Most Brazilians don't know that the Amazon is not just in Brazil or that it's shared with about 8 other countries. Next time a Brazilian tries to challenge you about why the gringos are burning "their" Amazon, ask them what percentage is Brazilian (60%) or what other countries share it? Ask them if they know the name of one river in the Amazon area? Most know little about their own country but love to compete or attack foreigners. I admit that some of our own people back in our native countries don't know that much about Brazil but at least they know about their own countries. There's still a big difference between 1st world and 3rd world. I often have to remind myself of that especially when I get home sick. I hope the boom in the economy here trickles down to education. After 4 years here, I'm still being told the old myth (lie) that American students are being taught that the Amazon is being taken by the U.S. government. I refer them to Snopes and Google to show them it's nonsense. Another amusing comment I get told (must have been on a novela because it's often repeated) is that "We have so much freedom here". Ask them if it's mandatory to vote? Ask them if they decide to take a bus to another state do they have to fill out a paper with their CPF, name and address? Freedom for many is having the ability to not follow the rules and drive on your bumper at 120kph. Of course not everyone is corrupt, stupid or lawless but there are days why I question the sanity. For those that want to say "Love it or leave it", this section of the forum is called "Vent Your Frustrations" and I know my options.

Originally posted by zeezonyc I admit that some of our own people back in our native countries don't know that much about Brazil but at least they know about their own countries.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj3iNxZ8Dww

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqi0DwNLJdM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6PP1w6NBWw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMCVJKxCGUg

Other than that, great rant!

The videos I found where of americans. You can find those people anywhere in the world.

When I was a kid, there was a show on TV where they would as dutch people anywhere in the world where they where and to point it out on a map. Hilarious.

The same videos of dumb Brazilians can be seen on Youtube or with a Google search. You're missing the point about the key word "some of our own people". You can disagree with statistics if you'd like but literacy facts are published and available in the library or online. We're all entitled to our opinions and this section is called Vent Your Frustrations. You can agree to disagree. This is not a competition or a football game.

Thank you for your comments. I have hope for Brazil. If the corruption and the bureaucracy can be lessened, it would speed up the process. Let's hope that the recent deforestation decision doesn't impact the planet.   like your writing style. Well written, good vocabulary and no spelling errors. You must be teaching English here.