The Olympics Take Priority Over Brazilian Lives
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

The Olympics Take Priority Over Brazilian Lives

Brazil continue to hide their poor from the world

9
The Olympics Take Priority Over Brazilian Lives
bloomberg.com/

A few weeks ago, Vox released a video of what was going on in Rio prior to the 2016 World Olympics. It illustrates the kind of pandering and whitewashing the Brazilian government is willing to do to cover up the poverty in their country. They are afraid the world will see that they have not been properly taking care of their people, and have been implementing mass discrimination in an effort to make the area looking a little nicer for the cameras during the Olympics. Honestly, it's disgusting.

The Brazilian government actually placed a wall up to block off the view of slums and anything that could expose the deep poverty within the nation. This couldn't be anything more than blatant discrimination.


It's as if they are saying "You guys aren't important enough to show off to the world, our games are much more important than your homes and your lives".

What's even move daring is that they've made the wall transparent when approaching the schools and more rich areas, yet they continue to allow their citizens to not "have sewage systems" or "housing rights". Tourism and media seem to take priority over the lives of the people and "they're frustrated that their government spends so much money to build up certain parts of the city and completely neglect others". Because they do not have housing rights, the government can simply issue an order to demolish the property in preparation for the Olympic games. Some areas that were stricken with poverty faced conflict when the Brazilian government realized their homes were in the sight of the games. The government did, of course, give them some form of reparation through a small sum of money. Some of the people here are hungry, and tired. A lot of them would happily take the money and relinquish their property.

But what about the people who wanted to stay on their property? Well, they fought to keep their homes but were removed, promptly.

Eventually the international community realized what was happening and the backlash the mayor received is what forced him to allow the remaining people to stay as long as their house could be remodeled so the press doesn't see the real Rio when the Olympics arrive.

They've intentionally made it difficult for the people to get down to the much more richer South Zone of Rio, and keep them at bay within the North Zone.

The Olympic games have brought in a large amount of money for the nation, but as always, money dictates the actions of the government and the lives of the people.


You can view the video from Vox here; https://goo.gl/IuMT8v

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

112501
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments