Do the favelados find it disrespectful/insulting?

Question

Do the people of the favela get offended when tourists come take tours of their neighborhoods. A girl in my class from brazil said her mother gets offended, she lives in Rocinha(no clue where that is), and gets offended that tourists come through and gaze and snap pictures like there at a zoo.

Is this true, I've always wanted to travel to Brazil but I do not want to offend the locals?

Answer 1

I don't live in a slum and I've never been in any one, so I have no idea if they get offended by tourists. I think that's a crazy kind of tour. It's dangerous! We have many safely beautiful places to visit here, and certainly a slum isn't one of them.

By the way, Rocinha is the biggest slum from Brazil. We can say the Rocinha is basically a city into another one called Rio de Janeiro.

If you wanna come to visit Brazil, I can tell you many interesting spots from here. Brazil is really beautiful and you will be very welcome.

Answer 2

i don't know i have never met anyone that lives there. don't take me bad, but, there are so many wonderful things to see here, why would you wanna see a favela?

Answer 3

I think it depends how you behave yourself during this "tour". Rocinha is the biggest slum in Rio de Janeiro and there are various pubs and even schools around there. I've heard people sit there and have a bier and snacks without a problem.  Even though you should take care, I think it is not a problem to walk around, I believe people would even appreciate that you talk to them and then make photos, if you wish. But don't simply go there and act like if you are in the zoo (like the other answerer said). Brazilian people are very friendly and very keen to get to know other people...

Answer 4

When I have visited the favelas, I have talked with and gotten approval from people to take their photograph.  I like to take portraits of people doing what they do.  I do not go in and just start snapping photos.

I think some would be offended if it appeared to be done in a non-respectful way.  I really don't think favelas should be tourist attractions.  I have been because I have friends who live their and friends who know people there.

Answer 5

Think of it like this. Would you like a group of people who have more than you could dream to parade through and watch you in poverty.