What Makes brazil, Brazil?: Aligning the “B” in Brazil

Abstract

DaMatta presents in his work a model of Brazil, but not just any country. It is a place where everyone is accepted, everyone has their rights and duties respected, and can speak their minds without censorship. However, when studying the book *What Makes Brazil, Brazil?*, one realizes that the lowercase letter is considered a lifeless object, without the capacity to reproduce itself, surviving in hidden races. And Brazil with a capital letter shows complexity and eclecticism, with internationally recognized territory and borders, memories, meaning, and symbolism. A country that has an identity, but also its daydreams. The book delves into questioning the factors that make us Brazilian, carrying an identity with unique characteristics, but which build a unique society with both positive and negative effects on certain issues. It examines how women are viewed in society, the allure of Carnival, and the Brazilian's cunning and resourcefulness.