LETTERS
Ah, Brazil
I enjoyed browsing News from Brazil's WEB page and reading some of the articles. Brazil is traditionally perceived within
the Russian culture (I am a New Zealander of Russian extraction) as one of the most attractive, captivating, almost mystical in its
exotic appeal, countries on Earth, a land of sunshine, aliveness, beauty and opportunity. These days, when a number of my
mathematician friends and colleagues are moving to Brazil for good and I am planning my first trip there, discovering the WEB version of your
magazine came as a very nice surprise to me. Saúde de
Wellington.
Vladimir Pestov -- Wellington, New Zealand
Just skin deep
I've been subscribing to News from Brazil
for over two years now and I'm glad to see the growth and the positive response to
this magazine in the US and in Brazil. However, I have noticed that some articles related to the Brazilian economy (e.g. "Looking
good" by Carlos E. F. Barreto December '95) or women ("You've come a long way, baby" by Elma Lia Nascimento June '95)
have covered the topics superficially, reinforcing misconceptions or stereotypes about Brazil.
Barreto's article praises president Fernando Henrique Cardoso's politics and economic measures without mentioning their
negative effects. Inflation and unemployment are again on the rise and Cardoso's privatization program may make of Brazil another satellite
of "global economics" without bringing the social and economic benefits the Brazilian people so much need. Nascimento's
article mentioned important facts about women's health and approached the issue of domestic violence (also prevalent in the US), but
failed to mention gains women have made in the professional and social arenas as a result of their organized
lutas.
Eu também gostaria de ver mais artigos em Português, pois afinal esta revista é destinada principalmente a brasileiros que
vivem nos Estados Unidos.
Rozemary Sabino -- San Francisco, California
Stressing the similarities
I have to agree with Kirsten Weinoldt's letter in your February issue. The excerpts from Ana Maria Bahiana's book
America from A to Z ("America the ugly" January '96) strike me as being very superficial and destructive. I made my first trip to Brazil last
October and fell in love with it. The most wonderful surprise was to find out how similar Americans and Brazilian really are. Forget the
externals football versus soccer, disco versus samba, Anglo-Saxon versus Latin duh, look a little deeper.
Americans and Brazilians have an incredibly strong common thread. We are members of the New World. As such, we share
an outlook on life that is shared by few countries in the Old World, in my experience. We believe in the future. We go after life with
gusto, but we're always ready to lend a hand to our neighbor. We know we're young and learning, and we're always ready to laugh at
our mistakes.
It's a shame that the American education system doesn't provide more exposure to the history and culture of our southern
neighbors. Don't hold your breath on that one. But those of us who do dare to cross the equator should rejoice in our similarities not nit-pick
at our superficial differences.
Raymond J. Mataloni, Jr. -- rmata@erols.com
That's the way it is
I've really enjoyed reading the article "America the ugly". I think Ana Maria Bahiana illustrated very well some of the
many stereotypes that US citizens have when it comes to Brazil and South America. I am very interested in purchasing the book.
Everton Rebelo Mendes -- Troy, Michigan
Beyond Brazil 101
As a recent expatriate, my Brazilian residency is enhanced by reading your wonderful magazine. I have recently learned about
a Federal Government program that is called the War College Program in which about 100 professionals with high IQ are invited for
a one year enrollment. (From what I have learned the title War College is not an accurate description.) A lady friend has just
completed the program and she was very enthusiastic about what she learned about Brazil. The enrollees travel throughout Brazil and the
program allows for the group to act as a "think tank" for the betterment of the country. That's a program that probably your readers would
be interested in.
Milton Volan -- Rio, Brazil
Have it, and enjoy
I've just read your article on Carnaval ("Rio's Follies" February '96) and found it quite interesting and informative. I
wonder if you would allow us to have it reprinted on our local student paper (`Gair Rhyd', circulation about 8,000 copies).
Ricardo Calil -- Cardiff, United Kingdom
Too close for comfort
While reading your February 1996 issue, I came across an error in one of the articles that you might find interesting. In
"Rio's Follies", you accidentally put that slavery was abolished in Brazil in 1988. You only missed it by 100 years.
Cassandra E. Osterloh -- Albuquerque, New Mexico
Discussion item
As a Brazilian I feel proud of knowing that your magazine is so well done. The news, articles, and even the ads are of the
highest quality. It is making it easy to talk about Brazil with facts and not only with the famous blah, blah, blah. Thank you for the great work.
Marcello Bomfim -- Fresno, California
That's all
I just wanted to say how well written and put together your magazine is. Keep up the fantastic work!
Urania Mylonas -- New York, New York
Three more years
I am enclosing a money order to extend my subscription to your very interesting magazine for three more years. I especially
enjoy your coverage of Brazilian music and the Brazilian political situation, including your articles on the situation of Blacks and Indians
in Brazil.
M. Anderson -- San Francisco, California
And what do you think?
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