jjlucky

I am not in the habit of commenting on posts like this -- life is short. But since this poster seems open to learning, I'll give it a shot. By way of introduction I am an American who has been working and vacationing in Brazil for more than 25 years. I am a cultural anthropologist and a journalist by trade, with a profound love and respect for Brazil, its people and its potential. Over the years I have lived in Rocinha (the largest favela in South America), currently live across the street from Tabajara, do volunteer work at a school in PPG, and am working with a business incubator in Vidigal. My boyfriend is a cria, and most of my closest Brazilian friends -- like 80% of the rest of the population -- lives in the favela. I am sure there are gringos who know more about favela life...but I have not met one yet. Vidigal is interesting and unique in a number of ways, and not because it is close to Leblon. In fact, Vidigal is the favela that led the community resistance movement AGAINST gentrification. And in doing so, Vidigal established a pattern, and legal precedent, that many other communities in Brazil followed. Vidigal helped assure that the favela communities across Brazil retained internal empowerment and control against economic forces trying to erase them. In my experience, no two favelas are the same. Some are, in fact, desperate and unsafe due to the influence of organized crime. Others are full of the kind of vibrant energy and creativity that Brazil is famous for. What is true about all of them: They are full of families who are trying to thrive, and also individuals with big dreams. In this respect, they are exactly like any community anywhere. In my opinion, visiting a favela can be a mind-expanding, even life-changing experience. It absolutely was for me. It all depends on how you onboard what you see, what you feel, how you connect, and most importantly -- how you go forward. As a gringo, I try to resist the urge to pontificate on what is, or is not, good for the favela and the people who live there. I've found my own answer, and it involves helping to create economic and educational opportunities for the people who live and work in these extraordinary communities. "Favela tourism" is an easy thing to bark about, and to dismiss. But the truth on the ground is vastly more nuanced. Supporting local tours that have a community-first values system is just one way that anyone can give back to the community when they visit Rio. And maybe the experience will give something back to you?

For folks who are interested in actual details about Patrick's tours, as opposed to troll commentary: