Brasil - World Cup 2014!

I was born in Brazil. I watched all World cups with my family.  I even prayed that Brazil would win the 1994 World cup! I rooted, I got my hands sweaty during penalty kicks, and I screamed when we won! Romario, Dunga, Bebeto, Ronaldinho! Ah, my heroes.

Now, world cup 2014, here I am, sitting in the couch with the tv on waiting for the second time.  I watched the opening ceremonies and all I wanted to do was cry.  Weird though, I wasn't crying because I missed my country or because I was so happy the World cup is in my country. I cried because they showed all the diversity and richness of my country and yet, all I had in my mind was the poverty, corruption, and how all that richness and beauty could be even richer and even more beautiful.  I have never felt such deep sadness for my country as I did today while watching the opening ceremony.

I watched this clip posted on Facebook and it made me so sad... In a nutshell, other countries have spent 10-15bi on getting ready for the cup and Fifa has paid all taxes.  Brazil has spent 30bi and has allowed FIFA to not pay taxes. Ask any Brazilian why the difference, they will all say that it went to someone's pocket.

Brazil is a wonderful country. Believe it or not, even after all this, Brazilians are just generally happy.  They may be in the worst situation but given the opportunity, they will serve those in need.  How many times was I in a public bus with a heavy backpack going home from school and someone sitting offered to hold it for me until I got off?  Or how many times a stranger opened the door for me or allowed me to go in first? Banks, grocery stores and anywhere that offers service to the public have priority line for the elderly (it's part of our constitution to look after the elderly), pregnant women, and people with children. And if a line is not present and these three kinds of people show up, they will let them go first, even if they will be in line another 30mins.

Don't get me wrong, I am excited for this world cup, but I am conflicted. The sport is a wonderful thing. It brings nations, people, and families together. But what it has represented for my people while they were getting ready, makes me feel conflicted inside.

I wish Brazilians were patriotic all year round - and that includes Brazilians in government.  I wish they wore the flag on independence day like they wear it during a world cup game. I wish good people would have the hope to drive them to run for office in government.

Brasil, the green and yellow country. Full of happy people and richness. I love my country and I will never lose hope that someday it will be a wonderful place.