by Tracy Rodrigues
This summer, as the most anticipated World Cup in decades comes to Brazil, spectators will be in awe. In the streets or on TV, fans can expect to be swept up in a sea of yellows and blues, the very recognizable colors of the national flag. Less recognizable though are the words inscribed on the flag, “Ordem e Progresso” (order and progress). For the government, the spectacle is an opportunity to show the world that the state has fulfilled its potential. Known abroad for its popular soccer stars, models, and scenic beaches, Brazil is just as infamous for its corruption and favelas of the kind portrayed in City of God. Major international events like the upcoming World Cup and the Olympics in 2016 could possibly show an orderly and thoroughly modern state with efficient transportation and top rate technology. Billions of public tax dollars have been invested in the World Cup alone, more so than the last three world cups combined. However, the primary funders, the Brazilian people, will likely be unable to attend a single match. Nor will they see the profits, as FIFA will pocket those. This has left residents questioning whom the World Cup really benefits.
Eduard Paes, the mayor of Rio de Janeiro, is especially enthusiastic about the changes underway. In February 2012 he was invited to give a Ted Talk in which he shared his commandments for cities, which included high-capacity transit to allow for greater social integration and mobility. He explicitly mentioned the ambitious Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, which will connect the entire city and supposedly benefit the various favelas nearby. However, human rights organizations have reported that rather than improving slum conditions, transportation projects have been used as an excuse to evict residents, demolish their homes and rebuild hotels and luxury apartments in their place. According to Amnesty International’s 2013 report on Brazil, “In Providência, in the centre of Rio de Janeiro, 140 houses were demolished during the year as part of an urban revitalization project in the port area, where up to 800 houses had been slated for removal.” Donald Trump has already been commissioned to build luxury towers on this spot. More and more favela residents all over the city return home to find their house marked for demolition with little notice or explanation given.
In addition to anger in Rio, frustration is mounting as areas lacking basic healthcare, security, and education see stadiums being constructed as the public’s bill for the World Cup rises. It’s not just the cost of building the stadiums that have residents worried, but also the cost of upkeep long after the World Cup ends. In the city of Manaus, located in the least inhabited region of Brazil near the Amazon River, there is little benefit to having a stadium once tourists leave. The glaring truth is as loud as samba: Brazilians do not need more stadiums, parties, or tourism. They have far more basic needs.
Frustration over World Cup planning and its associated projects finally gave way to action when a fare increase was proposed for the nation’s buses to alleviate not only the budget’s suffering due to massive World Cup spending, but also corruption and mismanagement. Protests are fairly uncommon in Brazil, but one night in June, in the streets and all over social media, the phrase “O Gigante Acourdou” which translates to “the giant awoke” was born. From Rio to Sao Paulo to Natal, Brazilians marched to protest the fare hikes, corruption, and lavish spending on sporting events, and to demand better social services. This was the largest protest Brazil has seen in more than twenty years. They are expected to continue throughout the World Cup tournament and 2016 Olympics if conditions remain unchanged.
It is too soon to know what effect these protests will have on future planning, but it is safe to say that when Brazil’s soccer stars step on to the field this summer the world’s eyes will be on more than the “beautiful game” being played. The giant has awoken and so must we.