Jim,

I agree with you that this image does not represent the daily life of the residents of the community. It was an editorial decision made by the editor of Freshly Serious, I assume, to draw more attention to the post. While it was not my idea to use this image, if it helps draw people in to read the article and, in turn, learn more about the community, then I suppose it was worth it. But since you have given me the opportunity to talk about it now, let me say the following….

I am a resident of the community of Rocinha. I know first hand what life is like there. While it is a daily occurrence to see heavily armed young men in the streets, it is also a daily occurrence to see children going to school, people going to and from their jobs, kids playing in the streets and people of all sorts enjoying themselves with their neighbors. The stereotype of the 'favelado', or favela dweller, as a thug, junkie, thief or other low life, is totally and completely false. The stereotype of the favelas as being dangerous places, I would also argue, is a false one, unless you are the police. Rio, as a city, can be a dangerous place. In the favela, however, no crime is tolerated by the faction in control. The community is not without problems however. We are still not without a covered sewer system and the moradores (residents) lack real opportunities and face constant discrimination by those from the 'asfalto', or the flat, paved, wealthier neighborhoods. This is one reason projects like Tio Lino's art school are so important for the community.

Thank you, Jim, for taking the time to write and for making this point.

regards–>tee…

(post author)