Is Rio de Janeiro destroying the image of Brazil?

Question

Is Rio de Janeiro destroying the image of Brazil?

Answer 1

Yes... and no.

Well, I think that Brazilians that live outside of Rio de Janeiro would say, "YES" to this question.  The friends I have in other cities in Brazil see Rio as a very violent and dangerous city.  Well... they see it this way because compared to the rest of Brazil it is!  So, Rio de Janeiro does have a bad reputation because of the violence.  As well, this reputation is often quickly acknowledged by other Brazilians.

As it pertains to foreigners, unfortunately many foreigners see Brazil and Rio as the same thing.  Many foreigners are not aware of how vast and amazing Brazil is.  There are so many other cities and states that are unknown to non-Brazilians.  Thus, when foreigners hear about the crime in Rio they often associate this crime with Brazil as a whole.  This isn't entirely true.  But, I would say it is (unfortunately) partially true.  Again, many foreigners (not all) just don't know a lot about Brazil's other amazing cities.

On the other hand, Rio de Janeiro does have an excellent reputation apart from the crime and violence.  Whether you live in Rio OR you are a foreigner... Rio is seen as a place where you can enjoy life.  People think of the beautiful people, the beaches, Corcovado, Sugar Loaf and many other spectacular sites.  Of course, there is also the friendliness of the the Brazilian people and the amazing Brazilian culture.  So, there is also a lot of good about Rio that people are aware of.  It's not all bad.

Overall, I think I understand why you ask this question.  Rio seems to be getting increasingly violent and you wonder why someone isn't doing more about the crime, violence, poverty and corruption..  As well, since so many people associate Rio with Brazil it's hard to not worry about what foreigners think of Brazil as a whole.

By the way... other countries have this same problem.  Some people say thre is a lot of violence in the USA, etc.  Well, in some PARTS of the USA this is true.  However, in many other parts there are still people that leave their houses unlocked when they leave the house (or go to bed at night) and these same people trust strangers as if they were friends.  It's not as if they were stupid or anything.  It's just where they happen to live.

Good question.

Answer 2

Since so many foreigners identify Rio with Brazil in general, despite the country`s diversity, the city`s problems probably are hurting the country`s image abroad disproportionately.

Answer 3

I think Brazil is a whole is doing that job, with or without Rio.

Answer 4

No, Rio is the second biggest city in Brazil.  With the most tourists. It has problem of big city, forgotten people.  Los Angeles is a big city dangerous too. No like Rio but it is. Because of it don't you want visit? Rio has different problems.

Answer 5

No. Why would Rio do it and São Paulo, not?