What is the secret of Brazil's success?
I heard on Sixty Minutes that the life-style in Brazil is rather relaxed and easy-going. How does this mesh with the fact that its economy is exploding with success?
I heard on Sixty Minutes that the life-style in Brazil is rather relaxed and easy-going. How does this mesh with the fact that its economy is exploding with success?
Pax
Favorite Answer
You should not believe in stereotypes as shown on TV and movies.
Brazilians work a lot and work hard. But we know how to relax after the job.
Think about it:
- Social classes in USA:
The rich – only 5%
About 40 – 45% is middle class
About 40 – 45% is working class
About 12 – 14% is living under poverty line. It is 33 million!
Source:
BEEGHLEY, Leonard. (2004). The Structure of Social Stratification in the United States. Boston, MA
- The press in USA:
It’s controlled by the rich (5% of population). What about the rights of the majority?
That’s what Americans call freedom of speech?
- Democracy:
Less than 50% of Americans vote. Elections are in the middle of the week when the majority of the Americans are in their jobs. That’s what Americans call democracy? Less then half country choose the President.
In Brazil:
All Brazilians vote! It is a real democracy.
Now about 61% Brazilians are middle/upper class.
Government helps the poor ones. President Lula is reducing poverty.
Education and health is free for all Brazilian citizens.
Compare:
- Illiteracy rate:
Cuba – 0%
USA – 5%
- Illiteracy rate in real numbers
USA – about 15 million.
Brazil – about 10 million. That rate is falling every year.
UN recognized the work of President Lula giving him the gold medal “World Champion in the fight against hunger”.
The "secret" is: don't be afraid of socialism. Socialism and communism are good ideas, but people must apply them in the right way, with democracy and freedom.
By the way, President Hugo Chavez in Venezuela is a good person and a smart guy. He would make a better government if the Venezuelan press permitted him work alone. Venezuela has improved a lot, and it will improve more since the capitalist press stop saying bull ****.
Philip H
The Government of Brazil doesn't over-regulate their citizens like the Government off the USA does to American citizens.
Therefore, the citizens of Brazil are more free to prosper.
Unlike Venezuela where the economy is collapsing under over-regulation by Socialist/Marxist theory and the citizens suffer greatly as a result.
Anonymous
Cheap labor, less regulations and a pro-economy government.
Anonymous
hard work i believe