This blog entry will talk about Brazilian perceptions of America. It is definitely not exhaustive, but I think it covers the most noticeable perceptions.
Brazilians seem to place a high value in American jobs. Despite the terrible economic situation of the U.S. and the disillusionment of many Americans, Brazilians generally seem to see the U.S. as the land of milk and honey. My host sister told me that most Brazilians want to live and work in the States, and my experience with my Jiu-Jitsu professor supports this assertion. Furthermore, the Brazilian preference to learn American English (as opposed to other forms) reflects the desire to work in the U.S.
The behavior of Brazilians after returning from American jobs provides further evidence about Brazilian perceptions. Even when Brazilians are returning from low-skill jobs in the States, they often expect management positions on their return to Brazil. Low-skill American jobs, therefore, are often equated with higher positions in Brazil.
Americans also have the reputation of being emotionally cold. I can imagine why this reputation came about. Although I am growing better at greeting people with a kiss and listening to new acquaintances reveal intimate information, I still feel awkward most of the time. My rejection of some of Brazil’s relationship-focused business habits also justifies this Brazilian perception of Americans. The American willingness to confront people may also seem alienating
Protestantism is also an important part of Brazil’s perceptions of America. A nun, one of my host aunts, visited my host family for ten days. At the end of the visit, we had an uncomfortable, translated conversation about rejection of the Holy Father, protestant fundamentalism, and abortion. Conversely to these stern comments, she also said that she respects the devotion and discipline of evangelicals, the fastest growing religious group in Brazil. I think this reveals that some of Brazil’s most devote Catholics are becoming uncomfortable with the growth of American-style evangelicalism in the Brazil. This also may reveal that some fundamental principles of Protestantism are seen as foreign and unacceptable (e.g. biblical focus as fundamentalism). However, I doubt that the average Brazilian shares the view of the Catholic clergy.
Furthermore, a Brazilian businessman used the difference between Protestantism and Catholicism to explain some of the differences between American and Brazilian business practices. He claimed that American businesspeople practiced more transaction business as a result of the protestant focus of a personal walk with God, and Brazilians as more focused on relational business as a result of the Catholic focus on community.
Finally, President Obama has had a great affect on the Brazilian perceptions of Americans. A Carnival block party played a song praising Obama. Moreover, my doorman always mentions “Obama!” and “General Bush!”. These comments may reflect a Brazilian perception that that America is at a turning point with respect to racism and unilateral international action.
As a related point, I was surprised by a few conversations about the Iraq War. A Brazilian army officer in training praised America’s willingness to take action to end oppression. The view of Brazilian military men may be deviant considering the common praise for Obama and contempt for Bush.
Despite what I learned so far, my understanding of Brazilian perception of America is not complete. Before I leave, I want to understand more about Brazilian perceptions of sustainability, Brazilian-China relations, and acceptance of inequality.
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P.S. On a related note, please comment on this Blog, espically if you are Brazilian.
P.P.S. On a completely unrelated note, you must go to a Funky Club if you go to Brazil!
