Sao Paulo - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Same answers as above question regarding racial minorities. Racism in Brazil, as in many other countries, is still a prevalent issue and can be very difficult for those experiencing it. Not sure about religious prejudices, but it's not something I have heard a lot of concerns about in Sao Paulo. Christianity is definitely the pre-dominant religion in Brazil, but places of worship for other religions exist, and, unlike in some other countries, you don't hear much about mob or government violence against minority religious groups. - Jun 2024
There is. Racism towards people of color has been and continues to be a problem. - May 2021
Yes. People of color report discrimination in our apartment buildings, etc. - Apr 2021
Very large problems with racism. Brazil had more slaves than the US and had slavery longer. The scars are still VERY visible. - Aug 2019
It depends on how much you integrate into the community, but if you do you will witness "machismo" attitudes. Most local women we knew stayed home and there were not as many sports activities available to our daughter. We did not witness any ethnic or religious issues. Brazilians love Americans and the country has really opened up to other groups as well. - Nov 2017
There is a lot of racism in Brazil, and people with darker skin color will experience it here. - Apr 2017
No. Sao Paulo is a huge mesh of individuals from different cultures, religions, sects, etc. - Jan 2017
Of course. But no worse than in the United States. Maybe Brazilians want to believe discrimination is based on class, not race, but it's obvious that people here with darker skin have less money and fewer economic opportunities. Here's a nice piece on a complicated issue: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/brazils-colour-bind/article25779474/ We have Asian children, and we don't feel like people stare at us. In general, Brazil is very diverse with lots of Japanese-Brazilians who have been here for decades. But, we have children who are a different race than we are, but we don't feel particularly discriminated against or stared at anymore here than anywhere else. - Aug 2015
Not that we have experienced. - Aug 2013
No - Jan 2012
No - Jan 2012
No. There are two non-denominational Christian churches in English; one Catholic church in English. - Jan 2012
Yes, as in much of Brazil you will see that skin colour is often related to social station. It seems all religions are welcome, however. Men here have the Latin machismo thing going strong but the women are aggressive and it seems to balance out. - Oct 2008
Brazilians will tell you that there is no racism in Brazil. This, of course, means there's a great deal, but the society hasn't yet come to terms with it. It's not institutionalized, but if you're black, it's not going to be as easy to get into the premier nightclubs. Browse the photo gallery section of their websites and you'll see why. One person I know went to an members only style club and they told this person, - Aug 2008
