Goldsteins and Marquezs ethnographies of Brazil Essay

Goldsteins and Marquezs ethnographies of Brazil - Essay Example Both authors describe the South American experience of some communities. They depict the real situation of some marginalized groups. The two authors take a bold step in describing the social problems surrounding poverty, racism and unemployment, topics that many anthropologists avoid. Both writers have studied with interest the social set-up of Brazil, a region inhabited by a large number of minority groups. The region faces marginalization in many aspects of life. The effects of the racial factor in the marginalized area are evident. The authors boldly highlight the true experience of minority groups in America. The topics handled cause a freak to many anthropologists. However, these two writers have taken time to give an account of the circumstances of societies that have always demanded inclusion. However, the accounts reveal that the societies still experience exclusion. In addition, the anthropologists describe how different classes interact in the Latin society and the general effects on society.Goldstein’s book is a reflection of study findings in the 1990’s in Brazilian shanty towns. The author describes the experiences of women living in several of the shanty towns. He describes in a novel-like structure the experience of domestic workers in Rio de Janeiro. The author tells of his findings through the description of Gloria’s life, family and events surrounding her survival in the shanty towns. Goldstein exposes the readers to the humor that is so out of place (Goldstein 6).... Goldstein’s book is a reflection of study findings in the 1990’s in Brazilian shanty towns. The author describes the experiences of women living in several of the shanty towns. He describes in a novel-like structure the experience of domestic workers in Rio de Janeiro. The author tells of his findings through the description of Gloria’s life, family and events surrounding her survival in the shanty towns. Goldstein exposes the readers to the humor that is so out of place (Goldstein 6). The people experience tragedies that they do not seem to find solutions for and they result to creating humor out of the painful experiences. The experiences move the reader because there is a reverse of reactions from the people. They laugh when it is time to cry. Such circumstances form the background on which Goldstein writes the ethnography. The laughter out of place is a novel that gives rise to sadness and empathy. The challenges faced by the residents of shanty towns in a fa lling economy are unbearable and unimaginable by the reader. In addition, society is full of social problems that lack solutions and nobody seeks to address them. Marquez is an anthropologist who crosses borders to befriend and get highlights of street life in Venezuela. The author explores the factors that contribute to social degradation that sends young people and children to the streets exposing them to crime and other social ills (Marquez 22). In addition, the book highlights the real life challenges of the minority group in America that has the highest number of street children. The author brings out the vivid reality through narrations of experiences of selected street children in the first half of the book. In the second half,