Fulbright U.S. Student
Grantee Newsletter

Brazil, Its Future, and Me

There's a running joke about the country where I am a 2008 Fulbright U.S. Student Program grantee: “Brazil is the country of the future, and always will be.”  The supposed humor inherent in this quip is based on the premise that Brazil’s abundance of natural resources promises an economic prominence that is forever forthcoming - yet perennially postponed - a delay which is ostensibly the result of a lack of Brazilian gumption.  Though it is too soon to say who will laugh last, the joke’s teller or its object of derision, it is safe to say that Brazil is changing, for the better.  Working in public schools in the state of Rio de Janeiro, I'd like to consider myself a part of that change.

Mark C. Beasley-Murray, 2008-2009, Brazil ETA

Much in Brazil is different from when I was first here as a 2003 Gilman Scholar.  The country’s investment grade status is up[i]; its metropolitan murder rates are down[ii]; the size of its middle class has increased and its GINI coefficient (of economic disparity) has decreased.[iii]  Brazil is energy independent[iv]and its annual gross national product growth hovers around 4%.[v]  Inflation is at bay.[vi]  With the boom in commodities prices and the recent discovery of vast offshore oil fields, some are opining that Brazil’s future may be now.[vii]  In fact, Brazil is doing so well that its performance is hindered by a shortage of trained professionals.[viii]  That is where my small role comes into play.

As part of the ELL Project, I serve as an instructional coach to area elementary school English language teachers, sharing the principles of bilingual, literacy, and foreign language methodology as well as preparing activity and assessment materials.  As there is a shortage of English language teachers in Brazil, I have voluntarily taken on the role of the primary English language teacher for 150 first through third grade students at Lucio de Mendonça public school - an experience that has proved indescribably rewarding.  Additionally, the thirst for English lessons is so strong here that I agreed also to give courtesy English classes outside of the ELL Project for older members of the community.  However, to underscore how knowledge of English impacts opportunities here and elsewhere, is old news.  For me, what is new and exciting is seeing Brazil grow and being a part of that growth. 

It still remains to be seen whether or not that old joke about the future of Brazil will soon need to be retired.  Corruption, crime, lack of infrastructure, and an anemic public education system continue to hamper the country’s progress, although considerable inroads have been made.  Jokes aside, what is certain is that each day, when my classroom fills with the fresh faces of the next generation staring at me, eager to learn, I wink back at these bright-eyed members of Brazil's future, smile wide, and then begin my day’s work by greeting them with a hearty Hello!”

[i] "Making the grade."  The Economist.  (2 May 2008.)  3 May 2008.  http://tinyurl.com/62hxmx

[ii] "Not as violent as you thought."  The Economist.  (21 August 2008.)  22 August 2008.  http://tinyurl.com/56tced

[iii] "The delights of dullness."  The Economist.  (17 April  2008.)  18 April 2008.  http://tinyurl.com/652ts9

[iv] "Biofuels in Brazil: lean, green, and not mean."  The Economist.  (26 June 2008.)  27 June 2008.  http://tinyurl.com/5d834e

[v] "Country Briefings: Economic data."  The Economist.  (26 June 2008.)  30 June 2008.  http://tinyurl.com/5e3bug

[vi] "The tortoise and the hare."  The Economist.  (28 March 2008.)  30 March 2008.  http://tinyurl.com/6r9ucr

[vii] Barrionuevo, Alexei.  "Strong Economy Propels Brazil to World Stage."  The New York Times.  (31 July 2008.)  31 July 2008.  http://tinyurl.com/5g397z

[viii] Downie, Andrew.  "Wanted: Skilled Workers for a Growing Economy in Brazil."  The New York Times.  (2 July 2008.)  3 July 2008.  http://tinyurl.com/6qdj2w

Carving Karma in Laos

“Excuse me, do you know where Ajarn Bouneaung’s house is?” I asked a worker at a roadside petrol station.         

“It’s not too far, just drive towards the next temple,” the man replied.         

“Kop jai lai lai,” or "Thank You," I said.

A comforting Lao smile replied, “Bor bpen yhang,” or "No worries."

Ajarn (the Lao and Thai word for teacher) Bouneaung is a well-known temple woodcarver in the Vientiane area.  Although he was never formally educated at the Faculty of Fine Arts, his work is detailed and smoothly finished to perfection.  As rain clouds parted, he welcomed me to a discussion on the parallels between Buddhism, art and merit-making at his home that Sunday afternoon.

Tiffany Hacker, 2008-2009, Laos

Historically, woodcarvers have typically been monks studying in the temple where they resided, although some traveled long distances to work in other regions.  Today, the tradition has changed.  Commercial artisans carve and paint as commissioned by the temple’s abbot and lay temple committee members.  The patron sponsoring the artwork, the amount donated for the artist’s salary, and supplies vary from temple to temple.

Bouneaung’s woodcarvings and Buddhist identity are not only affected by his local Lao community.  Just as artisans in history traveled to other regions to carve, temple carvers are now sought after on a global level.  The art of Lao woodcarving and merit-making also reveal transnational connections. Bouneaung’s local woodcarvings are soon to be seen at Vat Xiengthong, a Lao temple-in-the-making in southern France.  Bouneaung’s merit now transcends the borders of one nation-state and engages the Buddhist Lao Diaspora in France.  On this Sunday, my research reached France, and I soon discovered several Lao artists engaged with Buddhist temples in America.

Rethinking my role as a ‘cultural ambassador,’ I realized how the invaluable time conversing with local folk artist epitomizes my Fulbright experience.  To know the global, we must be in search of the local – in this case, their spirit, dignified work and world perspectives – rain or shine.