The article written by Oliver Moore in the first page of The Globe and Mail, this Thursday, represents journalism at its worst.  The article is stereotypical, misinforming, and prejudicial.  The use of stereotypes in exploring complex problems, such as corruption in the Brazilian government, only adds to the problem. The piece fails to comment on the fact that the vast majority of Brazilians sees corruption as the most damaging problem of the country. 

Different from the arrogant insinuations of the superiority of Canadian values in regards to ethics in politics, Brazilians have not forgiven the current president for being corrupt; the big question in any Brazilian mind is whether Mr. Lula da Silva was involved in the corruption scandal.  Is that so different from what is going on in Canada?  Besides Albertans and Quebecoise, who wanted our current Prime Minister removed from office immediately, the majority of the population in Canada decided to keep him in power, the finance minister (!!) during the sponsorship scandal.

Yes, Brazilians use humour to face adversity.  This is the only coping mechanism that they have in dealing with centuries of appalling incompetent governments and vicious international exploitation of their resources.  Understanding the Brazilian society, finding the roots of the corrupt power structure, and the mindset behind the responses from the population would be most informative if conducted with the zealous that characterizes The Globe and Mail.  The mentioned article is everything but that.

As a Canadian with origins in Brazil, I felt offended by your shallow article and think that an apology is necessary.
Sincerely,
Paul Varella
Calgary