than they may make in a month. Therefore when I visit, I try to make their lives easier and happier without robbing them of their dignity for the sake of feeding my own ego. I bring stuff from the States for different friends when I visit. One of my friends likes to fish on his day off, and often takes me out on a boat with him. He drives trucks long distance. The next time I go to Brasil, I'm going to bring him one of those fisherman's vests for all his hooks, bait and other equipment. In turn, he has inssted on giving me a charassco with the family when I return, where we will eat and drink much beer and cachaca, dance and listen to much pagode, of which he is the reigning arbiter in all the Baixada Fluminese to hear him tell it. They live in Duc de Caxias.
Finally, I always make it a point to visit the Brasilian equivalent professional organizations to which I belong in the U.S.. I'm certain to meet people in the same profession with similar interests, who are as curious about me as I about them. These people are in general very white and middle to upper middle class. With them I have a traditionally reciprocal financial relation, because they can afford it, i.e., back to the First World, so to speak. However, as a general rule, I find the Brasilian middle class fairly shallow, uninspired, and frankly quite insensitive to the plight of the Brasilian working poor,particularly those of colour, much the same as the American middle and upper middle classes. Katrina certainly brought that fact to the forefront. I'm always told in these circles that if only Brasilian black people were as socially and financially evolved as black people in the States, then...........fill in the blank. Apparently, they don't "see" working class people of colour any differently than their counterparts in the States. Afro Brasilians living in the U.S. get the same rap from the white folks here. "you're so different from our native black people".
In conclusion I find the author rather typical of a certain white, american, middle class mindset, to wit: persons of colour are not fully realized human beings, who could possibly have anything in common with her, nor that the fullness of her existence is to a great extent made possible by the paucity of theirs. The author lives the completely unexamined life when it comes to questions of race and class.

Having read the authors story, and then the misfortune of reading yours, a question for you? You would weigh in favor of your bragged generosity and meak use of the Portuguese language over Jesse's article, this is corect? You want us all to know what a big favor you provide to these people with your money, correct? You have have us bow and kiss your fat white American ass because you have it embodied in yourself that giving fishing vests, picking up tabs and buying coke for the kids seperates you, and your actions from Jessies? Shame on you big spender, you are very much at par with Jessie in all regards, the difference being that to all but a Brazilian, her story is interesting and humorous. Your remains borish, at a minimum.

I liked what he had to say. You are clearly incapable of reading very well in light of your comments. The comments were right on the mark. A bull's eye!

Hey, next time I go to Thailand and pay $5 to f**k a five year old, we can all rest easy.

If it weren't for me, he'd have no money at all.

Next time you come here, kill a politician or two and people will be really thankfull.

If you explode any of the legislative house you would be revered as a national hero.

To the whinners, any dignifing job even a low paying one helps wonders to get out of the day to day depression. Good paying ones are better true, but they're rare nowadays.

Harsh criticism of borish and ugly attitudes such as those expressed by the author and her defenders is not whining. To those who characterize it as such, a strong f**k YOU! If you can't handle the criticism, you're the one whining. Go home to mommy.

You miss the point, people are not saying you are whining becasue of cricitizing the article, it's because you have an attitude that you assume people are being exploited, whereas at least the author is paying people for work accomplished, thereby allowing them to earn money. While instead of criticizing you could be out developing a business to employ other brazilians, helping them. Do you employ any people? Are you developing business opportunities? At least are you capable of establishing a reasonable arguement, with a thesis statement and supporting points?

Let me repeat it for you and maybe you'll understand: No one has a problem with her employment of a poor person. No one has complained about that. It's her nouveau colonialistic attitude of privilege and entitlement, her naivete in misinterpreting the reality that's staring her in the face, her insensitivity to the poverty of Brasil, her ugly Americanism that people have criticized. If you don't understand that, I'm sorry, but you're not too bright. Last, but not least, this point: f**k you. Get it?

Is she Martha Stewart, minus a few years, a rich( compartively speaking ) bitch gringa representative of the ugly side of capitalism? Or is she just a misunderstood but really swell girl who just happened to land in an economic disneyland ( for her anyway ). We really don't know the answer to that question, however, one thing is certainly clear. Her sense of place is really lacking. I mean come on, wouldn't put this piece in a NY rag, as opposed to a site read by a predominantly Brazilian audience? Did she really expect bouquets and kisses, as opposed to catcalls and hissing? I guess you can take the girl out of the valley, but you can't take the valley out of the girl. Yes, you go girl. Go as fast as you can back to your hot tub on the west side.

While Jesse's attitude toward the employment of the underprivileged in Brazil comes off as somewhat insensitive I don't think she is to blame. How about asking ourselves why poverty in Brazil is so rampant and spiraling out of control. A lot of it should be blamed on the brutal consequences of global capitalism on the majority of the world's population. Particularly, it can be blamed on international lending institutions like the World Bank and the IMF who provide aid packages to developing countries who "comply" with their conditions but then charge exorbitant interest rates. Thus, the rich become richer and the poor become poorer. But most Americans are unaware of the problems of the Third-World debt crisis and international economic dependence and exploitation. Christ, most Americans think Brazil's national language is Spanish! Finally, we should also look at political corruption in Brazil. The Brazilian elite don't exactly treat the poor with muct respect either. Just remember what Collor did to the common Brazilian who was unlucky enough to have all his funds confiscated from his bank account so that Collor could snort cocaine and drive his Ferraris around Miami beach. Due to corruption, Brazil has one of the worst distributions of national income in the world. Jesse should perhaps be a little more sensitive but the real blame should be placed on capitalism, corruption, ignorance and greed.

In writing that last comment I should have deleted the word "greed" so as not to sound redundant. Capitalism is basically the glorification of greed.

Gosh, no one's blaming Jessie for the problems of Brasil. She's only being blamed for what it is in her power to control: Her attitude.

Ok, so she's not a rapacious corporation,politician, or beaurocrat exploiting third world countries. She's just a symptom, not the cause of poverty and lack of dignity of the masses. She's just another fly feeding off the pile of s**t( pardon the expletive ) that is the lot of many in Brazil. Inconsequential really, just an irritant and no more. Not even worthy of the title "Ugly American". Is that more accurate?

I love comments like Captalism is greed - of course it is, that's why it works! Now you can certainly argue that it's now capitalism in brasil, but elitism (becasue of oligarcy and corruption). We should think about ways to give more people opportunity in a real fre-market. But to think that wealth distribution schemes work is to ignore history. They don't, they just empower a different subset of people, who would love to tell us what we need to produce and consume on a daily basis.

You can also get hookers cheap in Brazil. Bet those girls are dancing with joy as well. Jessi is a typical ignorant New Yorker. Her ridiculous article doesn't even deserve comment. Peddling kites and saving the world

"I love comments like Captalism is greed - of course it is, that's why it works!"

You have a valid point but don't you think it would be better to base an economic system on the glorification of something a little nicer...like morality or humanitarianism? Why, after thousands of years of human evolution, have we decided to extol greed as our most important value? Just ask yourself one question: What would Jesus be greedy for? Sad. Very, very sad.

"Jessi is a typical ignorant New Yorker."

And you'd be your typically POLITE what?

Yes, it would be nice if it was based on something else like morality or humanitarism, and it might work if everyone could be like you (meaning the type of person who thinks of the common good). But there will always be people who will take whatever, whenever they can. It's how we got to the head of the food chain, unfortunately.

New Yorkers all think they are masters of the universe. She is proud to be exploiting cheap labor and wants everyone to know about it.I realize the maid is happy to have any income but Jessi's "cute" little story demonstrates a lack of understanding of the real problems. Jessi is just happy she can get what she wants in Brasil for a low price and assumes that the brazilians worship her presence.

By the way I am a typically polite British citizen who lived in Sao Paulo for 12 years.

Self-interest is the engine of capitalism, not greed. Greed is why capitalism DOESN'T work.

"But there will always be people who will take whatever, whenever they can." And they should be shunned by decent society, which used to be the case until glorification of greed became par of the orthodoxy of lumpen economists in the US. People who claim greed is good are uncritical in their thinking or just plain stupid.

It seems to me that greed is simply a natural extension of self-interest. It therefore seems ironic that, while self-interest may be the engine of capitalism, there is no inherent mechanism within capitalism to check greed and to allocate resources fairly. I believe the problem lies in the origins of capitalism itself during the end of feudalism and the beginnings of the Reformation. When John Calvin saught to equate spiritual excellence with material wealth he turned Christianity on its head and distorted our most important values. Granted, for many, feudalism was arguably worse than modern capitalism. But we shouldn't give in to the idea that capitalism is the best system we can come up with. Considering that there are over 4 billion poor people on this planet today it's obvious that capitalism doesn't work, regardless of what drives it.

I'm not sure why so many writers are pissed off about the kite salespeople from the big apple. As if in the States people don't take advantage of the less fortune ones. Servents are not new to Brasil and neither are wealthy gringos to take advantage of the system. Maybe to Jessie, cheap labor is a new thing. Just look at how the U.S. has taken advantage of ilegal and legal Mexicans and other souls from south of the border. The only reason Americans pay a living wage ($6.50 hr.? if you think of this as a living wage) is because it has a law in system. Of course no one can survive on the min. wage. Unlike in Brasil, the government/politicians/rich a*****es want to keep the poor from doing better so they can have a maide, babysetter, cook, gardener, carwasher, driver, doorman, mistress (p**a) and other servants at their power. I'm from Brasil and travel the U.S. and seen first hand poverty all across the southern states from Fl. to Ca. Also, seen people from Brasil perform work that in Brasil they would not do because the pay was slave wages, so they would hang out waiting for mom & papai to give them a few reals for the evening. The true shame is the corrupt government (old crooks) of Brasil that have their head up their asses while the population who voted them to office maintain this slave country in order and progress.

"Unlike in Brasil, the government/politicians/rich a*****es want to keep the poor from doing better so they can have a maide, babysetter, cook, gardener, carwasher, driver, doorman, mistress (p**a) and other servants at their power."

It's her utter lack of understanding of things like this that pissed people off. No shame in that.

Since posting my comment about capitalism being the glorification of greed I've spoken with a few people about this idea. I agree that self-interest (as well as the Calvinist/Protestant work ethic or self worship through labor) seems to be the engine of capitalism. But, as I said before, greed seems to be a natural extension of self-interest and not only is capitalism devoid of an inherant mechanism to check greed but it actually encourages it. This property of capitalism only exacerbates the brutal consequences of it, expanding the gap between the rich and the poor, worsening social exclusion and alienation, depriving the most needy of social justice, etc, etc. Fortunately, many economic theorists believe that capitalism will not last forever and that its inherant defects will ultimately cause its own demise. In the meantime, I think we all have a social resposabilty to treat one another with the respect that human dignity deserves. The old liberal economic theory of "a great harmony of interests" does still apply today but we should acknowledge the insight that most people, even though they may be earning some money, aren't necessarily happy doing what they're doing.

"greed seems to be a natural extension of self-interest and not only is capitalism devoid of an inherant mechanism to check greed but it actually encourages it"

Right. And that's why I said greed is the reason capitalism DOESN'T work. History has demonstrated that government needs to step in to keep capitalism from ruin.

Why are there so many negative comments made about Jessie just because she is exclaiming how cheap prices in Brazil are compared to the United States? I travelled to Salvador,Bahia Brazil myself in 2003 and couldn't get over the cheap prices there. I was in NO way exploiting poor Brazilians nor taking advantage of anyone just making a comparison. It seems the anger that everyone has towards Jessie especially amongst Brazilians should be turned towards their corrupt government to try an effect change. I saw many Americans who were enjoying a great retirement in Brazil including a friend of mine who enjoyed Brazil because their retirement went further. Are they to blame for Brazil's problems and corrupt government?

Look, everyone has to work. Unfortunately these unskilled people with no education have nothing else. This is the only thing they can do and sometimes, even then, they do not do it well. It's the brazlian govn'ts fault and they don't want to improve this situation. How else can they stay in power. Keep the people poor. Tax the hell out of them, only let them have minimal education and minimal jobs! Sorry situation.

If you can't figure that out, you're hopeless.

You woah there, fool, with your simple minded analysis of Brasil's social/economic/political situation.

Funny how many Brazilian people are criticizing this article, when in fact they are the first ones to take advantage of those services when they go back to Brazil!

"[Brazilians] are the first ones to take advantage of those services when they go back to Brazil!" Those kinds of Brazilians are the most embarrassing of all. Real "look at me now! I'm rich!" fools. I remember one guy who came back and rented a fancy car and borrowed a bunch of stuff to make it look like he had "made it in the States." What a f**king joke. Yeah, "take advantage" is a good way of putting it.

And, no, you're not Brazilian.

For an interesting insight into the other side of this story, see ?The Brazilian Girl Who Shocked New York? by Clelia Leite Moraes, which was published on this website in June (http://www.brazzil.com/content/view/9304/76/)

She describes her experience of moving from São Paulo to New York City and discovering that she couldn?t afford the full-time maid, weekly hair & nail care, and massages that she enjoyed back in Brazil.

Want to see why Brazil remains stubbornly poor, and will for generations? Read this thread. But while you do so, remember who is writing this self-righteous indignation: rich and educated brazilians. Each and every one of you is sitting at a computer, with an internet connection, knowing how to use the web, reading an english language website recreationally, and responding in written english. Not one of you is a typical poor brazilian. And knowing the power of brazil's class system, that tells me a lot about who you are. Shame on you Brazilians who are so quick to condem others for what you are guilty of.

Each and every one of you benefits from the low wages and hard work of poor brazilians. And worse, you are so joyfully quick to identify this as some kind of foreigners problem, rather than owning your own responsibility for it. Ignorant americans didn't create brazil's unfair economic system, nor do they vote to perpetuate it. You created it, and you perpetuate it.

Yes, the author is clueless about how her pleasure at good service from low wage people sounds. Most of what is said here is true. And yes, those of you who live in brazil enjoy the same benefits every day. And don't get me started if you are making your smug proclamations from your computer in a rich country.

Most offensive is your attack on her business. It would be better if she rented kayaks? or surfboards? What is your problem with someone doing business in your country? I am american in california, and my city is full of brazilian businesses . We aplaud them instead of trashing them. By being open to foreigner's money, expertise, and enthusiasm, we all prosper. Shame on you small minded brazilians who prefer to tear down rather than welcome. Your smallness of spirit and your quickness to blame others for what you are guilty of will keep you poor, impoverishing us all.

clean up your own mess you lazy cunt

This little right up was obviously marketed to the wrong audience. What I think simons next arcticle should be on is her sexual experiences with brazillian prostitutes from the POV of a boston/LA/NY JAP and how it compares to prostitutes she encountered in american cities. More pictures would be nice. What do you say Simons?

it's Simon not Simons, you pathetic fool
I like how you write this little "right" up not "write" - get some education.

If you think about it, the article you are encouraging me to write entitled Brazilian prostitutes, would be about how cheap and better their service is because most Americans are lazy.

Hahahaha!!!!!

Give her a break, she's just clueless. Just as clueless as that time she wore those pants that looked like a picnic table then proceeded to have food thrown at her because she was acting as obnoxious as she sounds in that blog. Ahh the power of the internet.

fascist cunt.
you should have falling off the highest porch.

fascist cunt.
you should have falling off the highest porch.

"It would be better if she rented kayaks? or surfboards?"

Nope.

Hey, Simons, if anyone respected you, they'd make an effort to get your name right (write?).

Bitch.

Jason Porter, You're not that sly.
You obviously care somewhat or else you wouldn't take the time to read my profile. idiot.
Ahh the power of internet.

Once again your judgements are innacurate, it's not Jason Porter. But I'll rephrase for you after reading that insensitive post, UGH the power of the internet.

well this has been fun, but i have better things to write about and do with my life.
i hope in your sick twisted life you are getting some sort of thrill with this before karma comes back and hits you hard.
have a nice life...

I know how much this is killing you so, yes, I'm fully enjoying this to the utmost extent. You're one to talk of karma. Have fun in brazil, don't get assassinated.

Ha! That's great. Simon is whistling in the dark on that one. LOL!

Who the hell is Jason Porter?

Hey, Simon, why don't you move to Alphaville? You'd love it there.

Problem with drugs, guns, crime, poverty, corruption, social inequality ? Which country are you talking about ? Brazil or USA ?

Seems as though she's burnt bridges everywhere she's lived. It's great to have her here now!

love to read all these articles,,,,,,,,,very interesting,,,,,,,,,,here we are in BRAZIL trying to enjoy life and many don't quite understand it all,,,,,,,,,,so children,,,,,,calma,calma,,,and enjoy BRAZIL and the people,,,and the weather,,,and the food,,,and the sunsets,,,etc,etc,,,,,,,,,,,,,
have a good day,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,captbillnbrazil

My partner and I are about to fly to Forteleza.(This is the first blog I've sent.May be the last.Never had the time before.)She is a talented,but as yet unrecognised sculptor.Now I'm trying to be writer, having run museums all my life,looking to leave the frigid shores of smug little Britain and find another place,apart from our Australian rural home, to spend time in and,in my case,write.We are,I guess middle class, rich by most Brazillian standards but not by those of the rentiers of London town.
The above outporings are fascinating,often brutal but at least clear.For us 'though here's the problem.Should we go to Forteleza,try to buy a small place out of town,employ a couple and hopefully be caring and decent people to them, or not?
Going on the level of criticism above I have to figure that spending any money even for responsible and hopefully helpful activities i.e. not the abysmal sex trade; or carrying out an illegal business activity or whatever, will be resented and may well end up with us being fleeced or worse. Nonetheless on the plane we will get next week to take a look. Do you all think this is nuts? Or evil? Or capitalistic? Or just irresponsible? I guess we can always go to Corfu or simply return to Sydney and spend what(relatively) little money we have in retirement there? Over to you.First person to savage these comments wins the self-satirising prize.

I was an exchange student in Brazil and my Brazilian host mom told me that when the American companies came in with their American employees, they ruined everything because they started to over pay their Brazilian cooks and maids. I was a mere 17-years-old but was outraged at her comment!

I'm from south central los angeles, my husband is from the projects of Brooklyn New York...the comments made here about the poor are exaclty the same as are heard in the US about the poor here. The attitude about the conditions of poverty, do not in any justify the condition of poverty...period! There are happy people in the slums and angry people in the slums, murderers and drug dealers, teachers and maids..ect, ect. Be that as it may, the issue is that the vast separation of wealth, that is always the problem! We are not talking about the price of beer and recreation, if the wage being paid to workers only affords them favela,slum,ghetto, living standards, then it is not enough. Ofcourse there are other issues in play with why the poor are poor and are kept poor and who is responsible, not to mention the governments roll, ect. But on a day to day basis..what you pay your maid is an opportunity to make a difference.
We pay our maid for three 4hr days a week, access to our children's private teacher for herself and her children, $120 usd our only condition is that she helps us teach our portuguese literacy and english classes at our place of business.
We refused to become about of the problem, when we moved to Brazil, our intent was to be apart of the change in Brazil.
One point about being "happy poor" it is partially apart of the condition of being poor, to sometimes lack an awareness of comfort in what is familiar, this is endemic sometimes, but also there is a oy in community and a hope and beauty in the struggle of being poor that helps those of us who make it out and always remember where we came from.