The violence is not dealt with
Almost everyday I read about a new crime here in Brasilia, or in the suburbs. I may have been living protected in Denmark and Copenhagen, and for the last year here in Brasilia as well.
However, it’s still awful to read about the average person being shot dead for small petty thefts. Or all the incidents I hear where are being kidnapped, just for some hours, stripped off valuables and car and left outside city. A road cyclist training outside city got holdup with a gun and had to give up bicycle and other valuables, just when out training. The person that put gasoline in your car get shoot and killed during a robbery for small money. There really is a very little respect for human lives.
There are really many stories of this kind, but the worst are the ones people get killed for almost nothing.
With my background I really haven’t lived with that fear and violence that close, so that makes me a bit unsure and very observative wherever I go. This is so different from Denmark. Now I am living with my wife and too small children, which makes me think of the children here has to grow up being very protected. Strange. In my childhood I was all over the small city, running around playing with everyone everywhere… so much freedom.
Where is the Police? Well just a few days ago they were on strike. Yes – with leaving the streets to the criminals – unbelievable. Surprise surprise the crime rate has gone up explosively. Even when the Police should be working I don’t see them on the street, they tend to drive around in their new 4×4 Police cars, looking cool of course. But help the people – not really.
I guess my Danish advice to avoid trouble, with walking determent, being a little big and maybe looking a bit tough is not enough here – damn hard to avoid being recognized as a foreigner with blond hair and blue eyes. I must try to fit in.
For now it’s best to avoid the dark places even more, and be even more cautious… annoying !
