Social Issues

One thing straight men cannot do without is a beautiful woman. Without even taking the issue of class into consideration, some men wander from the genesis to the revelation of the world just to satisfy their lust and sexual desires. Need I add that some heterosexual women do worst than men in this area; because it is widely believed that what a man can do, a woman can do even better. Nevertheless, what could the act of these sexually insatiable men and women be referred to? Sexual tourism or the propagation of prostitution?

Prostitution, the world’s oldest profession, is the act of allowing ones body to be used and manipulated for lewd purposes, like oral or sexual intercourse in return for money. In a wider sense of the word, anyone selling his/her services for a cause thought to be unworthy can be described as prostituting him/herself. Around the English speaking part of the world, the ladies in this profession could be referred to as call girls,courtesans, escorts, harlots, chickens, bitches, hookers, cock suckers, while the men are called escorts, call boys, hustlers, rent boys, gigolos, trade, man ho, boy toys or bitches. But can one only upbraid those that sell their bodies? What about those that buy? Are the former or latter guilty of any offense?

Sex tourism, international or cross boarder prostitution or whatever it is called has taken charge the world over. Countries like Thailand, Vietnam,Phillipine, Cuba, Cambodia and Argentina has become adopted homes for sexually ravenous Europeans mostly Italians, Spaniards, Germans, Americans, and an increasing number of Eastern European sexpatriates who apply the advantage of their currencies over these countries to practice this shameful and ungodly act. A note of warning goes for shameless pedophiles from these western world who use sex tourism to have access to sex with children that is unavailable in their home country. There has been a major crackdown on sex with minors in most of the above mentioned countries over the last few years. So you can be rest assured that the long arm of the law will surely catch up with you sooner than imagined. Remember, Sex with anyone under the age of 14 in majority of these countries is considered statutory rape. “Everyday is for the thief , but one day will be for the owner of the house”.

Several kinds of people participate actively in this worldwide-accepted sex trade. Most men involved are mostly divorced and retired. It is perplexing for these men to comfortably eke out a decent livelihood the way they would have wanted with the monthly stipend that they earn after retirement in their countries. So they take the judicious initiatives of traveling and pitching their tents in under-developed countries where they could leisurely exhibit their pretentious wealth by lavishing money and living like kings before the eyes of the locals. Another age group, caught in this game are artists, journalists, researchers and professional businessmen in their mid-thirties and early fifties. The college students who travel on sponsored exchange programs with universities of these third world countries also contribute immensely to sex tourism. Some of these young adults in their early twenties, seize the priceless opportunity of independence from their folks to practice unlimited sexual adventure with their indigent local lovers.

Having explored Asia and most part of Latin America, our opulent and pounds- euros-dollars armed sex tourists have navigated southwards to no other country but the five time world cup soccer champions Brazil. Why Brazil? Could the claim that the country possesses the most beautiful and sexually liberated women on planet earth be the cause? I guess so….

The Germans refer to the Brazilian woman as “schöne or heiße Dame ” the Italians say she is “calda, fuocosa, eccitante”, to the French they call her “chaude” the Dutch say she is “heet meisje” while the Portuguese superlatively tag her as “gostoção”. Majority of the typical Brazilian women who come in all shapes and sizes are blessed with smooth velvet skin, enthralling hips, toothpaste smiles, electrifying and captivating eyes that speak the language of love, tight abs, shapely legs, and richly endowed body. This irresistible beauty was generated from the racial mix that is today known as Brazil. The ladies derived their sparkling blue and green eyes from their European descendants especially the Dutch that occupied the country in the 16^th century. Their acquisition of long dark hairs could be traced to their Indian descendants, while their well-defined bodies, which consist of succulent-pointed breasts, curved hips, and the “BUNDA” which drives all men including the Brazilian men bonkers came from Mother Africa.

In addition,these women who researchers claim have diverse skin colors are diminutively referred to as gostosonas, fofinhas, morenas, mulatas, neguinhas,negonas, “branquinhas etc their hairs which cap up their beauty also come in mostly falsified blonds, curls, waves, frizzy and black. Their naturally well-defined corpos could silent J-Lo and Beyonce for life. Since they say “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder”, the Brazilian women who are cocksure of their looks, always dress up flaunting the most sexiest parts of their bodies, having grown up learning that the body is not something to be ashamed of. For this reason, pregnant women are also not left out in the semi nude show. As a foreigner in Brazil, do not be taken aback when you witness heavily pregnant women with jumpers that reveal their protruding tummies on the streets. It is just part of the Brazilian open culture, but it is quite unfortunate that non-Brazilians have mistaken this and disrespectfully tagged all Brazilian women as prostitutes. It is like calling every American a George Bush. Insulting não é?

Consequently, it will be erroneous to outrightly condemn these sex tourists for their mass flooding into Brazil, because the average Brazilian lady whose body is like a sex bomb attracts and explosively sends shivers down the beneath of any sane straight man around the world. Poverty and the embezzlement of public funds by political office holders has left most part of the country in economic shambles and thus instigated prostitution like it did in Asia and all other Latin and south American countries.

There has been a notable increase in prostitution among children under the age of 14 and adults in over 30 municipalities especially in the larger cities. “There are 12 prostitution establishments where over 100 young girls from Sao Paulo, Goias, Parana, Minas Gerais, Paraguay and Chile are prostituted in sex tourism. Rio de Janeiro is Brazil’s most renowned city for sex tourism. The streets of Copacabana, Barra da Tijuca, Lapa and São Cristóvão remain common spots for transvestites and gays. The breathtakingly beautiful Copacabana beach is home to these prostitutes and girls who choose to wear 5cm bikinis, exposing their almost naked bodies. They most times sit in groups, exhibiting their sun-drenched bodies and flashing all kinds of inviting smiles to male passersby. The post 8 and 9 of the Ipanema beach is where the gay people and prostitutes hang out.

Prostitution per se is legal in Brazil at age 18, which is why attempts by police to shake off Rio's reputation as a paradise for sex tourism has proved abortive over the years. When the "First Congress of Prostitutes" took place in Rio in the eighties, it had the backing of the Ministry of Culture and that of the Secretary of Culture to legalize prostitution. Pimping and trading in women is illegal. Maintaining a "place for sexual liasons" is technically illegal, but the law is not really enforced. According to the Riotur/UniverCidade poll, 85 per cent of Rio's sex tourists are Germans and Italians, between the ages of 40 and 50 and they travel alone.

It is a different ball game in Salvador da Bahia. The “garotas de programas”“,putas” or “piranhas” as they are called are mostly seen on Tuesday nights hanging around Pelourinho, which is the touristy part of town. Pelo has quite a number of popular pickup spots ranging from bars and restaurants where male and female tourists meet and pickup their dates. Monday nights in Casquinha de Siri a kind of open club along the coastline of Itapuã is where over 400 magnificently and sprucely dressed ladies enthusiastically chill out until the break of dawn waiting to be picked up by men of different caliber. The Avenida Sete de Septembro, Pituba/Amaralina, Pituaçu, and all over the coastline are also favorite hanging out nightspots for these ladies of the night. Not forgetting Barra, which is another demotic place where they also register their presence. Barra in Bahia is what Copacabana is to Rio de Janeiro.

An African American brother was surrounded by about five very attractive Brazilian ladies in the Barra area where he lodged in his first night in Brazil. After a great struggle with choice, he eventually settled for one of them who he had all through the night. When the lady was about to hit the road in the early hours of the morning, she asked for her money which was almost close to what a working girl will charge in the States. “What the fuck”? I thought it was my marking skills that was at work”. he said. Sorry Jack, if you see over five ladies hanging around you at the Barra, your pocket as a gringo rather than your marking skills is at work. The only language the prostitutes understand here like others around the world is money talks and bullshit.......

Like in Rio, the experts in the sex tourism business in Salvador are the Italians. White women both young and old from every part of Europe and the United States also contribute immensely to sex tourism in Bahia. Most of them with the believe of coming for vacation, African dance practice, Afro-Brazilian religious ceremonies, capoeira practice and exchange programs, simply take time off from home and travel down to Salvador, just to fulfill the great expectation and acquire the unforgettable experience of being laid by an able bodied black hunk, which they claim is the real deal.(If you go black you won't want to go back). Most white men on the other hand, also flock to Bahia to experience with the beautiful morenas what their females sensually enjoy with the black Baianos.

Salvador da Bahia is where one can observe a huge number of pretentious racial mixed relationships between Britons, Europeans, African-Americans and Brazilians. The beauty of these Brazilian women and men mostly get Europeans and Americans carried away. Most of them fall for the trick of a Brazilian woman or man inviting them to the homes of their folks and family members. When you fall for that, be expected to foot the bills of the guy/lady and her family for the rest of your stay in Salvador. I know many foreigners that have fallen and are still falling for this con game. There is no hard feeling in assisting a woman or man in need, but do it with your eyes widely open and do not get emotionally carried away, because before you, other foreigners have also been showered with this love and care that these same people are expertly known for.

The fact that girls and guys in Brazil are generally sexually liberated does not mean that one could just come and pick any woman or man you want on the streets. Most foreigners especially gay men have been highly disappointed, after having read in the covers of magazines and travel sites that they could get those well-built and good-looking Brazilian gay men at the tap of their fingers.

Irrespective of the fact that they are highly jealous and extremely possessive, Brazilian women are caring, respectful and fun to be with. 85% of those you see hanging around foreigners are prostitutes and majority of the men who are seen in the company of foreign ladies are hustlers who sometimes want to catch fun, but mostly want to use them to earn a living.

For the benefit of foreigners who want to hang out with call girls or hustlers in Brazil, beware of taking them to your hotels or homes, because most of them are smart alecks that will clean you of your bag and baggage before you know it. To before warned is to before armed.

Check out some true live stories

One evening I was waiting for a friend of mine at the bar of one of the newest and "chiqueirisimo" (super chic) hotels of Salvador. While I was waiting, a conversation ensued between me and three Frenchmen, who had just arrived in Brazil. They were all hard-working successful professionals, I believe in the media and entertainment industries. They told me how much they love Brazil, the places, the people, etc. Two of them were slated to leave the following morning, while the third one had decided to stay back for a few days because he had met "this incredibly sweet and marvelous woman". He denied it was love at first sight, but he seemed convinced of the genuineness of the lady. French are open enough - or may be macho enough – to tell their personal story without holding back any detail. Therefore, I learned that they had met the previous night in a bar/restaurant and that he brought her back to his hotel. The night went... and, said the Frenchman, "she didn't ask me for anything, but I gave her R$ 200 for the taxi fare back home“. To which he added: "She told me that she wants me to meet her 6 year old son and her family members,.” Do I need to tell you more? First, R$200 (reais) is definitely enough to cover the cost of not one but about 10 average taxi fares. Then, when I inquired about the name of the bar where the Frenchman had met his sweetheart, I was surprised to hear the name of the most famous hookers' bar in town (renowned for its good music nights, by the way). Maybe the girl did not ask for any cash, but she had already firmly put the hooks in. What followed next was the visit to her family, where the Frenchman bought her some clothes and gave her some cash for the wellbeing of her son, etc. Do not get me wrong, I am not blaming her and to a certain extend I can understand how this can happen. For a long time, the Brazilian women (and men) have had the reputation of being "easy" and it will take you only a few minutes on the internet to find many sites (in English) explaining where and how to find girls in Brazil (even telling you what to do with them and where!). But if this is not called sex tourism, then tell me what is it, because I do not know anymore! The second story, much shorter but very self-explanatory, was reported to me by a friend of mine. It is about an American guy who had recently arrived in Salvador and settled in Barra, a tourist area also known for its prostitution scene. The man was confident with women and was used to receiving approving looks from them. One lady took his fancy and he engaged in further conversation with her. He was convinced that his irresistible charm had been operating at its fullest. When time for more serious business came, if you know what I mean, the lady told him that it would cost him R$250 (reais) for the night. The
irresistible womanizer lost his bearing immediately.

A white young female American exchange student who had been hanging out and practically living with a local Bahia lover for over 2 weeks wanted to get rid of him because her parents were coming into town. The guy who vehemently refused to leave, told her that she had to pay him for all the amount of nights that he had spent with her which amounted to two and half weeks. The lady refused and claimed of having bought him clothes and food all the time they had been together. To cut the long story short, they were engaged in a show of shame for 3 hours until the lady parted with R$600 equivalent to $300 before the guy left her home. Did I hear you say serve her right?

An African American young man met this lady is a club, after dancing and killing a few bottles of beer, they retired to his home for the night. He had her all through the night and when she was about to leave the next morning, she asked for her money which was R$200. The guy who taught it was all child’s play, wanted to play a fast one on the hooker. He claimed that they both enjoyed themselves and besides she did not inform him before hand that she was a “working girl”. After the normal barking at each other, the girl took the judicious initiative of involving the police. The ignorant and ill-informed man who did not know that prostitution is legal in Brazil was disgracefully arrested, jailed for some couple of hours and given 5 days to leave the country.

A retired old man who came to Brazil for the first time fell head over heels with a Brazilian lady in her late twenties. He felt he had himself an angel until he found himself abruptly paying all her bills, that of her mother and her son. When he later realized that he was being used, he decided to act while the iron was still hot. But the lady, who was smarter than he was, came to his home when he was out and cleaned the entire apartment and carted away with all his belongings. He reported to the tourist Police, who advised him to kiss his stuff goodbye.

These stories are endless as they happen every now and then.

FICAR
By Mark Stevenso Fuo

This five-letter word in Portuguese has a vast meaning. A quick look at the word in the Portuguese- English Michaelis Dictionary leaves us with the following meanings - to remain, stay; to rest, sojourn; to be situated or located, lie; to be known or noted; to last, endure; to be postponed; to acquire, get; to agree, combine; to grow, become; to guarantee, stand bail; to keep, retain; to die, decease. ficar afastado to stay away. ficar à toa to (lie) idle, hang about. ficar por aí to stick around. ficar quieto to be quiet.

The noun Ficante which is derived from the verb FICAR which in one way can be likened to "Amigo Colorido", outside the dictionary meaning means a relationship between two people whereby they could hangout, go places, hold hands, kiss, smooch, and finally get down without no strings attached. It basically means, a loving and/or sexual friendship between two people. This form of relationship is widely practiced amongst all age range in Brazil. The reason behind it, is one cannot get hurt in a relationship when he/she does not have anything to lose. It is distinctly spelled out by both parties from the word GO during courtship, that, the untimely union strictly centers on having fun while it last.

Dating in Brazil, which starts as early as 12 years of age, is part and parcel of the Brazilian open culture. It is normal for a lady to introduce her boyfriend to her friends, relatives or parents as her FICANTE, and men could do vice versa. The unique aspect of this type of affair is, responsibility can be curtailed, jealousy is no where to be found and when the relationship turns sour, the parties involved will just kiss themselves goodbye and part ways. Some of them might remain best of friends, while some might decide not to see each other again for good. It is all a choice thing.

Religious doctrines regard this kind of relationship as sinful and ungodly. This form of courtship will be scornfully kicked against by Africans who highly believe in morals. It might be frown at in most part of Europe. In America some people might say “HELL NO” while some might say “Its all good”. Nevertheless, what is actually the need of putting up an act of being in love with a man or woman when all you want from him or her is just to catch temporary fun.

Since every country has its yardstick for measuring relationships and affairs of any kind, the above form of relationship should not be jeered at or looked down upon. But frankly speaking, if I have a daughter, who gets involved with a guy at age 12 and goes extra mile to bring him home, and introduce him as her ficante. what in the world will I do. Em em em………..

I am still trying to put on my thinking cap.

Dia dos Namorados (Lovers Day)
By Mark Stevenson Fuo

There are contradictory opinions about the origin of Valentine's Day. Nobody knows exactly who was Saint Valentine. In fact, the ancient church contradictorily named two people that were jailed as Saint Valentine. Some historians argued that it originated from St. Valentine a Roman martyred who refused to give up Christianity. Other stories suggested that he may have been killed for attempting to assist Christians escape gruff Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured . One legend claimed that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Claudius II the Emperor at the time outlawed marriage for young able bodied bachelors and rather conscripted them as soldiers depriving them the right to marriage. Valentine, condemned the injustice of the decree that Claudius promulgated and performed marriages for young lovers in secret. When Claudius discovered his actions, he ordered for his premature death.

Valentine was claimed to have died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that has been devoted today in most parts of the world as lovers’ day. Some legends also say that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, a young lady he fell in love with before he was imprisoned, and signed it "From Your Valentine". An expression that is used among lovers nowadays. . Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date is celebrated by sending and exchanging of poems and simple gifts such as flowers and greeting cards. The day has also been blended with a social gathering or a ball, but it is not considered a public holiday.

In Brazil, the genesis of the date is less romantic. Some attribute it to a pioneering promotion of the store Clipper, accomplished in São Paulo in 1948. Others say that the Day of the Lovers was introduced in Brazil, in 1950, by advertiser João Dória, that created a slogan of commercial appeal that said "não é só com beijos que se prova o amor" (it "is not only with kisses that love" is proven) The intention of Dória was to create the Brazilian equivalent of Valentine's Day - the Day of the Lovers accomplished in the United States. It is probable that June 12 has been the chosen date because it represents a time that selling of presents was not so intense. The idea worked so well for the merchants and from that time onwards, the entire Brazil now commemorates the date annually. Another version reverences the previous day of Santo Antonio's day, the matchmaking saint.

In Salvador da Bahia like any other Brazilian city, Dias dos Namorados is celebrated on June 12^th contrary to the February 14^th with gifts of all kinds, ranging from flowers, cards, cell phones, designers perfumes, clothes, shoes, wrist watches to mention but a few. Entrepreneurs and other clever businessmen use this day to enrich themselves with the introduction of different kinds of products specially made for lovers.

The most romantic and sensitive want to be reminded on this special day if not with presents, with at least words of affection or affections. Realists and practical thinkers, say, it is a gimmick for businessmen to rob people of their money and smile to the bank.

Nevertheless, the Day of the Lovers is special. Usually for the youths, it is a day surrounded by a romantic mystic that does not admit contestations. For matured minds, it represents a reunion of happy moments that is always used as a reminder of a wonderful relationship between couples.

However, there are no statistics confirming the degree of sexual involvements on this day. It is said to be a day in Brazil after the carnival whereby lovers exacerbate passions and probably more intense sexual activities among themselves. Apart from the chocolaty chunk of fun that accompanies this day, ugly situations are registered as well. Ladies without boyfriends do everything humanly possible to get one to spend the day with, as not to be made fun of by their friends. The schemes of Playboys who keep more than one lover gets unraveled on this day. Jealousy fills the air; fighting broke out a lot among lovers and EXes. The big question is with a country as huge as Brazil, with a ratio of 20 elegant women to a man. How could the men endure or possible survive sticking to a woman on “DIAS DO NAMORADOS”.

Is Salvador da Bahia the best place to Retire and Live?
by Mark Stevenson Fuo

Retirement is the fact and act of stopping work because one has reached a particular age; it might be for voluntary, health or reason of getting old and frail.

Retirement ages varies in most countries; some start at sixty while others is at sixty-five. These days, after having worked for about 5 years or more, one is entitled to retire and enjoy life until the unavoidable hand of death snatches one away.

Having worked through thick and thing for donkey years, it is worthy of retiring in a relaxed and comfortable problem free city where one will gladly enjoy ones pension and gratuity without any hitch.

A tour of the tropical city of Salvador in a vast country like Brazil, and visualizing the enormous natural resources that the city encompasses. One might unthinkably conclude that, it will be a perfect place for retirement.

Having visited, the likes of Itaparica Island, Cacoheira, Morro de Sao Paulo, Chapada , Ilha de Mare, Praia de forte, the heart of Pelourinho to mention but just a few, for just two weeks or thereabout, one might think he has seen it all. But before taking the once in a life time decision of moving from your motherland to a place where the language might stand as a perpetual barrier, a place where the culture, tradition, behaviors and ways of life of the people is categorically different from what you are used to, a place where business is done differently from how its done in your country, a place where the food and mode of dressing is a far cry from what fashion is known to be in your country. I guess you have to excogitate a great deal or prefer to take chances. After all, life is all about taking chances..

Different people have diverse reasons for taking decisions. For some already retired dudes that I know, the advantage the Pounds Sterling, Euro and dollar has over the Brazilian currency is one of the fundamental reasons they have for thinking of moving to Salvador after retirement. For some men, it is the beautiful velvet skin Baianas, that come in all shapes and sizes, some say it is the unbeatable all year round sunny weather, others say that Salvador attracts and radiates a welcoming and embracing energy, the hospitable nature of the people is what some claim magnetize them and for most, it is the religious activities and rich African culture of the people that attracts them to this little Africa in South America.

But if you ask me the above titled question, my answer or preferably my advice will be, for those who want to take this decision when they retire, they should look before they leap; because all that glitters is not gold. First and foremost, I will advice that, they should visit Bahia a couple of times more to have a deeper knowledge and a great feel of the place, to rob minds with other foreigners that have been living there for years and tap from their experiences, to live and mingle among the locals and study the day to day life of a typical Baiano for at least six months, to be participant observers of the city rather than readers of magazines and guide books that only speak about the most interesting and juicy parts of every city around the world; most importantly, to have a broader understanding of how to apply for a permanent status or a retirement visa from the Brazilian consulate in their countries and all the bureaucratic requirements involved,. Having done these and more of what are not mentioned here, they could then take the initiative of considering Bahia as an adopted place of abode.

I wish all retirees who intend to make Salvador their chosen home the best of luck as they journey through the wilderness of their minds in taking the right decision of their lifetime.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN IN SALVADOR DA BAHIA, BRAZIL
by Mark Stevens Fuo

Salvador da Bahia a pride and a representation of Africa in Brazil is a state that has recently attracted lots of African Americans. They come for several reasons ranging from spiritual reawakening, discovering of their roots, cultural projects, cultural awareness, the local cuisine, vibrant music and dance, exchange programs, research, business, Afro- Brazilian religion, tourism, vacation, to hang out, chill and sex tourism. Most of these people, who have never visited the distant Motherland, seize the opportunity of the closeness of Brazil to the States to feel the Africanness that the city possesses and affirms.

Having visited, this little Africa for the first, second and third time, most of these black folks dream of someday packing their bag and baggage and kissing America goodbye. However, the big question is, what is the motive behind taking such decisions? Could it be for the economic advantage that the dollar enjoys over the Brazilian reais, or rather, cultural and religious reasons, racial discrimination in the States, or better still, fleeing away from President Bush’s fallacies and sky rocketing of gas prices , or most importantly, the tranquility and energy that some parts of the city of Salvador is known for, or should we say, the irresistible charming velvet skin Baianas and the capoeira built Baianos .

Need I ask, what areas of the city these people have visited before thinking and keenly looking forward to residing perpetually in Bahia? I guess the rosy and juicy parts or touristy spots of town. The historical Pelourinho, Sao Antonio, Barra, Itapua, Rio Vermelho, Corredor da Vitoria, Villas de Atlatico, Morro de Sao Paulo, Cachoeira, Praia de Forte, Pituba, Itaparica Island, Porto Seguro, Trancoso or Interlagos and its likes?

It should be readily known that there is more to the city of Salvador than meet the eyes. Having stayed here for over 2 years and possibly seen most of the city, I guess all that glitters here is not gold after all. Going by these words, I cogitate, it will be advisable for African- Americans to travel to Bahia a couple of times more to have a deeper knowledge and a great feel of the place before making a decision and finally taking the bold step of considering it as an adopted place of abode.

What about paying a visit to the demotic black neighborhoods in Salvador for a start and thoroughly observe the way people eke out a livelihood around these places. Communities like Alto de Peru, Alagoas, Bairro da Paz, Calabar, Fazenda Couto, Fazenda Grande, the interior of Liberdade not Curuzu where Ile Aye is situated, Massaranduba, Mussurunga, Mata Escura, Pau Lima, Nordeste, Sao Marcus, Paripe, Sao Martin, Sao Caetano, Sao Cristovao, Santa Cruz, tubarao to mention but just a few. Having taken an extensive tour of some of these districts, one will realize that, it is not only coming to take away from Salvador and enjoying what the city has got to offer you as an African American, but what you as an individual or a group can offer this beautiful but needy Africanized city that you have discovered in the heart of South America. Salvador is actually looking for people who are interested in giving back to its communities as well as learning from them.

Though the numbers of blacks that live in Salvador exceeds that of white Brazilians, but the reputable businesses, ranging from banking, malls, hospitality industries, telecommunications and technology, bed and breakfast businesses and electro domestic companies are mostly owned by Europeans and white Brazilians. In my sojourn in Salvador, I came across quite a number of African-American businesspersons with fanciful ideas, who after visiting Salvador talked and vaunted of starting up various cultural projects and spring up businesses of all kinds, only to return to the States and no one hears nothing anymore from them or their much talked about business plans and intentions for Salvador.

Like those in Salvador, the greatest challenges facing people of color in the world today are numerous. The recent and past avoidable presence of white supremacy cannot be easily discarded, especially in America, Africa, the Caribbean and South America. The historical supremacy of the western world and its colonial past, whose influence is still heavily felt in the former colonial territories, especially in the structure of power; alongside the globalization of the worldwide capitalist economy which heavily shapes the issues of nation, race and so-called “minority groups” (today also called “ethnic groups” to be more politically correct) are fundamental factors militating against the people of color.

Other factors include, poverty, inferiority complex ( the fact of unconsciously still carrying the slave/master emblem around), the incessant fear of fighting, standing and voicing out the truth, the lack of zeal , enthusiasm, thirst and hunger for knowledge which gives power, the incapability of taken chances and facing the challenges of life squarely, limiting themselves to indentured services when they could do more and reach the heights in any field, the satisfactory nature of their present position and the fear of the future, the consistent looking at the gloomy and not the sunny side of life, the habit of complaining, blaming and daunting, rather than instigating one another, pinning their faiths on easy ways out to make money instead of engaging in back breaking hard work, the total craze for fashion and looking good by any means, the continuous fear of belling the cat in the struggles of life and its expectations, the flaunting around of an “I DON’T CARE” attitude about most issues and most importantly the problem of greed and disunity among the black race.

If the saying “united we stand and divided we fall” is anything to go by, it is worthy of note to remind ourselves that it is selfishness for cheap and worthless material accomplishments that made our fore-fathers sell their children, brothers and sisters into slavery in the first place. The white man planted a seed of discord, which sprung up and germinated into disunity among the people of color and this seed, which has grown into vast and immeasurable branches, have spread globally. Disunity is the bane that has destroyed the African continent to this day. This same malady led to our fighting against each other, thus making alliances with our adversaries that possibly gave rise to slavery. It is disunity that causes our people to identify with the oppressor’s values of beauty and culture of thinking black is inferior, when it is known to be the most beautiful sustaining skin color in the world. It is disunity that is at the base of the breakdown of our communities all over America, where drugs are planted in the neighborhoods to destroy the lives of promising young men and women, by making them rise against each other through exchange of gangster lyrics in their music and the ultimate use of arms. Our best and brightest “middle class” families move as faraway as possible from the African-American communities, leaving a shell with no economic base, no role models and little hope for the future. Our most vocal and visible leaders work for their interest and majority of them are now made richer by pleasing western supremacy and stealing from their fellow brothers (African leaders).This could be observed by the way some black civil right organizations are always largely funded and controlled by the whites. Disunity coupled with envy, pride, jealousy, greed and lack of brotherliness are things that are making the people of color all over the world languish in abject penury.

Consequently, we should not categorically upbraid and base all our misfortunes on the white man. We should not shy away from the fact that majority of us are to be held responsible for being the architects of some of our misfortunes and shortcomings. Remember, you can take the camel to the river, but you cannot force it to drink water. It should be worthy of note that, it is only us that can correct these long term committed errors. Show me a Chinese or Japanese frolicking and wandering around the streets in tattered attires begging for alms or sleeping on the street’s sidewalks looking wretched and grumblingly hungry the way brothers do. I really do not think so. Anywhere one travels today around the world; there is always a China Town or a Japanese community where these people take care of their very own. This is what I call unity. Right here in Salvador, we have a Japanese community, an Italian community and a European Union Network; but do we have an African or African-American community. HELL NO. Shouldn’t this be termed as an ignominy? In a State where 65% of the population is black? and worst still, over 10,000.00 African-Americans annually pump in and out of Salvador for several reasons and non out of these highly educated people have deemed it fit to create a forum or a community where African-Americans in the diaspora can meet and rub minds on topical issues or give each other a hand in putting together different projects to help and educate the black communities. If I can vividly remember, the only community that was organized by some African-Americans I used to know in Salvador was that of organizing parties, hanging out, kicking it, as they called it and a forum where men sit and gist of their sexual escapades with different Brazilian prostitutes.

We have uncountable black billionaires all over America and the world at large, but how many of them have deemed it necessary to yearn to the wailings of indigent brothers? How many of them have gone extra mile in adopting just one colored child and given his life a meaning. How much will it cost them to start up a business in Salvador and employ only brothers and sisters the way the Italians and Japanese do to their owns. It is disheartening when I see black folks from the States exhibiting their so-called wealth to oppress their fellow black Brazilians. Pouncing out and walking head up high in their African-American outfits and majestically portraying to the locals that they are different and superior. The ones, who supposedly want to blend with the natives, make empty, deceptive and endless promises to the black communities that they will actively and monetarily get involved in community development programs in the black neighborhoods and relieve them of their social and economic frustrations. How sad. For the benefit of those who do not know,

“Among other things in Brazil, 98% of professors with masters or PHD degrees are white and why, although 48% of the entire population of Brazil is black, only 14% of university students are blacks”

“Blacks in Salvador are stigmatized by ignorance and condemned to material poverty”

“Today, blacks and whites in Salvador and the entire Brazil can be found, in the same proportion, in three places: slums, prisons and mental institutions. But not in professorships, justice, diplomacy and in first rank of government”

Four very poor Afro-Brazilian students from the Steve Biko Institute in Salvador were given full four years undergraduate scholarships to study in the United States last year. Scholarships that covered tuitions, accommodation and feeding, only to be denied visas by the US Embassy in Recife because they could not speak English. Whereas, Bahia annually plays host to over 1,500.00 predominantly white non- Portuguese speaking American students who come for exchange programs with the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Catholic University of Bahia (UCSAL) and the Association of the United States and Brazil (ACBEU). Unfortunately, the future and academic goals of those four students were toiled with and shattered before their very eyes because they were blacks and did not have a voice. If there was an African- American community here in Bahia that could have collectively stood and fought on behalf of those poor kids this could not have happened.

Furthermore, the ME, MYSELF and I syndrome has taken charge of the lives of most African- Americans completely. They always think of themselves and the money they will make wherever they go without taking into consideration the maxim of “giving is receiving” or “each one teach one”. The American capitalist economy has generally eaten so deep in their lives that they most time forget to be their brothers’ keeper. The only song that has turned an anthem on their lips is “my group, my house, my car, my company, I make that that that hundreds, thousands or millions of dollars, I did this and I did that”.

It is quite unfortunate that the African-Americans living in Salvador and those who come and go could not feel and sense the magnitude and force with which the black folks here look up to them in diverse ways. If only they understand the saying that action speaks louder than words, they would have perceived the intensity that the locals cheer and hail them when they know they are Americans. They fail to observe that, the locals unconsciously jump for joy when they see black men and women hanging out in spots that they, the black Brazilians cannot even come close. You African Americans, next time you find yourself in Bahia, in one those four star hotels that you normally lodge in, or you are eating your favorite Brazilian dish or sipping a glass of caipirinha in one of those sophisticated restaurants around town, pause for a while, take a deep breath, look around you, and count the number of black folks that you see chilling and smiling away among the crowds; and you will know where I am coming from.

Like most musicians and rap artistes will cheer, I GIVE IT UP for people like Wesley Howard a.k.a Lord-Pharaoh ImHotep’Amon Ra, CEO, Founder and Manufacturer of the fastest selling Egyptian Magic All-Purpose Healing Skin Cream "The People's Choice,” Popularly known as Magic. This multi-millionaire African - American who is always sprucely dressed in designer's outfit of all kinds, has single-handedly taken care of several street kids, youths and adults around lots of run down black and white communities in the Salvador metropolis. He has given scholarships, health insurance, adopted kids and dole cash amounting to thousands and thousands of dollars to lots of black and white destitute families in Salvador. He has, and is still paying the rents of numerous families and independent young men in Salvador. Most importantly, he has not just been giving money but has instigated and armed most of these young at hearts with the key and secrets of making and acquiring wealth and getting out of the shackles of poverty for good. If he were not to be an American, he will win unopposed if by any chance he decides to contest for a political office in Salvador. One cannot come across this man at lunch or anytime he is eating without inviting you to join him; and sitting around him will categorically change your perception about being pessimistic about life. This man who is a smooth and highly intelligent positive thinker never believes anything is impossible. The strong humanitarian assistance that he has showered on most communities in Salvador has earned him their love, trust and respect. If there is a foreigner, who can walk freely at any time, any day, and to anywhere in the downtrodden neighborhoods of Salvador without been touched, robbed or harmed, that person is no one but the MAGIC. He is a great man with a sympathetic attitude who is aware of his wealth and thinks it should be circulated with people who need help. Magic can be checked out at www.egyptianmagic.com.

For those self-sponsored NGO’s owned by African-Americans that are doing positive stuff in Salvador. I give it up to your guys also. More grease to your elbows and keep up the great work.

Conclusively, rather than only coming to Bahia for all the reasons mentioned in the beginning of this piece, I strongly believe now is the time for African-Americans and Brazilians of African heritage, to actually get along and learn from each other. It's not about changing the people, but introducing a new angle of thought through the creation of personal bonds and the introduction of new ideas and understanding, while completely preserving the depth of both the black America and Afro- Brazilian culture.

“It was obvious once again, that we "first people of the earth"

must communicate, educate and plan ways for all of us

around the world to get out of the barrel. It's taking too

long. The phrase "each one teach one" needs to spread

faster and with more intensity”.

What say ye? - Son-ya Thompson.

DRIVING IN SALVADOR

Mark Stevenson Fuo

Driving in Portugal is hell. Driving in Rio or São Paulo is terrible and driving in Salvador Bahia is a BITCH.

Where does this reckless driving habit emerge from? Could it be from the Portuguese people? Well, to be able to drive or acquire a driver’s license in Bahia, there are series of tests that you have to undergo; this includes written, physical, mental and psychological tests. But again, the big question is does everybody apply or undertake this test. Without being told I guess you should know the answer to this question. If all drivers on the streets of Salvador have sincerely undertaken this rigorous test, there will be less recklessness and accidents on not only the highways but the streets of Bahia.

Corruption has also crept it's ugly head into DETRAN which is the State departments for traffic where driver’s licenses could be acquired. Because of the difficulty of scaling through the drivers tests coupled with bureaucracy, the applicant who has not been able to pass the exam just simply bribe his/her way through and in no time he is seen on the roads flexing muscles with qualified drivers. Unfortunately, the numbers of people like this exceeds those who are actually qualified to be on the roads.

Does drinking and driving offenses, over speeding, careless driving, seat belt regulations, using a hand held mobile phone offenses taken seriously in Salvador – Bahia? Yes to a certain level, but no to a reasonable extent. Because it is only on major highways that monitoring cameras are planted to check over speeding. Though the police and traffic officers try their best, but one can rarely see a police giving a ticket to somebody for breaking traffic regulations.

However, the roads are small and narrow, but everybody is in a hurry to get to god knows where. Over taking amongst drivers is very common. I would have said beware of only the commercial bus drivers who think they are road masters and drive incredibly awful, but instead I would say when you intend to drive in Salvador, be you a foreigner or from any other part of Brazil, you have to beware of every single driver on the road. 99.9% per cent of them practically fly and not drive.

Even if we think, driving in Salvador is a bitch, fines still applies to drivers that violate the law. Some of them include,

1. Failure to wear a seat belt carries a fine of up to R$500 –There are regulations governing the wearing of seat belts in cars, vans and good vehicles. Children from say 0-4 years old should also be seat belted on their restraint in the back seat or else the fine applies to them as well. But children under 3 years may travel in the rear of a taxi unrestrained if no child restraint is available.

2. Breath test is conducted if apprehended and suspected for a drinking and driving offense.

3. Failing to Stop/Give Particulars after an accident is also a serious offense- 6 month or more imprisonment depending on the court.

4. Speeding / Exceeding the speed limit – Fine are charged for this offense .. say between 150 to 200 reais.

5. Totting up - a driver can be disqualified where he/she accumulates a certain number of penalty points within period of time. In addition, if caught by the police he/she will be charged to court and his/her license will be seized after he has paid a fine. However, you know the worst aspect of it all? He/she will have to take the driving test all over again from the scratch.

For foreigners who intend to drive in Bahia and I believe other parts of Brazil you need

A valid original and photo copies of your driver’s license from you country of residence
A translated copy of the driver’s license translated by a qualified legal translator/ in case this is absent, you have to provide either a signed copy by a diplomatic representative of your country in Brazil or a copy signed by the consular office where you applied for your visa.
Original and photo copies of a valid international passport
Presentation of document of identification given to you by the Federal Police when you first came into the country.
CPF ( which can be likened to a social security number for a person that is alive) original and photocopies
A proof of residency. Original and photocopies.

After all these documents have been gotten, you will take them to DETRAN in Iguatemi. And you will be schooled further on what to do. But remember to drive in Salvador da Bahia, the watchword for you is prevention is better than cure, because as we all know, not all fast runners are winner.

Peace and love.

Street children in Salvador

by Mark Stevenson Fuo

"Street children" is a term often used to describe both market children (who work in the streets and markets of cities selling or begging, and live with their families) and homeless street children (who work, live and sleep in the streets, often lacking any contact with their families). At highest risk is the latter group. Murder, consistent abuse and inhumane treatment are the "norm" for these children, whose ages range from six to 18. They often resort to petty theft and prostitution for survival. They are extremely vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS. An estimated 90% of them are addicted to inhalants such as shoe glue and paint thinner, which cause kidney failure, irreversible brain damage and, in some cases, death. ( Casa Alianza)”

UNICEF has defined three types of street children: Street-Living, Street- Working, and Street- Family.

Street Living Children: children who ran away from their families and live alone on the streets.
Street Working Children: children who spend most of their time on the streets, fending for themselves, but returning home on a regular basis.
Children from Street Families: children who live on the streets with their families

In Salvador da Bahia where street children are referred to as “Os Meninos de Rua”, they have been identified in four groups

· Children that are categorically abandoned - These are children who do not work, keep or maintain any family contacts, but basically live on the streets.They are usually armed with drugs of all kinds, especially the inhalant ones - like the shoemaker's glue which they discovered is a great and cheap substitute for crack.

· Children that are partially abandoned - These are children who do not work, live on the streets but have some contact with their families. The use of drugs among them is common.

· Children who love the Streets - They wander around the streets but are careful in maintaining contact with their families. They do not work nor use drugs but they live on begging to eke out a livelihood.

· Hard-working children -These children hang out on the streets and actively engage themselves in different kinds of work; ranging from shoe shinning, selling of petty items like sweet and cigarettes, washing of the windscreens of cars on traffic, watching of cars that are parked on the streets and prostitution. Most of them live with their families and they get highly involved on drugs.

In Salvador, boys and girls live on the streets. However, the girls are more protected than the boys. The proportion of boys and girls can be likened to nine boys to each girl. The latter who are considered more 'useful' and susceptible to danger, stay at home while the former who are termed stronger and less sensitive to threats, go hustling on the streets.

Most of the children one sees on the streets of Salvador are not abandoned by their families. On the contrary, they escape from their homes for fear of being maltreated, abject poverty, or the harsh authority that their parents inflict on them. The instability in the family setting is the fundamental factor that makes children take to the streets. On the streets' they run into like minds that come from similar background and take to them at first sight. Before long, they soon discover that the reality of life on the streets is a different ball game compared to what they experienced back home. Instead of returning, they hang on to the maxim "Forward ever and backward never" and comfortably pitch their tents on the streets encountering social dangers and ironically enjoying their newly discovered independent lives.

In Salvador, these kids could be found in mostly tourist flourished areas, like everywhere around the historical Pelourinho, the Barra area, Mercado Modelo, and majority of the streets in the state. A lot of them are smart alecs that engage in petty stealing and expert begging. They put up acts of being hungry, get money off people, especially tourists and unfortunately spend the money to get high on crack or shoe glues. The easiest way to get them off your back is not to engage in any kind of conversation, but simply wave a finger at them with a capital NO sign.

Apart from those that beg, inconveniencing passersby on the streets, some engage themselves in different acrobatic displays for a token on major highways whenever there is a stop sign. After the act, which last not more than fifteen seconds, they walk around the cars asking for some cents. Few car owners give them mostly ten to twenty cents. But what baffles me the most is the manner in which, luxurious cars owners hurriedly wind up their car window glasses when these kids are approaching them, without giving them a dime. The sight is highly disheartening.

The population of street children in Salvador has increased tremendously. A visit every night to the lower city of town like the Largo de Roma roundabout will reveal a teeming number of street children scrambling on a long line to get food from very few rich people who take it upon themselves to distribute food to them every evening in their hangouts. To curtail their number which most rich inhuman people consider embarrassing, the police in Rio , though it has not taken effect in Salvador, stormed the streets one night and killed over a hundred of these children. What a vile, barbaric and animalistic action that took place in this technologically advanced century.

Lots of NGO’s have enriched themselves in the disguise of partaking in projects that benefit these future leaders on the streets. Many are still springing up, but my only advice is that, before you contribute your hard-earned money for a course, especially that of assisting any NGO who claims to be working with street children in Bahia, use your number six.