List six facts described in the film that impressed you and explain how each fact relates to the film's premise or theme.
One of the facts that really impressed me in this film is the idea that Brazil is home to 600 slums and is as well plagued with Gross economic disparity yet it is one of the most developed nations in the world. Secondly, it is also startling to hear that Brazil is currently the world`s fifth largest economy after edging out Britain and France despite all the illegal and gang related activities ( Zaarsham, 2016, 18.52). Also, the idea that the country makes up to $400 million every year regardless of the great police presence is surprising ( Zaarsham, 2016, 5.44-5.48). It is impressive how the gangs are able to control their activities without any fear of getting caught.
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A fourth fact pertains to the fact that 1 in 5 residents in Rio live in favelas. This is a very large population of individuals which reveals that there are large numbers of impoverished individuals living in Brazil. The fifth fact relates to the idea that crack accounts for 60 percent of all drugs sold in Rio de Janeiro ( Zaarsham, 2016, 10.40). It is surprising that such an expensive drug could be sold in such large quantities within a region where a large number of people are deemed to be poor. Finally, one has to ask for permission in order for them to be allowed to film Rio drug traffickers. In 2002 a Brazilian journalist was burned alive for filming without seeking for consent to do so ( Zaarsham, 2016, 11.46).
Describe any aspect of the film that showed you something you hadn't seen before, caused you to think in a new way, or helped you understand something more thoroughly than before. In addition, describe how it changed your thinking.
One of the aspects that revealed something that caused me to think in a new way is the revelation that the weapons used by criminal gangs in the Favelas come from the United States (Zaarsham, 2016, 16.12). A further startling revelation is the fact that the same police who were looking for the gangs are the ones who offer them access to the weapons (Zaarsham, 2016, 16.22). This is as a result of high ranking corrupt police officers. It is puzzling that the same people who are mandated with the task of protecting the citizens are ridding them off their peace. Besides, it is also apparent that some of the individuals in the police force control the trafficking activities in the Favelas.
What is a favela? Why do you think the favelas in Rio have become a haven for crime and drug trafficking? Use a theory we learned to class to formulate your answer.
A favela is a term used to refer to the slums in Brazil. These favelas have become safe havens for crime and drug trafficking since the areas are isolated, offers the criminal gangs an opportunity to be in control. Also, they have small alley ways and windows everywhere, making it easy for the gang members to maneuver. This also makes it difficult for the police to access the areas. In addition to this, crack is sold freely like an open air market in these localities. In addition to this, this is one of the places where gangs find it easiest to recruit their members since a majority of them are destitute individuals seeking to make a living. Further still, the gangs find it easy to manipulate individuals to ensure that they do not divulge any information to the law enforcers. They achieve this by issuing threats to an extent that the people living in this areas are afraid to speak to the reporter.
What characteristics of gangs were represented in the “City of God, Guns & Gangs” documentary and how important were they to the gang members?
One of the characteristics of gangs clearly evident in the film is their fear of God. The leader of the gang admits that without God they are nothing (Zaarsham, 2016, 13:01). They are also fearless. When asked whether they are afraid that the Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF) will come to the favela where they are located they indicate that they are not (13.18). Being a gang member means that one`s life is always on the line (Zaarsham, 2016, 13.36). Finally, it is also apparent that every gang member has to wield a weapon throughout an entire day (Zaarsham, 2016, 15.37).
Reference
Zaarsham (2016). City of God, Guns & Gangs-Part 2/2 [Video File]. Retrieved from http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3svtwt_city-of-god-guns-gangs-part-1-2_fun
