My lovely internet friend "Ray Adkins" sent me a really interesting video made by the American government in 1943 to talk up São Paulo and Brazil to Americans. It's long, but worth watching. I think my favorite part was the awkward English words they used for a lack of a good translation, like "the interior of the country" and the "rector of the university." Oh, and their nice translation of serra to "precipitous escarpment."
Also, I find it interesting that there's vurtually no mention of the military regime, just a few images that happen to say "militar" on boxes and stuff.
Check it out here (it's grandparent friendly!):
To get a more modern idea of São Paulo, I recommend Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations episode on Brazil in general and the city in specific. It's witty and thoughtful without being too naive or Americanized.
If you're too cheap for cable, like me, you can watch it here on YouTube in 5 parts, starting with part 1 here:
Thanks Michelle!
Thoughts?
PS: Does anyone know how I can change the size of the YouTube videos so they don't take over my side bar? I tried to use the customize feature on youtube itself, but it doesn't cooperate.
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Danielle,
ReplyDeleteIt is good to remember that during the early 40's, Brazil's industry was producing goods and military stuff for WWII, Brazil fought with the UK, the US and France against Japan, Germany and Italy.
Brazil was a democracy at the time of this movie.
I am guessing the military regime you mentioned in Brazil took place between 1964 and 1986.
Thank you so much for sharing the Anthony Bourdain show, it was really cool and super updated with the new Sao Paulo.
Ray
"soccer football fans", haha.
ReplyDeleteUnlike Bourdain, the US government forgot to mention Tristão.
"São Paulo feels like L.A. threw up on New York."(2:34) Hilarious episode!
I think there were a series of these films made. I've seen a similar one on B.H. Interesting how the US interest has waxed and waned over the years.
ReplyDeleteI'll watch the videos later when I get a chance but I had to comment now that I'm so obsessed with No Reservations these days! It's my new DVR recorded show. I watch it during my lunch break whenever I get ot take it at 1pm. The other day I learned where the Azores are!
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