<< Where is that guy from Sao Paulo...he'll tell ya. >>
Right here! 😉
OK, here goes my general comment about all this. I have not seen this episode, since it can take FOX several months (if not years) to air it here, so I'm getting it through different methods. You copyright-freaks just give me a break for a second, ok? 😛
From what I see, people were quick to judge what they read. Firstly, they are thinking about moving a lawsuit, and not that they have actually issued it. I doubt it can move on to a serious territory, and from my personal view, I think that a lawsuit is pretty ridiculous. On the other hand, I have felt what it is like talking to people who are ignorant on the subject (here I use ignorant as in its true meaning: "Unaware or uninformed").
<< Besides, everything I saw on there was pretty consistent with what I've seen and heard about Brazil from friends, TV, travel brochures, etc. >>
Let's take this step-by-step ...
1.) Police portrayed as lazy and unhelpful: PARTIALY TRUE. As in all places, there are good cops and there are bad cops. I have been in contact with both sides, and some have been extremely generous, but others completely unhelpful.
2.) Slums as dirty and dangerous: on the most part, TRUE. Slums are dirty, some slums can be very dangerous. But it is also a place were decent and hard working people live. My mom, as a doctor, has worked in slum areas to promote hygiene and healthcare and where she was very respected.
3.) Rio de Janeiro as a jungle. FALSE. It is much larger (and in many aspects more developed) than many american cities.
4.) Bart being eaten by a boa constrictor. COMPLETELY FALSE. There are no snakes in the city ... and these snakes are only found in very very remote areas of the country.
5.) Monkeys overruning the orphanage. COMPLETELY FALSE. No need to comment.
6.) We have gay money. FALSE. Our money is not gay ... and it's actually quite original. Different colors help identify the bills, and each one has the image of an endangered species. I'll post a scan of some bills for you guys in a while ...
Brazil does have serious problems (some of which are making me think about moving out), but I'll still stand up for my country. I really hate when stereotypes starts leading to prejudice, which is something that I saw when I lived in the US. I'm completely in favor of humor, but as long as it's done wisely. I think something is funny and sarcasm when you put up reality against the absurd (and then notice the satire), but not portraying the absurd when many don't know what reality is really like.
