Kiss Kiss-Chris Brown (featuring T-Pain)

It's been a busy day at school but I wanted to take a few minutes to talk about Brazilian culture.  Firstly, the people of Brazil are amazingly friendly and open.  It's fun to observe the students interact with each other and their teachers as all of the interactions are much more affectionate and inclusive than you would observe in the United States.  Secondly, the title of today's blog is appropriate as everyone is greeted with a kiss on each cheek, even when meeting someone for the first time.  Physical contact is much more common in Brazil than in the U.S.

When I ask kids at the schools we visit what they want people to know about Brazil, they enthusiastically say the happiness and openness of their culture.  This is something that stands out immediately when you interact with Brazilians, they are truly full of joy.  You can't spend time with people from Brazil without smiling, and you will always receive a big smile in return.  The people are incredibly positive and welcoming.

Another characteristic that comes up a lot is the fact that the whole country is focused on sustainability and preserving the environment.  Brazil has a wider range of biodiversity than any other country in the world, and they are very concerned about preserving the environment for the future as well as using it in a sustainable manner.

A few other characteristics that I have heard about and observed are the fact that Brazilians have a strong sense of family and community.  They are creative problem solvers and are willing to try new things, which is evidenced by some of their innovative government programs (more about those in another post.)  Their culture is also very tolerant, open, and curious.  We received many questions from students about different attitudes of Americans, gay rights issues, drug use, integrating special ed students into regular classes, etc.  The attitudes were always curious, never judgmental.

Other things students wanted people in the United States to know were cultural characteristics such as samba (the overwhelming answer-even though I haven't really met anyone yet that knows how to do it, :) carnaval, a little Brazilian history-and they wanted my students to know that they are required to learn some U.S. history as well, barbeque food, capoeira, cap Amazon.