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Some
of you have asked questions concerning the perception of manual
labor as "demeaning" in Brazil. That is an unfortunate, to
say the least, legacy of the days of slavery. Also, a lot
of upper - and middle-class people still have maids and other
servants to do the work for them, especially in northeastern
cities, which are several degrees more conservative than the
large cities of the South. But, as with other aspects of Brazilian
society, that too is changing rapidly.
Here
in Brazil, things do differ from region to region, in terms
of diet and behavior and attitudes, but we've tried to emphasize
what's common all over Brazil. Small towns in the interior
will be more conservative...use common sense and you'll get
along just fine. No problem about traveled by yourself all
over Brazil, on airplanes and buses, staying at hotels and
small inns, going out to eat by yourself at night, taking
taxis, buses and the metro. Sometimes a male escort will be
advisable, but in general, Brazil is a country where women
traveling alone are perfectly safe and will not be harassed.
People may stare at you, sometimes, but it's mostly out of
friendly curiosity. Notice that "mostly" and always be aware
of your surroundings.
And
last, but not least, a few words about women and marriage,
work, children, etc. Expect differences among social classes
and geographical locations; also, certain families may be
more traditional than others. But a desire for change and
economic realities have dramatically altered the picture in
Brazil.
A
great number of women have college degrees and work outside
the home. They are involved in politics (several large cities,
including some in northeastern Brazil, have been run by women
in recent years), banking and big business; more and more
daughters are taking over their father's businesses; there
are large numbers of doctors and scientists; the general attitude
among my friends' daughters is one of "there's nothing I can't
do." New divorce laws, changing attitudes towards single or
separated women, extended maternity and paternity leaves,
were very positive steps in the last two decades. Of course,
we all wish Brazilian men had changed along...I see too many
women trying to do it all, just like in the US.
If
you have questions, suggestions or stories you'd like to share
with us, send mail to: dominiofeminino@dominiofeminino.com.br
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