Brazzil should not be deterred by harassment from those who would have the world believe that Brazil is a wonderful paradise, the kind which the tourist sees on postcards. To be sure, it has wonderful weather, fantastic music, an unbelievable culture dating back to forever, beautiful scenery, some of the most handsome people in the world, etc., etc., etc. Surely a paradise. But, it also has the quirks which make it so marvelous.
The article on bureaucracy highlighted some of the truly Brazilian aspects which make the country delightful. I love Brazil and the unique things which make it what it is. I love everything which removes me from the humdrum nature of many other places in the world. Keep up the good work with articles which are not only delightful, but also realistic.
Frank A. Harris
Washington, DC
In reference to your article "À la Lorena", reporting on a series of Brazilian men who had their sexual organs mutilated by their partners, we would to like to mention the pain of the victim. The media is revictimizing these men and missed an excellent opportunity to be ethical. Omitting the name of the victim would not change a thing for the understanding of the facts.
In these cases, the damage should be minimized. If the fact is news, the media should be careful so the victim of a crime won't be punished with a publicity stunt that's so indelible as the original crime. The Vitória's shopkeeper had his penis reimplanted, but he will have a hard time getting over the secondary crime committed by the media.
Sérgio Gusmão
Instituto Gutemberg
São Paulo, Brazil
I have read "Broken Promises" by Saulo Petean about the Kayapo Indians and The Body Shop (Brazzil December '96) and having spent time with the Kayapo, Pykati-re, Paiakan and Saulo Petean in Pucanu, Aukre, Kobenkocre and a couple of other villages, I find it virtually impossible to reconcile what I saw with my own eyes and much of what Saulo was claiming in his article. Just for the record, I am with the Body Shop in Canada.
Quig Tingley
Toronto, Canada
I have read your article on my daughter Daniella Perez (Brazzil November '96) and I would like to let you know that the trial hasn't happened yet even though the judicial proceeding is ready to be taken to trial since 1993 when the judge indicted the murderer couple.
The Brazilian legislation allows defendants to apply for a hundred of extra appeals in order to indefinitely postpone the trial. In Brazil, it is common that murderers are put on trial seven, 10 years after the crime was committed. It's no accident that criminality has reached this point in Brazil: the total impunity feeds it.
Glória Perez
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
I am renewing my subscription to your excellent magazine at a price no one who loves Brazil and cares for things Brazilian will be in a right mind to refuse. I have enjoyed reading your articles both English and Portuguese. They keep me abreast with the modern Brazil and the ever lively Brazilian life that I have known and loved.
This is my best way de matar saudades and, believe it or not, I send your magazine to my friends in Brazil and they have written me back and given their approval as well as great surprise to find your articles a lot more objective, serious, and entertaining than what they read in the local press. More power to you and keep sending me this great magazine. Maybe, by the time my subscription expires, I'll be back in Brazil with my beloved Brazilians.
Pe. Miguel B. Alcântara
St. Matthias Church
Chicago, Illinois
I am a journalist with the Voice of America in Washington, D.C.. I am very interested in getting to know more on Brazil, its culture, people, society and history. I am also learning Portuguese for personal and professional growth. Please send me some information on Brazil and Brazilian cultural societies here in the United States.
Rachid Jaafar
Washinton, D.C.
This is a wonderful magazine! I discovered it on line and I cannot wait to receive the first issue. I love Brazil and its culture. I am sending my check immediately.
Wayne D. Patterson III
Kingman, Arizona
Thanks to Brazzil I got in contact with a guy who lives six months in the state of Washington and six months in Brazil. I was very happy to hear from him and we still write to each other.
He is another person whose soul is Brasileira just like mine. Please let those people interested in promoting Brazilian culture and music to write me. You will be surprised by the potential we have here in the Northwest, but we need support to make it happen.
Yolanda Segura 2017
NE Fullmoon Dr. #C-2
Bend, Oregon 97701
It was such a joy to find out a little slice of Brazil here in the United States. I know there are other publications about Brazil, but with Brazzil my husband, who is American, will be able to know it all without needing a translator, myself.
Marilane Myering
Sacramento, California
Thank you for your excellent magazine. Please renew my subscription for two years. This way, I do not have to worry about missing any issue for the next two years.
If you need someone to proofread the magazine or to help in any other way from San Francisco, please feel free to contact me. Your magazine under whatever name, continues to improve. Thanks for such a wonderful publication. I look forward to receiving the next issue.
Law Offices of
Laura Basaloco-Lapo
San Francisco, California
It's a pity that you chose to call your magazine Brazzil. I think `Brasil' or `Os Brasileiros' would have been more adequate and, besides, more descriptive. But, unfortunately, maybe it's too late. From a devout reader.
Raymond W. Goodenough
West Palm Beach, Florida
I usually receive your magazine around the 6th or 7th of each month, which means that the first week's calendar of events in the back is already past. Any solution? Can it be mailed earlier?
Jasswinder Dhanda
Anaheim, California