“Praia (the beach) is Brazil’s great equalizer, a democracy unto itself, where everyone goes to swim, take in the sun, and play.” – Elizabeth Herrington, author of Passport Brazil.
It is true that you see every type of person on the beach. Fat, skinny. Rich, poor. Black, white, (or in my case) red. However, I do not agree with the rosy picture that Herrington paints of beach life in Brazil. Even though people from all walks of life frequent the beach, it is still very easy to see the divisions in social status, wealth, and occupation. As you walk along the beach you can notice which areas are for people in the upper, middle, and lower classes. And of course, there are those who make their living from beach life; a life that is far from ‘fun in the sun’.
I would argue that the beach is not a democracy, but a mini society. And just like every other society you are a part of, you have a place and a role to play. The beach is no different.
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Written by Diana for life out of a suitcase. Read more stories by 20 something woman expats and travelers at Life Out of a Suitcase...
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