Photo of the day: Chief Raoni crying

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

The chief Raoni cries when he learns that brazilian president Dilma released the beginning of construction of the hydroelectric plant of Belo Monte, even after tens of thousands of letters and emails addressed to her and which were ignored as the more than 600,000 signatures. That is, the death sentence of the peoples of Great Bend of the Xingu river is enacted. Belo Monte will inundate at least 400,000 hectares of forest, an area bigger than the Panama Canal, thus expelling 40,000 indigenous and local populations and destroying habitat valuable for many species - all to produce electricity at a high social, economic and environmental cost, which could easily be generated with greater investments in energy efficiency.
There's a petition you can sign against the building of the dam - here

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60 comentarii:

Anonymous said...

I'm a brazilian and i'm sorry to say that, but americans are trying to make a petition about that?
the people who most destroy the world with pollution, wars and many more are trying (again) to interfere on other countries business? did you even see what you did to many countries on the middle east, japan and many more countries to be mad about the construction of a dam?
you expelled the biggest part of the american indian population from it's home and are mad because of what we, brazilians, are doing today?
shame on you, grow up and mind your own business

Anonymous said...

So, you're saying that because the United States are harming the world in many ways it's ok for every country to do it?

Anonymous said...

no, i'm just saying that it's kind of an insult for me, as a brazilian, that a country that has done so many bad things for the environment is trying to stop the building of the dam
wich is a source of energy that does no harm to the environment, also wich is going to generate thousands of jobs(wich is quite a GIANT deal in Brazil), not counting the amount of energy that is necessary for us to use
cause different than a lot of countries, Brazil is trying to use sources of energy that doesn't harm the enviroment, such as this dam, wich generates energy from water, and also ethanol wich pollutes the enviroment about 90% less
i'm totally against harming the world, but these people who are gonna lose their home, will gain a compensation so they can live somewhere else.
this kind of source of energy sometimes needs some special locations that people live, because it's not every river that's wide enough to have a dam on it, that's why these people are being "recolocated"
also, the same people who lived there will be some of the ones who'll enjoy the new source of energy, also to build a dam that size, people will have to build pretty much a town for the builders, wich'll increase the IDH(indice de desenvolvimento humano...or human development index I think) on that location. These indians havent got any source of eletric energy, seweage system(I don't know if it's right to say that, but disposal of human natural "garbage" lol), hospitals, schools and many more things that'll increase the quality of life for those people

Anonymous said...

i dont get why you're insulted.... "as a brazilian"...

if you do end up destroying the natural habitat, what makes you any different than the americans you're bashing? you should be insulted after you do build this dam and people put you in the same groups as those americans you talk about that are destroying parts of the world.

Anonymous said...

The brazilian anonymous is right. You guys don't know anything about Brazil, our geography, politics, energy needs and the discussion around Belo Monte. Don't be so stupid and naive. Mind your own business.

Anonymous said...

Like the Brazilian government would care about a petition signed by foreigners who don't know s##t about the country... lol

Anonymous said...

i believe that building a big city, such as new york or são paulo is also destroying the natural habitat, but people still do it because they need them to have a better life

Anonymous said...

post here /\ from the first brazilian man =p

Anonymous said...

Nope sorry, wiping out native peoples and their culture is wrong regardless of who is doing it. It was wrong when it happened in North America and it is wrong when it happens anywhere. And as a matter of fact this isn't exactly the first group of native people to get wiped out in South America, so don't bother playing the finger pointing game. If people feel an injustice is being done they're not going to "mind their own business" so be more empathetic and learn to deal with opinions different from your own.

Ambrose Mugwump said...

Hey, Brazil nut, just because the US does bad shit is no excuse for anyone else to do bad shit. What,because Fred hits Jack that makes it okay for Bob to hit you, does it?

Anonymous said...

I too feel insulted as a brazilian for the comments of the other anonymous brazilian. i think it's a disgrace to my country that such people as you get to run the country while good people like chief Raoni and so many others are left aside as second class citizens, as half native american i know how we the poor are treated and i don't care if help comes from the US, the soviet union, nazi germany, a muslim nation, or even mars for that matter, because i am sure that help would come from the good people within the nation who probably also comdemn the absurd acts of their own governments and care for the needs of the minorities, the poor, and the environment.
And btw as you are not indigenous, how do you think you have the right to tell us/them how to live our/their own lives and where to be and so forth? but who am i to know anything about anything anyways...e porque eu escrevi em ingles? lol

Anonymous said...

first brazilian here...
i'm not saying it's ok for "bob to hit me because fred hit jack"
i'm saying that i think it's ironic for people that did and still does so many things bad for the environment are trying to do something about the building of that dam, wich i think is gonna be good even for those indians, i gave my own reasons some comments above.
i'm totally against Dilma Roussef(our new president) and i think she's just a reflex of our older president, but I agree with the decision of building that dam.
if it's gonna replace 40k people from their homes, it's gonna give 100k more money to buy one and it's gonna grow the HDI...i got more reasons besides the ones i've already presented but i'm not gonna say them anymore
you say i have to be more empathetic to new opinions, well I heard all of yours trying to understand your point. And I did, but i still find my reasons stronger to believe in.

Anonymous said...

It doesn't matter where you're from, this sort of disregard for human lives demeans all of us, everywhere.
That man has just vbeen told his way of life is being ended and you're insulted because americans are angry about it. Its wrong when they do it, its wrong when the english do it, its wrong when you do it.
There is no nation on earth without blood on their hands but at least we could try and make things better instead of whining.

Anonymous said...

Take if from an American who has to live with the mistakes of his predecessors, you can never get back your unspoiled indigenous cultures and habitats.
Even if you hate the US, you can take my advice like it comes from a drug addict that is speaking to someone who is about to try the drug, "Don't do it, you can never go back".

Anonymous said...

Brazil is such a nice country, but Brazilian are a bit too arrogant...Yes the US did shit, like Europe too, like most of the country. If you want to look at only at the dark side, then that's your choice. But, as a new growing country, you should not repeat the mistakes other have done...otherwise, it's a sign of stupidity from you guys.
Furthermore, do not overestimate your ability (im not american by the way)...your country is growing very fast, you're struggling to fight inflation, make the gap between poor and rich very big... your are building a lot of housing, it's easy to see when you're travelling around the coast how your city look more and more like Miami...you're creating a bubble because people increase their debt every month, every year more and more to substain their "consumer spending life"...you are all driving american cars, having the western type of life, should i say the american type of life...so please, do not spit on americans, you look like them.

Stop to be arrogant, you've got one of the most beautiful country and people i know...so fuck it up with ignorance.

Citizen A.

Anonymous said...

first brazilian here
you say i only see your dark side, when my real point is that we need to build that dam
i wrote a bigass comment just talking about reasons why it should be builten and you keep focusing on the same spot
in my state (Minas Gerais) the same happened to a little town in wich ppl who lived had to be replaced and nowadays the whole place has grown a lot in so many aspects
and one of you said that we look more and more like Miami, but what most people that are not brazilian can't see is the rest of the coutnry, and by that i mean not the forests, São Paulo or the litoral.
That is the biggest part of our country and it's got a different look from what people think about Brazil.
Changing the subject, that dam is going to be on the top 5 biggest dams in the world and is gonna supply the biggest part of the north and northeast of the country. That part of the country is already needs and is gonna need more energy than ever, many industries are being stimulated to migrate to that part of the country, many cities are starting to grow there too. I don't know if you knew about this, but like 5 or 6 years ago there was happening random

Anonymous said...

...I don't know if you knew about this, but like 5 or 6 years ago there was happening random blackouts at random ours in big cities like Rio de Janeiro and most part of the country, for lack of energy. Imagina how much money it's lost in a blackout at 2pm in a big city.
I'm sorry if you got me wrong, i think i didn't really got you to understand my point at first and you misunderstooded what i really wanted to say.

Anonymous said...

hours in big cities*
i'm sorry for my grammar mistakes but i'm trying to write it fast because i've got work to do lol

Anonymous said...

We are causing to much pain, and when that happen's...Cicle's finish, other's began!
No matter what the reazon is, or "raizon's"...
Are we all blind???
Tsunamie's...Hearthquik's...and more! Cant we see in what Cicle we are in this right moment???
Continuation of those action's ( whatever the REASON'S might be), say goodbye now and for those who are to came...
We cant say: I love you sun, doghter, mother, wife, husband...who ever, continuing "EVOLVING" in this direction. FINAL POINT

Anonymous said...

dude you're like the master troll of typos

Anonymous said...

Would you still feel the same way about that, if you were one of the Raonis?
Imagine yourself...
kicked out of your home, the home where generations of your family lived, in mutual existence and help.
I studied tribes and i firmly believe that their mode of living is far more liberal than the capitalist societies. People are becoming more and more selfish, instead of looking for further alternatives to produce electricity, they'd rather settle with the idea they first came up with and destroy thousands of peoples' lives. How can this be justified? And even if American made the petition on a matter concerning Brazil, the fact is that, the land the Brazil government is claiming isn't even their's. The Earth was made as a universal home for whoever, but them some narrow-minded people decided to impose their right of ownership on some part of the land. How can anybody claim that an amount of land is theirs? Of course you will tell me that there are those who purchase these lands, but think of it; who was the first one to be the owner of the land? How did he become the owner of the land? Do you think a government, POLITICAL-minded people have the right to claim ownership of land? A Democratic government should first of all be aware and listen to its population, and be aware of the effects their doings will make.
Even with compensation, do you think you would like to give up the environment in which you grew up in, having never ever experienced life in any other region, and being probably allocated some place where they wouldn't be able to hunt and live as before? Un-rooted from your origin and forced to live a life you never learnt about.

Anonymous said...

I just want to make a quick comment in regards to the first Brazilian's remark, "if it's gonna replace 40k people from their homes, it's gonna give 100k more money to buy one and it's gonna grow the HDI..." Indigenous rituals and traditions are not something that can just be moved...i am not of Native decent however, the earth, wind, fire and water of their home is filled with the spirits of their ancestors and the roots of the trees are the roots of those that have come before them...no money in the world can rebuild their lands, their homes, their life.

I am Canadian and have seen what has happened to Natives that are placed in reserves...they become Native ghettos, better electricity, sewage systems etc are things that a lot of us take for granted everyday and assume that those with out are not living a good life...but if they are living off the land as like those that came before them then they are the ones who are more enlightened then most of us reading these....

Anonymous said...

This is all in the name of "progress" but who is it really benefiting? Quite obviously not the indigenous peoples.

Anonymous said...

A lot of good discussion going on here. Here is my 2 cents.


I don't like the idea of forcing people to move. The government forced some of my family to re-locate in the 60s for "as a sacrifice in America's crusade against the Soviets." In order to build what is now the Stennis Space Center.

that said, I think it is sometimes necessary for some to sacrifice for a greater good of the nation. I am in no position to judge whether the reward is greater than the burden in this situation.

Anonymous said...

By the way - this is our business too as the rainforest regulates global climate - A European

Anonymous said...

Why are people not focusing on sustainable energy? On solar energy? Windpower? There are many more alternatives than building a dam. They look like sores on the land. Brazil nees to learn from the mistakes of North America/South America or Australia and countries where their indigenous have been forced out of their habitats and displaced in the name of progress. Where are they now? It's true that here in Canada they were placed in reserves living driven in isolation and left to fend for themselves. Most of them have drug addiction and alcohol addiction. Their way of life altered and their communities disconnected.

Ivan Martinetti said...

I am from Montenegro and I am in the process of becoming a USA citizen and I am looking forward to it. I have many Brazilian friends in San Francisco that are doing the same and do not want to go back to Brazil because of the violence in their towns. People, we need to get together against those that are doing bad things and not fight between each other. Americans that are commenting in here are good people, concerned with what is happening and you are attacking them for no reason. Many Brazilians that have commented in here believe that all people in the US are like Bush. That is not true. I will be an american but I did not kill american Indians, so you should not blame me!

Please can you explain to us why is this project good? We need to hear your side.

Anonymous said...

ATTN: Anonymous

I am American and I have never forced anyone from their home, I recycle everything I can, ride my bike to work, donate my hard earned money to charity and work for a non-profit organization that is determined to help people live better lives around the world. How can I, or any other, be held responsible for something that had happened (native americans being forced from their homes eg;) long before I was born. The only reason I am an American is because I was born here. What you need to realize "Anonymous" is that there are people who rise up from the labels and stereotypes of today's society and can genuinely call themselves "People of the World" What you have done is taken a label "Americans" and implied that EVERYONE living in this country is responsible for pollution, war, political distress, etc. Shame on you for being so ignorant. The people of this world cant be help in such a myopic view. So again, shame on you.

Anonymous said...

Ha! Master troll of typo's... Got a good laugh in between all the seriousness... :)

Anonymous said...

This is terrible, and to the Brazilian who thinks it okay you're probably one of the people who thinks its fine to clear cut a section of the rainforest even if it destroys and indigenous population. South America is one of the last places in the world that still has uncontacted tribes of humans, don't fuck it up.

Anonymous said...

I am American - if the dam is allowed it will only lead to more and more degradation of your native people. Please look up George Gillette and the Garrison Dam in North Dakota for an example of how horribly wrong this type of political game is.

charles said...

To the first brazilian:
Damns are not an "environmental friendly" energy solution... They dramatically change the landscape, forever alter the river flow, disrupt migration, and have many other secondary impacts. Also do your really think 100k for a new home is going to make these people happy? Your not giving them a home, your giving them a house and there big difference. Obviously progress =/= happiness. Instead of saying, Well americans did it! why can't we? Why don't you learn from our mistakes. Hundreds of years later we are still ashamed of the decisions of our ancestors.

Is that something you want your children to have to face?

Anonymous said...

I am reminded of Hurricane Katrina and the failure of the levies after trying to dam and manipulate the Mississippi River, a water source that originates in Canada and with great force meanders and flows through the United States until escaping into the Gulf of Mexico. For over a century this river has shown its power by flooding it's neighbors. This same river is what destroyed the modern culture and world of New Orleans. Ironically, this is where my Native roots are and my family of New Orleans lost their homes. While my Native reserve no longer occupies this land, as it was taken by force for the development of this industrial city of what is now a broken city which we are trying to repair physically and most harshly socially. The example that was set though colonization in the south easter parts of the United States has created racism that is the strongest and most venomous of the entire country. This is the outcome of former political decisions to create a dam to increase industry, and make for more homes. Everybody loses, we lose culture, we lose tradition, we lose earth. Mother Nature is powerful and moves and beats to her own drum. If we can't look back on the past twenty years and acknowledge the lessons that she is teaching us, then we truly are doomed. This is not about being Brazilian or of the United States, this is about being American; of all the Americas. Devastation through colonization was wide spread from Canada down to Chile. We have to learn accept the damage and how to make better decisions. The Indigenous communities in America who have cleverly maintained their culture are our guides, if we destroy their land, we destroy their culture and we kill the soul of who they are; we kill the soul of what we are. Every vein that we cut from Earth to human will hurt us in the end. We have to work together to protect what is real and what is original. This dam will give homes and generate some money for a certain people but if we look at the history of building dams in Native lands, we will learn that in the end it hurts everyone.

Anonymous said...

Americans are able to speak on this topic while looking back at their own actions knowing both the benefit and the cost at which it came. I'm not saying any of these people know what theyre talking about, because a large majority of the population is clueless. But that being said there are both better and worse ways to obtain the energy Brazil needs.
At least this new dam will be a source of clean renewable energy, a much needed advancement not only for Brazil but for the entire world. But there are also other ways to get the energy they need. Solar panels could be installed, wind turbines, there are plenty of solutions (maybe not as cost effective) that wouldn't displace the population and could be integrated into society. And today they're forcing the indigenous people off their land, tomorrow they may need to 'relocate' you and your family for some other public improvement project. I believe as humans we should use our advancements in technology to adapt to the world rather than adapt it to suit our needs.

Anonymous said...

I am not an American but i am shocked that brasil is making this Dam and kill the rainforest and it habitat for that... You all should be ashamed off your selves

Ronald Lubben
Amsterdam The Netherlands

Anonymous said...

To all the people saying it's a good thing for the economy of Brazil, be quiet. What is happening today will effect the future generations of people, "when the last fish has been caught, when the last tree has been cut, and when the last river has been poisoned, then will we learn that we can't eat money" - Sitting Bull

Anonymous said...

"the dream came to me, when the sun went into a shadow, and i lay dying, and in my death I saw the heavens, it is how the white man describe it, but also there my children, all the Indians that ever roamed this earth, and all your beloved ancestors and mine, and also all the young ones that were taken by the white man's diseases, do not grieve for them, they want you to know that they are happy, and don't grieve for yourselves. The white man my children will soon be no more, but you must not hate the white man, this will only delay his end, but if you do the dance that i will teach you, all the ancestors will return, and the buffalo will be renewed, and you will all live forever, in freedom that we Indian people once knew" ~ Wovoka (North American Indian Prophet)

Anonymous said...

^ pritty fricken powerful

Anonymous said...

I don't care if you think you can tell other countries to shutup about your own country's political decisions. As a country with such a high amount of rain forest. Of unknown and unexplored species of plants and animals. To have such a large amount destroyed is the business of the entire planet. People from so many foreign countries donate money and send scientists to preserve precious land and to find new species of curative plants which affect all people on this earth. You tell other countries to mind their business because other countries are harmful in their "progress" well I'm sorry you're late to the party and trying to copy other countries bad decisions in the name of "progress" instead of learning from them. DESTROY THE PROGRESS OF MEDICAL CURES, LESSEN OUR OXYGEN SUPPLIES, PUT A BIG BODY OF WATER IN ITS PLACE SO YOUR IMPOVERISHED PEOPLE DONT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT SPENDING A LITTLE EXTRA ON ENERGY. UPROOT ENTIRE HOMES OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE SO YOU CAN LIVE MORE PRIVILEGED. Selfish brazilian politics. No better than the countries you condemn.

Anonymous said...

I get that the Americans did something similar to Native Americans a long time ago, but don't make it sound like it was the people in government today that screwed them over. We can't change what they did, but we can make sure nothing like that ever happens again. You try to justify what is happening to these people. "Well, the dam is creating jobs." Tell that to Chief Raoni and see what he tells you. See what his answer is. I'm sure that will clear everything up and he'll get over it. Plus, the dam is WIPING OUT a freaking rain forest. What do you think trees produce??? Answer: Oxygen! What would happen if that dam broke, or something went wrong and there was this huge rush of water? I'll tell you what won't be happening. There wouldn't be any trees to help slow the huge flood of water. Honestly, no matter what anyone else says, this is wrong. May the indigenous people find peace in these extremely difficult and horrible times and may the people that want the dam get what's coming to them 10 fold.

Anonymous said...

This is a picture from 2002. Stop the misinformation. The dam was recently blocked: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-15102520

Anonymous said...

last stronghold for free indigenous people is the amazon rainforest, all native people of the world have the right to speak for them and say what we need because all native people on earth are one, we musnt let this happen to anymore of our native people, there are no more free native people in the Americas anymore exept for peoples of the rainforest, stay free and fight! native people of the world are behind you, your call has been heard all the way from the Mohawk people of New York

Anonymous said...

Do you live in brazil or "america"?

Anonymous said...

...it's also about being "responsive" to this ever changing world. The natives were not there first.

Vinay Ranjan from India said...

We have grown sentient with nature. We are as much wise as the nature has bestowed. Let's not act wiser. Let's not act smart and arrogant. If we try to fool nature, ultimately we will be befooled. Development is a big myth and science a big superstition. Let's try search and evolve new ways of life rather trying to upscale on the path of development and destroy the nature.

Anonymous said...

Amazonas shouldn't be part of Brazil. End of the story.

Anonymous said...

native people of the world are one, and we have the right to speak, some of my people traveled down there and interacted with the people of the rainforest

Anonymous said...

So America is an archetype now? Tis a sad day for humanity.

Anonymous said...

Has the US Government "condemned" Brasil for its plans to build this damn? No! And informed American citizens realize we have no right to tell others how to live - whether that is how to treat the environment, or human rights - whatever. But what any intelligent human of this planet can say is that we (citizens of this planet) are past the peak oil harvest. Therefore, any economy built on oil is like a house built on sand..

It does sadden me to hear about this damn in Brasil and to see this photograph of the crying chief. When China built the damn on the Yangtze it saddened me. And now it saddens me to hear the US might build an oil pipeline from Canada to Texas. It saddens me to see the ugly sprawl of freeways and strip malls and suburbs where people don't know their neighbors. It irks me to see on the news that people who have moved out to the mountains are frightened when a cougar or bear is seen in their neighborhood - these might be the same people who think the Amazon should remain pristine. Nevertheless, all of it makes me sad. I am American and so I have little to complain about. Even the poorest of us cannot complain when it comes to food and shelter. Most of my life I have taken the bus everywhere and owned few possessions. I was happy to contribute as little as possible to pollution. When I think of Brasil, I think of football and beauty and gorgeous smiles. I reckon that is a stereotype just like the 1st Brasilian's opinion of Americans..

Anonymous said...

I teared up when I saw this pic and said a prayer for the chief and his tribe. Imagine my shock when I read the "first brazilian's" comments.

How dare you?

So in order to save the environment we have to destroy it first? I don't get it. And you are even excited that it's going to be the 5th biggest dam in the world.

Please, have a little humanity in you. Reflect on what the indigenous people are going to lose. That forest is their home, it's their way of life.

I work for a development cooperation and part of our project is the

Anonymous said...

Part of our project is the development of the indigenous people. We do thay without having to displace them. They are happy where they are and for who they are.

So your comment added to my heartbreak ;((

A canadian said...

The real issue is that Brazil is not an oil dependant country, like most of the "first world" countries would want them to be. Let them generate power any way they want, the rest of the world should look at their example. every country in the world needs electricity. Should they burn coal or nuclear fuel instead?

Anonymous said...

Brazil can also find another way to have the energy they need like Wind turbine and solar panels. 'Cause Amazonia is very important for the planet, we can't destroy it saying that it's good for Brazil. Of course, it's good for having new jobs but in the long run, it will destroy earth and human beings !!

Anonymous said...

I'm Brazilian, but I don't think that Americans or any other people should "mind only their own business". They have big problems in their country too, however they are trying to help us with our issues and I thank them for this. Americans, I know you have made several mistakes in the past, keep making them in the present and, unfortunately, will make many others in the future, but it would be unfair not to thank now.

Anonymous said...

I am an American, I feel the importance in this picture is not what is happening, but that any American is looking beyond their own borders realizing there is a world out there where people live life differently based less on the monetary gains of the world.

Anonymous said...

i agree, we have no room to criticize Brazil for making a right "hard" decision. its just history in the making, just like when us americans forced the natives onto reserves, probably in a more hostile way.

Anonymous said...

I have only one thing to say , numbnuts, Brazil has one of the largest natural suppliers of air, the fact that you would DESTROY so many tree's is Disgusting! Electricity or cleaner Air, Power or OXygen. Clearly there is something wrong with your governing body office, When we world chokes to death on toxic fumes, and thousands of animals die, and the native tribes rebel against you. will be the day I laugh in a mocking manner and say you were warned and told, there were 600,000 signatures against this act and your president ignored it. Monetary gain over the lives of your people Pathetic welcome to the Western world! you've taken for first step into becoming a mini america!. TTFN *I'd rather breath then have power!* , hey while your at it just execute the indigenous and burn the rest of the amazon down! because realistically when you boil it down that's basically what you've done.

Anonymous said...

Comment from that first "brazilian" there are many of us "americans" that are trying to get the environment turned around but like your government we have alot of corrupt people in our government that allow the pharmaceuticals and big corporations to run this country. Just because our ancestors were bad to the American Indians, does not put us in the same category and I do not understand why you think it is ok to it to your Indigenous population just because our less educated ancestors did it doesn't make it right for you to do the same.

Anonymous said...

ou on mes j'aime

Anonymous said...

it doesnt matter what country...fuck to all those corrupt political leaders who have hidden agenda though they present a very tempting trpa...hope thier lineage will just go extinct to kingdom come whatever that means

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