tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11955271.post8749799296047182163..comments2024-03-08T01:48:00.413-08:00Comments on Austin to Africa, Brasil to the Bay: Fotografia, FinallyAli Ambrosiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00521627345210424042noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11955271.post-76793076721776524312009-11-12T20:50:25.021-08:002009-11-12T20:50:25.021-08:00So funny about the miniscule bikinis and yet not t...So funny about the miniscule bikinis and yet not topless - seems like U.S. cultural norms and hypersexualization through hiding, as opposed to northern Europeans who just shed clothing so naturally. <br /><br />Interesting. Thanks for your insights!NOLAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05572754078356812922noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11955271.post-46740805904069585722009-11-10T08:45:07.468-08:002009-11-10T08:45:07.468-08:00above: not restricted to, or representative of Bra...above: not restricted to, or representative of Brazil.Ali Ambrosiohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00521627345210424042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11955271.post-59813824455722665842009-11-10T08:44:08.482-08:002009-11-10T08:44:08.482-08:00~Nola - I find what happened horrifying, as do all...~Nola - I find what happened horrifying, as do all of the Brazilians I know (Rico, family, friends). Yes, Brazil is definitely a country concerned with body image and health, in particular in Rio and the coastal cities.<br /><br />However, there are a lot of paradoxes when it comes to showing one's body. In certain circumstances - i.e. the beach, carnaval, walking along the boardwalk - it is fine and even expected that people use tiny bikinis and other skimpy clothes. Yet, nobody does topless sunbathing! In fact, it causes a bit of a scandal every time a tourist gives it a try, as it's considered improper (even though wearing a miniscule bikini - arguably "sexier" than going topless - is not).<br /><br />As for the incident at the university, it's definitely not "normal" for people to wear skimpy or short clothes to class. Likely the girl stood out, became the target of taunting, and then things spiraled out of control as a result of a mob mentality. The people I know in Brazil are horrified that 1) the incident happened at all, 2) she was blamed for it in any way (i.e. she "asked for it"), and 3) that she was expelled as a result (although now it seems her expulsion has been reversed).<br /><br />I think there are ignorant men and women in most places that believe a woman "asks for it" if she wears provocative clothes or behaves in a certain manner. This misdirected thinking is unfortunate, and definitely not restricted to Brazil.Ali Ambrosiohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00521627345210424042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11955271.post-66781026337558187332009-11-10T07:44:57.881-08:002009-11-10T07:44:57.881-08:00Hi Ali, what are your thoughts on the Brazilian st...Hi Ali, what are your thoughts on the Brazilian student & the mini-dress? http://jezebel.com/5400255/short-skirt-sparks-mass-hysteria-at-brazilian-university<br /><br />It makes no sense to me. I know sooo little about Brazil, but the Brazilians I know talk about how important it is to be in really good shape because bodies are so exposed such as beach, carnival, etc. So wearing a mini dress sparks a riot? Is it because of the setting, even though students can see far much more other places in their world? <br /><br />And is this a fair representation of Brazilian cultural norms, that women "ask for" rape? Or is this anomalous and just mob mentality?NOLAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05572754078356812922noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11955271.post-90714977407388322942009-11-08T00:53:23.591-08:002009-11-08T00:53:23.591-08:00LOVE the purple hat. I say just wear it whenever y...LOVE the purple hat. I say just wear it whenever you want - it's funky enough to pull off with anything :)Marciahttp://takechargeofyourlife.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.com