brazilian people. - by Cindy Guillory

I've read this post on my friend's blog and I couldnt hesitate but post it here. I defines the caracteristics of my culture, my people, my family, my heritage. I find it really ( whats the word...) challenging to live in America and live here everyday with the memories of a lifetime of my past in Brazil with my family. I grew up in Brazil and that made me who I am today: a mixture of culture, family values and the principles learned at the Church of Latter Day Saints. At first, I was very unwillingly to become part of the american/ utah culture. Many times I found myself: depressed, lonely, stressed, discouraged. But after realizing that those feelings were killing my soul, I decided I would play along and become part of this culture, so I could find joy again. I can't say that all those feelings have gone away, but I can say that I am trying my best to open my mind and learn from the differences. 

Here is the post from my friend's blog, hope you all enjoy it. I will be posting the portuguese version on another post. You can find the original post here.

"Last night for my portuguese class, I had to watch a two hour video about the lives of various brazilians living in a huge apartment building in Copacabana (rio de janeiro). The interviewer knocked on various doors, spent a few minutes interviewing them and moved on to the next person. It was amazing how everyone in that building had a completely different, unique story. Even though they share the same building, they come from various places & have lived completely different lives..Yet, somehow they all ended up in Copacabana, sharing the same roof.

All of the stories were very touching and inspiring. Every person had something to share, something to contribute to the overall image...something ultimately to break the "cliche" that they felt they were under. Even though sometimes it was painful for them to share their experiences, they did anyways..

There are a few things that I learned about brazilians in this documentary, and I'd like to share. Because..they are my people. My half. So, it makes me feel that as I learn from them, I'm also learning about myself. My nature. My family. My heritage.

Brazilians.

-They have a need for company. Partnership. They have this need to be loved. I would not consider them as independent as americans, whom are a lot of times fine being alone..mostly because they are too busy to realize they are alone. Brazilians crave companionship. They don't do well alone.
-A lot of times Brazilians get married, stay married, but don't stay together. Meaning, they get "divorced" without ever going through the trouble of legally getting divorced. I've seen this in my own family. I always thought it was odd, but now I realize it's a common thing.
-Brazilians are emotional people. Both men and women. I think they have very tender, sensitive hearts. Even if they appear to be macho on the outside. They feel deeply.
-They have a need to express themselves. They love to talk. They are very open people who long to share their stories, feelings, ideas, etc. Don't ever go to a Brazilians house without expecting to stay there at least 2 hours because they will talk and talk and talk.
-They are not afraid to speak the truth. They will share intimate details about their lives, even with people they don't know well.
-They will do anything for their family. Their family is their world. They support one another and help one another. They want the best for each other and will do whatever it takes to make each other happy. Even if that means they have to struggle and sacrifice. They will do it for their family. It's also very common for multiple generations to live under the same roof.
-Not all Brazilians love soccer. Not all Brazilians living in Rio love the beach. Not all Brazilians love to samba. Those are all cliches.
-Brazilians tend to have an image of America as "the place to be." It's also interesting that many of them have connections to the US. Somehow they know someone who lives in America- a family member, friend, acquaintance, etc. Now, this isn't true for most Brazilians I think..but from the video I watched many of them had worked and lived in the US or had family members who had.
-Many Brazilians in Rio believe they live in a very violent place. They claim to live in "post card" brazil but they want people to realize how safety is a huge concern for them in their daily lives.
-Finally, they want more out of life. They want success. They want peace. They also want security. They desire to improve themselves by being educated and having a good career. The problem is that many of them do not have the means to get out of their current situation to have that opportunity.

In all, I'm really proud of my background. I'm very proud of my half brazilian side. I'm also very proud of my American side. I love my two countries. Sometimes I wonder if I feel more brazilian or american. I grew up in a very brazilian household. I spoke Portuguese before I spoke English. (although my portuguese has gone downnnnnnhiiiiill hah) We listened to a lot of Roberto Carlos in our home. We went to Brazil almost every summer. Mom pretty much only made Brazilian food. Our home was very brazilian and that's how I grew up. I'm also a mirror image of my mother who is Brazilian. Hmm.. I wonder." - Cindy Guillory