http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/americas/brazil/130618/protests-in-brazil-rio-police-video
Yes, the middle class students have the time and money to demonstrate. I admire them for being willing to fight for change, but I admire more the mothers that fight to feed their families and keep their children in school, and the families that fight to take care of their loved ones, that don't have access to proper medical and healthcare.
I know of a prominent family that has one daughter that needs mental healthcare. Sometimes she's doing well, and then sometimes she needs medication, and is drinking and smoking and getting disrespected in her own neighborhood. If there are not enough doctors for physical or mental healthcare, what are families meant to do. Brazilians unlike many people are not going to stay home, and hide, and complain after-the-fact that their government is spending too much money for show, and not enough for infrastructure, as is the case with the citizens of many host countries of large sporting events. I've mentioned in past post that Brazilians are happier with less, but I believe that having the courage to speak out when they are wronged is part of what helps them be a balanced society. They are fighting against a history of colonization, and corruption that has a long history, and as they prepare to celebrate their Independence Day 9/7/13; it will not be while wearing rose colored glasses.
My experience is in Rio, and I see the police in the favelas, and the rising price of goods, and the effect of bad press on the exchange rate for Reals (Brazilian currency) and I see strong people not sitting down but fighting for equality, for justice, and the right to be heard. I don't see violence and instability, I see families fighting for a better life. The Rio I see is like a maze, the people are going through the challenges of hype and broken promises, such as PAC One and PAC Two, but they are bettering themselves in spite of these challenges.
So if I meet someone in Santa Marta whose been displaced, and promised a new residence, that complains to any and everyone that will listen. I admire those people. If there is a person in the tourism industry that isn't allowed to plan or forecast their bookings for the World Cup, more than likely they'll find some other way to make money that is not restricted by corporations or government.
As a documentary filmmaker, at some point I wish I could make a difference for people going through the challenges mentioned above, but my current understanding of documentary filmmaking is that I should present as many points of view as possible so that the real drama of a situation shines through.
Though I have primarily been present to document the triumphs and developments in my core subjects lives, I have come to realize that I must also include the experiences and points of view of citizens from other host cities, and speak to them about what the impact has been for places like England, and South Africa, and China; to give a frame of reference for any trying to understand WHY BRAZIL?
I have a rich life, and I am blessed to share these experiences in this forum. Some people get it and some people.
