Around the world, some countries face an inevitable economic crisis,
but the economic reality that Brazil is living in might be called a
phase of fascination.
Our current economic system is clearly
unsustainable, and due to a false monetary situation created by the
banks, inevitably promotes differentiation and exclusion. While many
people seem to be aware of this fact, here in Brazil there is a
progression in the opposite direction where people are becoming even
more capitalistic. Considering this, some are still dedicated to a
comprehensive understanding of what is unfolding right now and
attempting to educate others about the reality of the current global
situation.
Brazil is world renowned for a warm and cheerful culture, and the
world can see this demonstrated when a catastrophe happens or any
situation arises where there is need for people to help each other.
There are many reports and videos of people who have been devastated by
landslides or floods and lost a lifetime’s worth of possessions, but
despite the despair they are be feeling, there is a huge motivation to
rebuild and reconstruct what was lost. They remain optimistic in tough
times and can count on the support of close people and associations. One
could say that the Brazilian people, are an optimistic people.
When I present the ideas and The Venus Project’s design concepts for
the first time to a person or group of people, the response I get is
amazing. It is very important to appeal to specific values of people
that you are speaking to. Talking directly about science can be
off-putting, but talking about cooperation and equality motivates and
stimulates people. What we see with this is that most people are unaware
of what science really is and what science can provide for humans. I
always try to make it very clear the concept of science as a tool that
exists to help the human being, not as a form of slavery, which is what
we have today within our monetary system.
In a country like Brazil, we have abundant natural resources and a
growing economy. But we distribute plastic bags in supermarkets and use
wasteful packaging. There are no sorted recycling bins outside of the
major capitals or urban centers. There are still open dumps in many
areas with no system for collection. Environmental education is not
taught in enough schools around the country. In this case, Brazilian
optimism could be, for the first time, a detriment to the culture.
Recently there seems to be the first awakening to some environmental
issues, motivated by the reformulation of forest legislation in the
country and the construction of large dams in the North. While some
voices were raised, others remained silent so they could take advantage
of the situations for their own profit. The Brazilian people are
optimistic, but also a people who generally do not realize the
consequences of this optimism, that it is based on the concept of
abundant resources (almost as if they were to last forever). They assume
that in times of difficulty there will always be someone to assist and
resolve the situation.
Almost like a some sort of religion, a belief that “everything will
work out” functions as a kind of weak support that justifies the
omission of the Brazilian to the irresponsible consumption of resources.
Brazilians currently live in times of growth, mass consumption, and
economic development where the rest of the world is in an economic
crisis, which makes them reflect on what is actually the current
economic system of our global society.
On other hand, there is a genuine concern with social inequality and
the desire to bridge the gap between the social classes in Brazil.
Gradually, the importance of education becomes apparent, and many try to
break their own barriers and limits to acquire more knowledge and
therefore become more capable and conscientious. Right here is where I,
as a Brazilian (having grown up and formed myself inside this
environment of optimism), put my own optimism – believing that we can
truly learn and educate ourselves and change this reality.
There are about 40 small communities in Brazil based on concepts of
sustainability and permaculture. There are also several Indian tribes
who seek to remain isolated from the economic, political and social
systems, which allows them to remain in balance with nature. Here in
Brazil there are excellent scientific centers and organizations. There
are numerous activities and projects for development of new technologies
in a more environmentally responsible way. There are several
organizations that seek to support and fund the development of science.
But also, there are large individual and political interests behind many
of these good projects.
Expanding our horizons through knowledge, I believe that we can
recognize and identify the problems and their origins here in Brazil and
around the world, making The Venus Project be recognized for what it is
– a realistic solution.
Article written by me in www.tvpmagazine.com
