Women React To Brazil Controversy
Alot of women felt that the newsletter regarding the photos and information regarding the Brazil Carnival was too over the top.
Here is what the ladies had to say
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Time and time again, I see American men get played left and right by these foreign women. I was born in a foreign country so I am know what I'm talking about and have seen the stories that you aren't aware of "trying to please a foreigner in exchange for the following: a free night in a hotel (which is a luxury to poor women), a free meal (when you're on a tight budget that's a lot), a possible relationship (which could lead you to receiving gifts). Are you that desparate for pu**y that you resort to paying for it...even if it's just a couple of dollars.
The desire to please comes from the knowing that as an American you are equated to having money in their eyes. Anybody who travels is equating to having money because traveling overseas is expensive for the average Brazilian who makes less than $800 dollars a month. Shoot, a dj in New York City just killed himself after his Brazilian wife left him. Once that green card or that baby (yes Brazilian women will sleep with you without condoms for a green card baby) is secure, being with you falls to the wayside. Warning to American men who date Filipino, Brazilian, and other foreign born women.
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Hi Terrance, Not to fuss at you or make you feel worse than some of these other emails have, but as a black female that loves to travel, I would love to go to brazil too.
It looks like a very beautiful place with beautiful beaches, but the e mail to me made it seems like it's just for the brothers. Like, we ladies mine as well not even think about going because we'll get blown out of the water! I don't have no problem with the pictures, but i do agree with what the other female subcribers are saying. You said" I actually didn't think it was big deal.
I just sent three newsletters previously with dang near half naked men in them as eye candy for the ladies" It wasn't the pictures that i think offended so many women, bc you can just about see half naked pictures anywhere these days, i think it was what was being said regarding to american women and brazilian women. I'm not saying i want to unsubcribe, because i don't. i love this website and i 've been going to the different events you have posted on the site since 2003!
I'm not going to preach to you b/c a lot of sisters have already made good and valuable points on your email attn: "to the brothers". But weather you realized it or not you really put us sisters down and not just us, american woman period. Maybe next time you should be just a little careful of what you say and how you put it, cause I don't think you meant any harm by it. So always be careful, because you are talking to a wide rang of different subscibers. Much love, Kena
Sweetie:
I got your newsletter yesterday and I thought it was cool. Some women have a problem with the fact that there are other women out there that are more beautiful than them or whatever. So, I suspect your newsletter may have bruised a few egos. I found NOTHING negative in the newsletter. But I guess being a world traveler like you, I'm aware that in other cultures nudity, sex and explicitness is not as "taboo" as some people HERE pretend it is. If you've EVER been to Brazil, you KNOW that taking pics of nude women, etc...is NOT a big deal. They dont feel exploited, taken advantage of, etc. In fact, they WELCOME it! Yes, it's different than how women respond in the U.S. or some other places but come on...you CANNOT judge ALL women by just YOUR reaction. That's my .99cents on the matter...lol!
I enjoy your newsletters and info all the time...they always contain great information, tasteful pics and good travel advice.
Forget the haters, baby....KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
Tee
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Good morning,
I normally do not engage in discussions of this sort, but I just wanted to state that as a black female I do not feel that your Brazil e-mail was in poor taste. I do not believe that there is anything wrong with stating your perception of the truth. Only a threatened woman, who did not know her self worth, would be offended by your comments. I view it as a great challenge for black MEN and women here to step up their game. (Just tell me where the secret men's resort is!)....
Have a blessed and wonderful day!
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Maybe you should look at what kind of content you put in the newsletter and what message you are trying to send to your reader. I used to be able to look at your newsletter at work, now it is banned because of content.
Ask yourself if you are going after sexy travel for African Americans or travel for African Americans. I usually don't have a problem with your site and newsletter, and even I was put off by the "butt shots." It felt like a creepy guy sneaking up on unsuspecting women and snapping pictures for his own pleasure later.
I think you can sell the trips without sexing everything up and making everything pornographic. You have to be clear on who you are trying to reach. Are you talking to oversexed college kids or middle aged business folks or both (for example)?
How can you have pictures of naked men and/or women in one newsletter and then have info on a gospel fest in another? You have a good website and newsletter that could go a long way. It is an invaluable service to people who live in the middle of nowhere. Don’t destroy what you have by cheapening the readers’ experience. We as a race are more than our sex drive. We can't expect the world to think more of us if we don't think more of ourselves.
I look forward to more of your thoughts on this subject.
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Hello Terrance,
I vowed I would never actually write a letter to the editor of anything until now. Why are all these women so upset? I read every BB I receive and yes it is often filled with gorgeous men and women. We are a gorgeous people. We come in all shapes, sizes and shades of beauty. We should not hate on each other. So what these women are scantly clad...I would be too if my body looked like theirs. If your offended that's your right. I just want to go on record as a young black female who was not offended, but happy to see my people looking good as opposed to seeing all those blond haired, blood eyed American "beauties".
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Men don't care because men are not constantly being treated like a piece of meat. Like something to just lay down with and throw to the wolves. You know this and you see this. Your newsletter did just that. As far as the woman over here...men live this fantasy of having these exotic woman everyday.
Some men need a reality check and realize woman do not like this on a regular basis. So if your over here approaching woman of the video/Hollywood status and your actually not up in that league you are setting yourself up to be let down. So of course your going to down talk the woman here. Come back down to reality and realize the average black woman looks like the girl next door and not all woman turn men down. It's the type of woman you men pick to approach. I see it ALL the time.
For instance me and my friends went to the ABFF in Miami one of my friends is lightskin, long hair, gray eyes, very petite and just all out cute. Of course she got the most attention it always goes down like that when we hang out. I really don't care because whatever attention she gets I get..lol.
If the average dude approached her he's going to get a nose turn up from her. I was looking at her like she was crazy and a lot of things that I did not notice about her I did that weekend. She doesn't look like your average chick. So this all goes back to regular looking dudes trying to approach her and being let down. She doesn't know whether or not these men are good men at all but she is looking at the outer appearance and you men do exactly that ALL THE TIME.
A woman could be dead ass broke sleeping on a mattress but if she looks good you could care less you will try your best to take care of that as long as you have a sweet young thang on your arm. It's like the men over look the regular brown skin not over the top woman that are really about their business. Woman need to be over the top for most men to approach. Man I can go on and on. This is my life story.
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Hi Terrance, Not to fuss at you or make you feel worse than some of these other emails have, but as a black female that loves to travel, I would love to go to brazil too.
It looks like a very beautiful place with beautiful beaches, but the e mail to me made it seems like it's just for the brothers. Like, we ladies mine as well not even think about going because we'll get blown out of the water! I don't have no problem with the pictures, but i do agree with what the other female subcribers are saying.
You said" I actually didn't think it was big deal. I just sent three newsletters previously with dang near half naked men in them as eye candy for the ladies" It wasn't the pictures that i think offended so many women, bc you can just about see half naked pictures anywhere these days, i think it was what was being said regarding to american women and brazilian women. I'm not saying i want to unsubcribe, because i don't.
i love this website and i 've been going to the different events you have posted on the site since 2003! I'm not going to preach to you b/c a lot of sisters have already made good and valuable points on your email attn: "to the brothers". But weather you realized it or not you really put us sisters down and not just us, american woman period. Maybe next time you should be just a little careful of what you say and how you put it, cause I don't think you meant any harm by it. So always be careful, because you are talking to a wide rang of different subscibers. Much love, Kena
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Hey Terrance,
I just want to let you know that the pictures of the women were no more degrading or tasteless than the photos of the half naked men. You were just simply giving your subscribers information regarding your trip. People are half naked and they party hard when they go to places like that so what did the readers expect to see? I am not sure. Ive never felt like you put anyone out there in a negative way.
Thats the problem with women today we are so quick to blame everyone else for the decisions we make.A prime example is blaming rappers for degrading women in videos, these women choose to put themselves out there no one puts a freakin gun to their heads, if they didnt do the videos then there wouldnt be any debate. But they do and it totally blows me when women get mad and try to defend them and say its the rappers fault.
I know I just went binge of words but I had to let you know that I appreciate the info you provide. Its not your fault if women walk around half naked and people take photos of them.
P.S. is Miami still on and poppin for Memorial Day weekend? thats where my girls and I will be but I keep hearing about the Dominican (which doesnt matter because we already booked out hotel in MIA)
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I thought the newsletter on Brazil was nice. I'm a female and I thought you showed us, how beautiful we are in other countries. Brazillians are black and they are very beautiful women and men their. I sent the newsletter to my male friends and they all loved it.
Hey this is rumpke, hope your having a good year, holla back
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I'm a black woman and I'm not offended at all. I guess some folks just don't understand the culture of Brazil and many other countries that don't view the body as something that should be hidden. It's their way of life and I'm not mad at it. I hope to go next year. For the few people that you pissed off, there are many more that will probably be joining you because of the detailed commentary. Just my two cents.
Monina
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OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Terrance,
I just wanted to say that I love all of your newsletters! I actually enjoyed the one you sent the other day and passed it on to my guy friends that are going to Brazil in a couple of weeks. I laughed when I saw it and said "Wow, I need to go to the gym".
I think your newsletters have something for everyone! Also, the only reason she was so appalled was probably because she did not look as good as the women in the pictures. Get over it already...... Don't stop writting and continue to do what makes you happy. You bring so much happiness and joy to others that arent fortunate enough to go......
I will be in Brazil next year with my girls. I will also be on the Tom Joyner Cruise again this year. I hope I see you there. Take care and you continue to smile. So many people are unhappy with self and what is going on in their life. You keep enjoying and living your life. I have attached a pic from last year's Tom Joyner's Cruise. I'm the cute one in the middle. I look forward to your next newsletter.
Trenise
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Man Terrance
Look what you've gone and done! The females pissed with you bout them Brazil Photo's! WOW! I must be trippin! Now I'm a female and I love men to death however when I saw those photo's they didnt bother me.
I saw beauty and if you've ever attend an event as such you'd appreciate those pictures. I didnt think they were meant to be degrading in anway! I took it as a Womans Worth!
But that's just me!
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HEY BRO.
DON'T SWEAT THE BULL IF THE LADIES CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH BECAUSE YOU TOLD THE TRUTH I HAVE BEEN TO SANTA DOMINGO 3 TIMES LAST YEAR AND YOU HIT IT ON THE HEAD THE WOMEN THERE ARE TAUGHT AT An EARLY AGE TO CATER TO MEN LIKE IN THE OLD DAYS OF OUR PARENTS THIS NEW WORLD ORDER FOR WOMEN RIGHT AND NOT TAKEN THE TIME OUT TO CATER TO YOUR MAN HAS PUT AMERICAN WOMEN ON THE SPOT. I LOVE MY AMERICAN WOMEN BUT SOME NOT ALL ARE SO FULL OF IT ITS A SHAME AND IF YOU CAN GO TO ANOTHER COUNTRY FOR A VISIT MEET SOMEONE THAT WILL CATER TO YOU GO FOR IT BECAUSE LITTLE DO THESE FRUSTRATED WOMEN THAT WROTE YOU BACK MISSED WAS THAT YOU WERE NOT DEGRADING THESE WOMEN YOU WAS MERELY STATING THE FACTS THAT MEN LOVE TO BE CATERED TO AND AMERICAN WOMEN THINK BY CATERING TO HER MAN THAT ITS SOMETHING DEGRADING MY FRIEND I MET I CAN CALL A TRUE FRIEND AND EVERYBODY I HAVE MET IN MY TRAVELS I CONTINUE TO STAY IN CONTACT WITH. I CAN GO ON AND ON BUT I HAVE TO GET BACK TO WORK HAVE TO SAVE MORE MONEY FOR MY NEXT TRIP JUST RECENTLY CAME ACROSS YOU SITE AND I APPLAUD YOU FOR PUTTING THE TRUTH OUT THERE AND NOT CANDY COATING THE TRIP SOMEBODY LIKE HER SHOULD NOT GO PLAIN AND SIMPLE BUT IF SHE WANTS A LONG TERM RELATIONSHIP IN THIS STAGE OF HER LIFE. MY ADVICE LEARN HOW TO CATER TO YOUR MAN AND HE WILL NEVER BE ON THE BEACH OF BRAZIL WITH US!!!!!
PEACE
HUTCH AKA BIG SEXY
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Hello Terrance,
For the record I am a female who did not see anything wrong with the newsletter you put out with the ladies from Brazil. You included a disclaimer for us ladies to let us know that there were photos of women attached and if we did not want to view them we should not scroll down, I did any how and was not offended.
I don't see what the big deal is it's half naked women, I was more appalled when I went to the Cancun Jump off and the NBA All star weekend in Las Vegas, at the women in tank tops and panties. Hopefully your not taking the opinions and outrage of the women to the newsletter to heart, because honestly their probably the same ones who either don't have the confidence to be half dressed or the figure. I really don't care people are going to be people.
Thanks for the newsletter, I have found about more hot spots that I had no idea about.
Lele
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I didn't find the newsletter offensive at all. Those women chose to wear such revealing bathing suits. They are the ones that are responsible for the partrail of African-American women. As an African-American women, we have a responsibility for our gender. If we are being portrayed in a negative light, it isn't anyone's fault but our own. Don't be upset with the messenger. Be upset with the chicks in the pictures that are "so-called" being denigrated.
I think most women that get upset about sexy pictures of other women is because they are jealous. A bunch of haters. Brothers like good lookin' half naked women. That's not a newsflash. So? Women like good lookin' have naked men. So what?!
People need to stop hatin'.
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Oh Pah-leeeze! Everyone in the World, hell, the Universe knows that Brazil is the hot spot for beautiful women. Not to say, there aren't beautiful women here (NYC), but they (Brazilians) pride themselves in keeping their body fitttt!
Shoot, after reading the email, I had a cup of green tea & did a few cruntches!
Unfortunately, many parts of Brazil are severly poverty stricken which many young women are reared to engage in sexual "favors". However, I pray our Brothers go to Brazil with RESPECT (as you reiterated in your newsletter) in approaching/dating a Brazilian Women or any Women in the Universe.
Peace & Blessings!
C*
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Hello first off I love this site if it was not for your site I would have found out the information needed for me to be able to attend the BET Spring Bling this year.
Second off I am so sick of people period talking about someone else degrading another human being. You didn’t make anyone do anything that they did or make them take the photos that they took. Grown people do what they want to do if you don’t like it be mad at that person not the person who may show a picture or two of the things or people that were down there.
The truth hurts whether African Americans, Caucasians, Latinos, Mexicans and etc. can not accept that there a few ignorant and irresponsible or childish and I could go on and on but if you don’t like it or agree with it do not look at it, read it, watch it and etc.
For example this quote was the most hilarious to me:I recently read your review of Brazil and, as a woman of color, was saddened that you chose to highlight the ways in which black men can go to another country and exploit, poor, uneducated women.
Another example the very mature but voiced at the wrong time all of the statistics about AIDS.. Look at the statistics that are growing rapidly in the US and I don’t see her on a parade about all the video girls or exotic dancers or anything like that.
In 2007 there is enough sense going around adults know right from wrong and it is that individuals choice to make. You were not wrong for posting the pictures that you liked on your website an the great part about the sentence is YOUR WEBSITE.
Tell those people to grow up but thanks for their opinions.
Keep doing you!!
Celeste
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Hi Terrence,
I being a black woman did not find anything wrong with your newsletter. If it was about Mandingo type men awaiting to please you would have gotten a totally different responce.
If that is what turns you on then you a right to your opinion. I don't allow the opinions of others to dictate how I feel about myself.
I am a beautiful thick woman andmy hair is just past my shoulders and I love myself.
Keep doing your own thing you can't please everybody.
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Terrence,
It's funny how people would embrace the email geared toward the ladies, but are appalled at a few pictures for the fellas. Some double standard, huh? ;) Honey, let 'em be mad. Continue to do what you are doing, and keep it coming. Don't worry about what others are saying. I look forward to the email blasts, REGARDLESS of the images; it's the INFORMATION that's got me coming back for more.
Much love,
Jasminn Houston, TX
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HEY TERRANCE
I AM GLAD YOU SENT ME THE BRAZIL PICTURES I ENJOY THEM . OH BY THE WAY I AM A FEMALE AND NOT GAY . THE THREE ANGRY WOMEN WHO DID LIKE THE PICTURES ARE PROBALY JEALOUS BECAUSE THEY DON'T LOOK LIKE THAT. IF AMERICAN WOMEN LEARN TO KEEP IN SHAPE AND LEARN NOT TO BE SO PICKIE THEN THEY WOULD NOT HAVE A PROBLEM SEEING ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL WOMEN. I ALSO THINK MEN NEED TO BE CATER TO. I WOULD LOVE VISIT BRAZIL BECAUSE IF THE WOMEN LOOK LIKE WHAT TO THE MEN LOOK LIKE. LOVE ANGELA
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DEAR TERRANCE,
I WAS APPALLED TO READ THAT WOMEN WERE SO OUTRAGED ABOUT THE PICTURES IN YOUR NEWSLETTER. I FOUND THEM TO BE BEATIFUL AND COMFORTING. MANY PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE THAT IN BRAZIL WOMEN WITH FULL BACK SIDES ARE CONSIDERED BEATIFUL AND ARE ENCOURAGED TO SHOW IT OFF . I THINK WE FORGOT THAT NOT TOO LONG AGO OUR SOCIETY VIEWED CURVY WOMEN AS BEING OVERWEIGHT OR UNATTRACTIVE. FOR THOSE WOMEN TO BE SO INSULTED SHOWS THEIR LACK OF CULTURE AND INSECURITY. THE PICTURES MADE ME WANT TO GO TO BRAZIL AND PUT ON A BIKINI AND WALK FREELY ON THE BEACH.
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Terrance,
All I can say is this, if people don't like what you wrote,tell them to unsubscribe. I'm a woman of color and I felt like you were writing what you observed. The article was an overview of your trip and the experience you had with women of different nationalities. When I read the article, it reminded me of some females I hang around. Sometimes the truth hurts, I guess this time you stepped on someone's toes.
P.S. This site is very useful and don't let anyone tell you different.
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You know I was going to respond yesterday and I can see that you have got a plenty of responses from my sisters on exactly how I was feeling. Your newsletter was an insult to woman and black woman in general. I hope the decent men don't listen to your ignorant letter and run to Rio because they'll be trying to run back to the states as fast as they can to get cured of the disease they done caught down there. Rio is full of prostitutes whether you know this or not and you just gave props to a shit load of them. Men like you need need to actually go to Rio and stay down there and live with those disease infested woman than to rather come back to the states where beautiful realistic black woman are!
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Post this
I may sound like a hater, but here is the real…….
GRANTED THEY ARE BEAUITFUL WOMEN
BUT THEY GET THOSE HE TO SHE OPERATIONS DOWN THERE FOR CHEAP AND THEY WANT A TICKET TO THE US ANY WAY THEY CAN GET IT AND THEY REAL SEXUAL DOWN TO DO WHATEVER
A CO-WORKER COULD NOT COME HOME FOR 2 MONTHS,GOT HEPATITIS C FROM SOMEONE DOWN THERE
THEY CALL ASS bunda, out there
Never trust a big butt n smile - That gurl is poison.
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If this email is supposedly for your male subscribers, you should probably filter it next time. I'm curious to know if there are more men than women who subscribe to your service because nothing in this one-sided email is evenly remotely of interest to me as a black woman. As a matter of fact, this email is pretty offensive to me in light of the fact that you seem to be insinuating that black men need to go to Rio to find a "perfect" woman since apparently they can't find one here. Pretty insensitive in my opinion, but then again, I guess we all know what that's worth.
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Attn:Terrance
Black Beach Week
As a young black woman I must say that I was horrendously offended by the e-mail that I just received about Carnival in Brazil. Not only was it offensive in the content, but the photos were also very outrageous. I have unsubscribed from this tasteless list and I am deeply disturbed that thousands of people must be barraged with this type of message.
Regards,
Jacqueline
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True
I am not saying that it don’t happen in the US.
I am just saying u had a nice time, now all the dudes gone be pumped up to run down there
AND playthrow their D*ck on the crap table with a BB: BEAUITFUL BRAZILLIAN
You better start pumping our sistas up that’s here. That’s a dream
Unless these dudes into importing some work to the US.
What about an newsletter on getting tested?
I know my status, hell I carry it around in my purse.
Just a thought
But thanks for the reply back
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I was trying to support, but after the issue with Brazil....no thanks. That's just what black people need another place to potentially catch AIDS.
I will grant it, the place has beautiful women, but there also is an extremely high rate of AIDS there. An issue on this was just in Essence magazine, I believe, 2 months ago. Don't be fooled thinking what's the problem just wear a condom. Condoms do not stop the transmission of diseases they simply reduce the possibilities. Nothing is 100% foolproof.
Reduce and stop are two different words. So now let's see... men will run off to Brazil more than likely, because the chances are high, catch something bring it back....and you thought that was exactly what we needed right now....some more sh** to deal with!!! Great thinking, shows your I.Q. level!
Oh by the way, yeah they're extra nice they're trying to make it back to the states. That's usually what people do when they want something from you, they're extra nice with it! It's the same thing when soldiers are stationed in different countries, the women are extra nice...there's the possibility of coming to the states.
You know I often men complaining about gold diggers, it's not that these women are so clever and cunning, the majority of men are just so stupid and gullibe they make it so easy!
When you go to Brazil, the women are very nice, however, it's for a purpose and they forget to leave out their AIDS status, because what do they care they don't have too much to live for and they'll never see you again anyway... but I guess you didn't think of that either, Sherlock.
Unsubscribe please no longer interested!!!
P.S. From a woman who has been told by many men that I am beautiful and very sexy my advice to men is if you don't want to be treated like walking wallets, have something else to offer....like a personality and have something on an intelligent level to talk about.
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didn't really mind the photos. I think a woman's body is a sight to behold and I LOVE to see beautiful, voluptuous women who are in shape, especially women of color. They actually inspire me to want to take care of my body and look my best. My only issue with this email is that you seem to be placing Brazilian women, with their "REAL" hair and "desire to please" on some kind of pedestal, and your tone is certainly comparing them to African-American women whose life experiences are totally different from any of the women with whom any of you would come in contact with in Brazil.
Brazil is a totally different culture than ours, and I'm sure that the prospects of obtaining some kind of financial support from a man of means, foreign or otherwise is what is driving them to be so "NICE." Do you really think they treat Brazilian men (with an average family income of $500 per month, according to their latest stats) that way? I'm sure they assume that if you have the money to travel, you have something to contribute to their well-being. I actually think it's the same thing that drives and inspires every woman to do the things she does - the potential for a better life and the love and support of a good man. However, if as an American woman, you can afford to buy your own $20 dinner, I don't think the prospects of that would really excite you all that much.
Unfortunately, American culture is a little warped in that regard, and we all seem to be prey to that, but I think that if you step back and take a look at the big picture, you would see that this email potentially adds fuel to a fire that's already out of control when it comes to black relationships in this country. Have you ever had occasion to see or hear of anyone advising black women to fly off to another country to find a husband in order to be treated like a queen? I haven't, and I don't think an email with pictures of black men in skimpy clothes strikes me as having the same sting as this email. But then again, I am a woman.
The next time you're in the mall or walking down the street, and you see a little black girl with a head full of weave, contact lenses and a short skirt, think about it. Who are they trying to impress? Could it be the brothers who time and time again seem to keep insinuating that they're not good enough, as is? I really feel sorry for my daughters. If this is what black men really think of us, who will be there when they're ready for a relationship? What about your daughter? (assuming you have or will have one). Who will be there for her if you send all of the brothers off to Brazil to find a big-bootied, "catering" queen (smile)? I think it's pretty sad.
I'm not trying to give you a hard time since I'm sure you get a lot of flack that you don't deserve. I generally like what you have to say, I love the fact that you inspire our brothers and sisters to travel more, I absolutely believe that you are entitled to your opinion and I certainly do see some credence in your message. You like what you like and I feel you on that. However, this email really hurt my feelings, and I would just hope that a brother with a seemingly large, black audience like yours wouldn't go out of his way to plant a seed like that in the minds of those who may be a little more impressionable than one would like. I love my beautiful, black brothers and I would hate to think of what would happen if all black men were to jump on this bandwagon, rather than stick it out with us and try to make things better.
Just a thought.
Cheryl
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Terrence,
I recently read your review of Brazil and, as a woman of color, was saddened that you chose to highlight the ways in which black men can go to another country and exploit, poor, uneducated women. While I did appreciate the beautiful photos of the women who came in all variations and colors (which did, I admit, remind me that a few more days at the gym wouldn't hurt) what I read did not show any respect towards the women who are smiling so pretty for your camera and the readers of Black Beach Week, that are not just males looking for a good time.
As you are aware, Brazil has become the new hot-spot for black men who go specifically with the intention of objectifying Brazilian women. Of course, there is more than just sex to be offered in Brazil, but it seems that when black men speak about it all they seem to focus on is the sex-trade and ways in which to objectify women. There is no talk on the strong history of Brazil, or the way that African blood still runs deep in the music, food and culture. There is just talk of big asses, thongs, and long hair. Why?
This type of reviews on trips encourages black men to go to other countries to treat women as objects. Men go to Brazil to find women and to be catered to because they don't feel secure here if they're not "scoring 52 points for Miami Heat". They go there, to women who (for the most part) have no education and sell themselves (directly or indirectly) in order to survive. The "girlfriend experience" that so many black men come home to the states raving about really is just a woman working. Read interviews from these women, straight and honest, and see how they really feel about the black men who come there.
Now, I am not trying to knock a brotha down because I do love and support black men, nor am I some insecure black woman worried about all the brothas leaving us for Brazilian women. What I am is a woman who wants to see my people doing and being the best people we can be. It's unbecoming of black men, who are always still constantly fighting for respect, equality, etc. here to go to other countries and to exploit the women there -- especially women of color. It's not us being our best; it's us doing what has been done to us. To me, it reeks of that whole slave-holder mentality when black women were objectified and used as sex objects for white men. I'm sure many of us seemed like we were enjoying it too, but were we really?
Just some food for thought, my brother.
Fatty Gurl
Oakland, CA
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Terrance - Looks like you enjoyed yourself....My great-uncle went for his 75th birthday and the old man stayed for 30 additional days and have not been the same since.....LORD knows....disease is higher in Brazil....so lesson #9 should be #1.....
Take Care -
Keta
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Dear Terrance,
Please use this email as your authorization to IMMEDIATELY unsubscribe me from this ignorant, so called black networking/travel web site.
Never have I been privy to such a tasteless and negative portrayal of women in my life. I'm appalled that you chose to disseminate such trash to your subscribers. I thought that this was a positive and progressive site when in actuality, it's just another way to humiliate and denigrate women of color.
It's quite sad that on the day after Jennifer Hudson and Forrest Whittaker take home the highest honor bestowed upon them by a racist and unjust academy, that I would be insulted by this trash.
Here are some interesting statistics for you:
Brazil is the epicenter of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South America and accounts for 57 percent of all AIDS cases in Latin America and the Caribbean. AIDS was first reported in Brazil in 1983; through mid-2002, the Ministry of Health had reported nearly 240,000 cumulative cases.
The high number of AIDS cases in Sources: UNAIDS, U.S. Census Bureau part reflects historically more accurate reporting in Brazil than in many other countries in the region. Nevertheless, HIV prevalence in Brazil is higher than in most other neighboring countries. At the end of 2001, an estimated 610,000 individuals were living with HIV/AIDS, resulting in an adult prevalence of 0.7 percent. Among populations at greatest risk, prevalence is considerably higher, at 42 percent.
HIV/AIDS Situation in Brazil
HIV Infected: 660,0001
AIDS Deaths: 15,0001
The rate of reported AIDS cases increased from 10.6 per 100,000 in 1992 to a high of 18.7 per 100,000 in 1998. Brazil has experienced a stabilizing trend with rates of 16.5, 16.4, and 14.8 per 100,000 in 1999, 2000, and 2001, respectively. In the last decade, heterosexual transmission of reported AIDS cases grew from 25.8 percent in 1991 to 56.1 percent in 2002.
HIV/AIDS in Brazil
186,112,784: population of Brazil (July 2005 est.)
620,000: Estimated number of people living with HIV/AIDS by the end of 2005
0.5%: Estimated percentage of adults (ages 15-49) living with HIV/AIDS by the end of 2005
220,000: Estimated number of women (ages 15-49) living with HIV/AIDS by the end of 2005
14,000: Estimated number of deaths due to AIDS during 2005
Maybe you should consider sharing these statistics rather than sharing needless, reckless information that will further massacre our existence.
Here is what the ladies had to say
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Time and time again, I see American men get played left and right by these foreign women. I was born in a foreign country so I am know what I'm talking about and have seen the stories that you aren't aware of "trying to please a foreigner in exchange for the following: a free night in a hotel (which is a luxury to poor women), a free meal (when you're on a tight budget that's a lot), a possible relationship (which could lead you to receiving gifts). Are you that desparate for pu**y that you resort to paying for it...even if it's just a couple of dollars.
The desire to please comes from the knowing that as an American you are equated to having money in their eyes. Anybody who travels is equating to having money because traveling overseas is expensive for the average Brazilian who makes less than $800 dollars a month. Shoot, a dj in New York City just killed himself after his Brazilian wife left him. Once that green card or that baby (yes Brazilian women will sleep with you without condoms for a green card baby) is secure, being with you falls to the wayside. Warning to American men who date Filipino, Brazilian, and other foreign born women.
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Hi Terrance, Not to fuss at you or make you feel worse than some of these other emails have, but as a black female that loves to travel, I would love to go to brazil too.
It looks like a very beautiful place with beautiful beaches, but the e mail to me made it seems like it's just for the brothers. Like, we ladies mine as well not even think about going because we'll get blown out of the water! I don't have no problem with the pictures, but i do agree with what the other female subcribers are saying. You said" I actually didn't think it was big deal.
I just sent three newsletters previously with dang near half naked men in them as eye candy for the ladies" It wasn't the pictures that i think offended so many women, bc you can just about see half naked pictures anywhere these days, i think it was what was being said regarding to american women and brazilian women. I'm not saying i want to unsubcribe, because i don't. i love this website and i 've been going to the different events you have posted on the site since 2003!
I'm not going to preach to you b/c a lot of sisters have already made good and valuable points on your email attn: "to the brothers". But weather you realized it or not you really put us sisters down and not just us, american woman period. Maybe next time you should be just a little careful of what you say and how you put it, cause I don't think you meant any harm by it. So always be careful, because you are talking to a wide rang of different subscibers. Much love, Kena
Sweetie:
I got your newsletter yesterday and I thought it was cool. Some women have a problem with the fact that there are other women out there that are more beautiful than them or whatever. So, I suspect your newsletter may have bruised a few egos. I found NOTHING negative in the newsletter. But I guess being a world traveler like you, I'm aware that in other cultures nudity, sex and explicitness is not as "taboo" as some people HERE pretend it is. If you've EVER been to Brazil, you KNOW that taking pics of nude women, etc...is NOT a big deal. They dont feel exploited, taken advantage of, etc. In fact, they WELCOME it! Yes, it's different than how women respond in the U.S. or some other places but come on...you CANNOT judge ALL women by just YOUR reaction. That's my .99cents on the matter...lol!
I enjoy your newsletters and info all the time...they always contain great information, tasteful pics and good travel advice.
Forget the haters, baby....KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
Tee
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Good morning,
I normally do not engage in discussions of this sort, but I just wanted to state that as a black female I do not feel that your Brazil e-mail was in poor taste. I do not believe that there is anything wrong with stating your perception of the truth. Only a threatened woman, who did not know her self worth, would be offended by your comments. I view it as a great challenge for black MEN and women here to step up their game. (Just tell me where the secret men's resort is!)....
Have a blessed and wonderful day!
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Maybe you should look at what kind of content you put in the newsletter and what message you are trying to send to your reader. I used to be able to look at your newsletter at work, now it is banned because of content.
Ask yourself if you are going after sexy travel for African Americans or travel for African Americans. I usually don't have a problem with your site and newsletter, and even I was put off by the "butt shots." It felt like a creepy guy sneaking up on unsuspecting women and snapping pictures for his own pleasure later.
I think you can sell the trips without sexing everything up and making everything pornographic. You have to be clear on who you are trying to reach. Are you talking to oversexed college kids or middle aged business folks or both (for example)?
How can you have pictures of naked men and/or women in one newsletter and then have info on a gospel fest in another? You have a good website and newsletter that could go a long way. It is an invaluable service to people who live in the middle of nowhere. Don’t destroy what you have by cheapening the readers’ experience. We as a race are more than our sex drive. We can't expect the world to think more of us if we don't think more of ourselves.
I look forward to more of your thoughts on this subject.
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Hello Terrance,
I vowed I would never actually write a letter to the editor of anything until now. Why are all these women so upset? I read every BB I receive and yes it is often filled with gorgeous men and women. We are a gorgeous people. We come in all shapes, sizes and shades of beauty. We should not hate on each other. So what these women are scantly clad...I would be too if my body looked like theirs. If your offended that's your right. I just want to go on record as a young black female who was not offended, but happy to see my people looking good as opposed to seeing all those blond haired, blood eyed American "beauties".
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Men don't care because men are not constantly being treated like a piece of meat. Like something to just lay down with and throw to the wolves. You know this and you see this. Your newsletter did just that. As far as the woman over here...men live this fantasy of having these exotic woman everyday.
Some men need a reality check and realize woman do not like this on a regular basis. So if your over here approaching woman of the video/Hollywood status and your actually not up in that league you are setting yourself up to be let down. So of course your going to down talk the woman here. Come back down to reality and realize the average black woman looks like the girl next door and not all woman turn men down. It's the type of woman you men pick to approach. I see it ALL the time.
For instance me and my friends went to the ABFF in Miami one of my friends is lightskin, long hair, gray eyes, very petite and just all out cute. Of course she got the most attention it always goes down like that when we hang out. I really don't care because whatever attention she gets I get..lol.
If the average dude approached her he's going to get a nose turn up from her. I was looking at her like she was crazy and a lot of things that I did not notice about her I did that weekend. She doesn't look like your average chick. So this all goes back to regular looking dudes trying to approach her and being let down. She doesn't know whether or not these men are good men at all but she is looking at the outer appearance and you men do exactly that ALL THE TIME.
A woman could be dead ass broke sleeping on a mattress but if she looks good you could care less you will try your best to take care of that as long as you have a sweet young thang on your arm. It's like the men over look the regular brown skin not over the top woman that are really about their business. Woman need to be over the top for most men to approach. Man I can go on and on. This is my life story.
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Hi Terrance, Not to fuss at you or make you feel worse than some of these other emails have, but as a black female that loves to travel, I would love to go to brazil too.
It looks like a very beautiful place with beautiful beaches, but the e mail to me made it seems like it's just for the brothers. Like, we ladies mine as well not even think about going because we'll get blown out of the water! I don't have no problem with the pictures, but i do agree with what the other female subcribers are saying.
You said" I actually didn't think it was big deal. I just sent three newsletters previously with dang near half naked men in them as eye candy for the ladies" It wasn't the pictures that i think offended so many women, bc you can just about see half naked pictures anywhere these days, i think it was what was being said regarding to american women and brazilian women. I'm not saying i want to unsubcribe, because i don't.
i love this website and i 've been going to the different events you have posted on the site since 2003! I'm not going to preach to you b/c a lot of sisters have already made good and valuable points on your email attn: "to the brothers". But weather you realized it or not you really put us sisters down and not just us, american woman period. Maybe next time you should be just a little careful of what you say and how you put it, cause I don't think you meant any harm by it. So always be careful, because you are talking to a wide rang of different subscibers. Much love, Kena
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Hey Terrance,
I just want to let you know that the pictures of the women were no more degrading or tasteless than the photos of the half naked men. You were just simply giving your subscribers information regarding your trip. People are half naked and they party hard when they go to places like that so what did the readers expect to see? I am not sure. Ive never felt like you put anyone out there in a negative way.
Thats the problem with women today we are so quick to blame everyone else for the decisions we make.A prime example is blaming rappers for degrading women in videos, these women choose to put themselves out there no one puts a freakin gun to their heads, if they didnt do the videos then there wouldnt be any debate. But they do and it totally blows me when women get mad and try to defend them and say its the rappers fault.
I know I just went binge of words but I had to let you know that I appreciate the info you provide. Its not your fault if women walk around half naked and people take photos of them.
P.S. is Miami still on and poppin for Memorial Day weekend? thats where my girls and I will be but I keep hearing about the Dominican (which doesnt matter because we already booked out hotel in MIA)
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I thought the newsletter on Brazil was nice. I'm a female and I thought you showed us, how beautiful we are in other countries. Brazillians are black and they are very beautiful women and men their. I sent the newsletter to my male friends and they all loved it.
Hey this is rumpke, hope your having a good year, holla back
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I'm a black woman and I'm not offended at all. I guess some folks just don't understand the culture of Brazil and many other countries that don't view the body as something that should be hidden. It's their way of life and I'm not mad at it. I hope to go next year. For the few people that you pissed off, there are many more that will probably be joining you because of the detailed commentary. Just my two cents.
Monina
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OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Terrance,
I just wanted to say that I love all of your newsletters! I actually enjoyed the one you sent the other day and passed it on to my guy friends that are going to Brazil in a couple of weeks. I laughed when I saw it and said "Wow, I need to go to the gym".
I think your newsletters have something for everyone! Also, the only reason she was so appalled was probably because she did not look as good as the women in the pictures. Get over it already...... Don't stop writting and continue to do what makes you happy. You bring so much happiness and joy to others that arent fortunate enough to go......
I will be in Brazil next year with my girls. I will also be on the Tom Joyner Cruise again this year. I hope I see you there. Take care and you continue to smile. So many people are unhappy with self and what is going on in their life. You keep enjoying and living your life. I have attached a pic from last year's Tom Joyner's Cruise. I'm the cute one in the middle. I look forward to your next newsletter.
Trenise
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Man Terrance
Look what you've gone and done! The females pissed with you bout them Brazil Photo's! WOW! I must be trippin! Now I'm a female and I love men to death however when I saw those photo's they didnt bother me.
I saw beauty and if you've ever attend an event as such you'd appreciate those pictures. I didnt think they were meant to be degrading in anway! I took it as a Womans Worth!
But that's just me!
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HEY BRO.
DON'T SWEAT THE BULL IF THE LADIES CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH BECAUSE YOU TOLD THE TRUTH I HAVE BEEN TO SANTA DOMINGO 3 TIMES LAST YEAR AND YOU HIT IT ON THE HEAD THE WOMEN THERE ARE TAUGHT AT An EARLY AGE TO CATER TO MEN LIKE IN THE OLD DAYS OF OUR PARENTS THIS NEW WORLD ORDER FOR WOMEN RIGHT AND NOT TAKEN THE TIME OUT TO CATER TO YOUR MAN HAS PUT AMERICAN WOMEN ON THE SPOT. I LOVE MY AMERICAN WOMEN BUT SOME NOT ALL ARE SO FULL OF IT ITS A SHAME AND IF YOU CAN GO TO ANOTHER COUNTRY FOR A VISIT MEET SOMEONE THAT WILL CATER TO YOU GO FOR IT BECAUSE LITTLE DO THESE FRUSTRATED WOMEN THAT WROTE YOU BACK MISSED WAS THAT YOU WERE NOT DEGRADING THESE WOMEN YOU WAS MERELY STATING THE FACTS THAT MEN LOVE TO BE CATERED TO AND AMERICAN WOMEN THINK BY CATERING TO HER MAN THAT ITS SOMETHING DEGRADING MY FRIEND I MET I CAN CALL A TRUE FRIEND AND EVERYBODY I HAVE MET IN MY TRAVELS I CONTINUE TO STAY IN CONTACT WITH. I CAN GO ON AND ON BUT I HAVE TO GET BACK TO WORK HAVE TO SAVE MORE MONEY FOR MY NEXT TRIP JUST RECENTLY CAME ACROSS YOU SITE AND I APPLAUD YOU FOR PUTTING THE TRUTH OUT THERE AND NOT CANDY COATING THE TRIP SOMEBODY LIKE HER SHOULD NOT GO PLAIN AND SIMPLE BUT IF SHE WANTS A LONG TERM RELATIONSHIP IN THIS STAGE OF HER LIFE. MY ADVICE LEARN HOW TO CATER TO YOUR MAN AND HE WILL NEVER BE ON THE BEACH OF BRAZIL WITH US!!!!!
PEACE
HUTCH AKA BIG SEXY
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Hello Terrance,
For the record I am a female who did not see anything wrong with the newsletter you put out with the ladies from Brazil. You included a disclaimer for us ladies to let us know that there were photos of women attached and if we did not want to view them we should not scroll down, I did any how and was not offended.
I don't see what the big deal is it's half naked women, I was more appalled when I went to the Cancun Jump off and the NBA All star weekend in Las Vegas, at the women in tank tops and panties. Hopefully your not taking the opinions and outrage of the women to the newsletter to heart, because honestly their probably the same ones who either don't have the confidence to be half dressed or the figure. I really don't care people are going to be people.
Thanks for the newsletter, I have found about more hot spots that I had no idea about.
Lele
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I didn't find the newsletter offensive at all. Those women chose to wear such revealing bathing suits. They are the ones that are responsible for the partrail of African-American women. As an African-American women, we have a responsibility for our gender. If we are being portrayed in a negative light, it isn't anyone's fault but our own. Don't be upset with the messenger. Be upset with the chicks in the pictures that are "so-called" being denigrated.
I think most women that get upset about sexy pictures of other women is because they are jealous. A bunch of haters. Brothers like good lookin' half naked women. That's not a newsflash. So? Women like good lookin' have naked men. So what?!
People need to stop hatin'.
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Oh Pah-leeeze! Everyone in the World, hell, the Universe knows that Brazil is the hot spot for beautiful women. Not to say, there aren't beautiful women here (NYC), but they (Brazilians) pride themselves in keeping their body fitttt!
Shoot, after reading the email, I had a cup of green tea & did a few cruntches!
Unfortunately, many parts of Brazil are severly poverty stricken which many young women are reared to engage in sexual "favors". However, I pray our Brothers go to Brazil with RESPECT (as you reiterated in your newsletter) in approaching/dating a Brazilian Women or any Women in the Universe.
Peace & Blessings!
C*
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Hello first off I love this site if it was not for your site I would have found out the information needed for me to be able to attend the BET Spring Bling this year.
Second off I am so sick of people period talking about someone else degrading another human being. You didn’t make anyone do anything that they did or make them take the photos that they took. Grown people do what they want to do if you don’t like it be mad at that person not the person who may show a picture or two of the things or people that were down there.
The truth hurts whether African Americans, Caucasians, Latinos, Mexicans and etc. can not accept that there a few ignorant and irresponsible or childish and I could go on and on but if you don’t like it or agree with it do not look at it, read it, watch it and etc.
For example this quote was the most hilarious to me:I recently read your review of Brazil and, as a woman of color, was saddened that you chose to highlight the ways in which black men can go to another country and exploit, poor, uneducated women.
Another example the very mature but voiced at the wrong time all of the statistics about AIDS.. Look at the statistics that are growing rapidly in the US and I don’t see her on a parade about all the video girls or exotic dancers or anything like that.
In 2007 there is enough sense going around adults know right from wrong and it is that individuals choice to make. You were not wrong for posting the pictures that you liked on your website an the great part about the sentence is YOUR WEBSITE.
Tell those people to grow up but thanks for their opinions.
Keep doing you!!
Celeste
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Hi Terrence,
I being a black woman did not find anything wrong with your newsletter. If it was about Mandingo type men awaiting to please you would have gotten a totally different responce.
If that is what turns you on then you a right to your opinion. I don't allow the opinions of others to dictate how I feel about myself.
I am a beautiful thick woman andmy hair is just past my shoulders and I love myself.
Keep doing your own thing you can't please everybody.
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Terrence,
It's funny how people would embrace the email geared toward the ladies, but are appalled at a few pictures for the fellas. Some double standard, huh? ;) Honey, let 'em be mad. Continue to do what you are doing, and keep it coming. Don't worry about what others are saying. I look forward to the email blasts, REGARDLESS of the images; it's the INFORMATION that's got me coming back for more.
Much love,
Jasminn Houston, TX
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HEY TERRANCE
I AM GLAD YOU SENT ME THE BRAZIL PICTURES I ENJOY THEM . OH BY THE WAY I AM A FEMALE AND NOT GAY . THE THREE ANGRY WOMEN WHO DID LIKE THE PICTURES ARE PROBALY JEALOUS BECAUSE THEY DON'T LOOK LIKE THAT. IF AMERICAN WOMEN LEARN TO KEEP IN SHAPE AND LEARN NOT TO BE SO PICKIE THEN THEY WOULD NOT HAVE A PROBLEM SEEING ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL WOMEN. I ALSO THINK MEN NEED TO BE CATER TO. I WOULD LOVE VISIT BRAZIL BECAUSE IF THE WOMEN LOOK LIKE WHAT TO THE MEN LOOK LIKE. LOVE ANGELA
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DEAR TERRANCE,
I WAS APPALLED TO READ THAT WOMEN WERE SO OUTRAGED ABOUT THE PICTURES IN YOUR NEWSLETTER. I FOUND THEM TO BE BEATIFUL AND COMFORTING. MANY PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE THAT IN BRAZIL WOMEN WITH FULL BACK SIDES ARE CONSIDERED BEATIFUL AND ARE ENCOURAGED TO SHOW IT OFF . I THINK WE FORGOT THAT NOT TOO LONG AGO OUR SOCIETY VIEWED CURVY WOMEN AS BEING OVERWEIGHT OR UNATTRACTIVE. FOR THOSE WOMEN TO BE SO INSULTED SHOWS THEIR LACK OF CULTURE AND INSECURITY. THE PICTURES MADE ME WANT TO GO TO BRAZIL AND PUT ON A BIKINI AND WALK FREELY ON THE BEACH.
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Terrance,
All I can say is this, if people don't like what you wrote,tell them to unsubscribe. I'm a woman of color and I felt like you were writing what you observed. The article was an overview of your trip and the experience you had with women of different nationalities. When I read the article, it reminded me of some females I hang around. Sometimes the truth hurts, I guess this time you stepped on someone's toes.
P.S. This site is very useful and don't let anyone tell you different.
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You know I was going to respond yesterday and I can see that you have got a plenty of responses from my sisters on exactly how I was feeling. Your newsletter was an insult to woman and black woman in general. I hope the decent men don't listen to your ignorant letter and run to Rio because they'll be trying to run back to the states as fast as they can to get cured of the disease they done caught down there. Rio is full of prostitutes whether you know this or not and you just gave props to a shit load of them. Men like you need need to actually go to Rio and stay down there and live with those disease infested woman than to rather come back to the states where beautiful realistic black woman are!
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Post this
I may sound like a hater, but here is the real…….
GRANTED THEY ARE BEAUITFUL WOMEN
BUT THEY GET THOSE HE TO SHE OPERATIONS DOWN THERE FOR CHEAP AND THEY WANT A TICKET TO THE US ANY WAY THEY CAN GET IT AND THEY REAL SEXUAL DOWN TO DO WHATEVER
A CO-WORKER COULD NOT COME HOME FOR 2 MONTHS,GOT HEPATITIS C FROM SOMEONE DOWN THERE
THEY CALL ASS bunda, out there
Never trust a big butt n smile - That gurl is poison.
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If this email is supposedly for your male subscribers, you should probably filter it next time. I'm curious to know if there are more men than women who subscribe to your service because nothing in this one-sided email is evenly remotely of interest to me as a black woman. As a matter of fact, this email is pretty offensive to me in light of the fact that you seem to be insinuating that black men need to go to Rio to find a "perfect" woman since apparently they can't find one here. Pretty insensitive in my opinion, but then again, I guess we all know what that's worth.
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Attn:Terrance
Black Beach Week
As a young black woman I must say that I was horrendously offended by the e-mail that I just received about Carnival in Brazil. Not only was it offensive in the content, but the photos were also very outrageous. I have unsubscribed from this tasteless list and I am deeply disturbed that thousands of people must be barraged with this type of message.
Regards,
Jacqueline
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True
I am not saying that it don’t happen in the US.
I am just saying u had a nice time, now all the dudes gone be pumped up to run down there
AND playthrow their D*ck on the crap table with a BB: BEAUITFUL BRAZILLIAN
You better start pumping our sistas up that’s here. That’s a dream
Unless these dudes into importing some work to the US.
What about an newsletter on getting tested?
I know my status, hell I carry it around in my purse.
Just a thought
But thanks for the reply back
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I was trying to support, but after the issue with Brazil....no thanks. That's just what black people need another place to potentially catch AIDS.
I will grant it, the place has beautiful women, but there also is an extremely high rate of AIDS there. An issue on this was just in Essence magazine, I believe, 2 months ago. Don't be fooled thinking what's the problem just wear a condom. Condoms do not stop the transmission of diseases they simply reduce the possibilities. Nothing is 100% foolproof.
Reduce and stop are two different words. So now let's see... men will run off to Brazil more than likely, because the chances are high, catch something bring it back....and you thought that was exactly what we needed right now....some more sh** to deal with!!! Great thinking, shows your I.Q. level!
Oh by the way, yeah they're extra nice they're trying to make it back to the states. That's usually what people do when they want something from you, they're extra nice with it! It's the same thing when soldiers are stationed in different countries, the women are extra nice...there's the possibility of coming to the states.
You know I often men complaining about gold diggers, it's not that these women are so clever and cunning, the majority of men are just so stupid and gullibe they make it so easy!
When you go to Brazil, the women are very nice, however, it's for a purpose and they forget to leave out their AIDS status, because what do they care they don't have too much to live for and they'll never see you again anyway... but I guess you didn't think of that either, Sherlock.
Unsubscribe please no longer interested!!!
P.S. From a woman who has been told by many men that I am beautiful and very sexy my advice to men is if you don't want to be treated like walking wallets, have something else to offer....like a personality and have something on an intelligent level to talk about.
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didn't really mind the photos. I think a woman's body is a sight to behold and I LOVE to see beautiful, voluptuous women who are in shape, especially women of color. They actually inspire me to want to take care of my body and look my best. My only issue with this email is that you seem to be placing Brazilian women, with their "REAL" hair and "desire to please" on some kind of pedestal, and your tone is certainly comparing them to African-American women whose life experiences are totally different from any of the women with whom any of you would come in contact with in Brazil.
Brazil is a totally different culture than ours, and I'm sure that the prospects of obtaining some kind of financial support from a man of means, foreign or otherwise is what is driving them to be so "NICE." Do you really think they treat Brazilian men (with an average family income of $500 per month, according to their latest stats) that way? I'm sure they assume that if you have the money to travel, you have something to contribute to their well-being. I actually think it's the same thing that drives and inspires every woman to do the things she does - the potential for a better life and the love and support of a good man. However, if as an American woman, you can afford to buy your own $20 dinner, I don't think the prospects of that would really excite you all that much.
Unfortunately, American culture is a little warped in that regard, and we all seem to be prey to that, but I think that if you step back and take a look at the big picture, you would see that this email potentially adds fuel to a fire that's already out of control when it comes to black relationships in this country. Have you ever had occasion to see or hear of anyone advising black women to fly off to another country to find a husband in order to be treated like a queen? I haven't, and I don't think an email with pictures of black men in skimpy clothes strikes me as having the same sting as this email. But then again, I am a woman.
The next time you're in the mall or walking down the street, and you see a little black girl with a head full of weave, contact lenses and a short skirt, think about it. Who are they trying to impress? Could it be the brothers who time and time again seem to keep insinuating that they're not good enough, as is? I really feel sorry for my daughters. If this is what black men really think of us, who will be there when they're ready for a relationship? What about your daughter? (assuming you have or will have one). Who will be there for her if you send all of the brothers off to Brazil to find a big-bootied, "catering" queen (smile)? I think it's pretty sad.
I'm not trying to give you a hard time since I'm sure you get a lot of flack that you don't deserve. I generally like what you have to say, I love the fact that you inspire our brothers and sisters to travel more, I absolutely believe that you are entitled to your opinion and I certainly do see some credence in your message. You like what you like and I feel you on that. However, this email really hurt my feelings, and I would just hope that a brother with a seemingly large, black audience like yours wouldn't go out of his way to plant a seed like that in the minds of those who may be a little more impressionable than one would like. I love my beautiful, black brothers and I would hate to think of what would happen if all black men were to jump on this bandwagon, rather than stick it out with us and try to make things better.
Just a thought.
Cheryl
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Terrence,
I recently read your review of Brazil and, as a woman of color, was saddened that you chose to highlight the ways in which black men can go to another country and exploit, poor, uneducated women. While I did appreciate the beautiful photos of the women who came in all variations and colors (which did, I admit, remind me that a few more days at the gym wouldn't hurt) what I read did not show any respect towards the women who are smiling so pretty for your camera and the readers of Black Beach Week, that are not just males looking for a good time.
As you are aware, Brazil has become the new hot-spot for black men who go specifically with the intention of objectifying Brazilian women. Of course, there is more than just sex to be offered in Brazil, but it seems that when black men speak about it all they seem to focus on is the sex-trade and ways in which to objectify women. There is no talk on the strong history of Brazil, or the way that African blood still runs deep in the music, food and culture. There is just talk of big asses, thongs, and long hair. Why?
This type of reviews on trips encourages black men to go to other countries to treat women as objects. Men go to Brazil to find women and to be catered to because they don't feel secure here if they're not "scoring 52 points for Miami Heat". They go there, to women who (for the most part) have no education and sell themselves (directly or indirectly) in order to survive. The "girlfriend experience" that so many black men come home to the states raving about really is just a woman working. Read interviews from these women, straight and honest, and see how they really feel about the black men who come there.
Now, I am not trying to knock a brotha down because I do love and support black men, nor am I some insecure black woman worried about all the brothas leaving us for Brazilian women. What I am is a woman who wants to see my people doing and being the best people we can be. It's unbecoming of black men, who are always still constantly fighting for respect, equality, etc. here to go to other countries and to exploit the women there -- especially women of color. It's not us being our best; it's us doing what has been done to us. To me, it reeks of that whole slave-holder mentality when black women were objectified and used as sex objects for white men. I'm sure many of us seemed like we were enjoying it too, but were we really?
Just some food for thought, my brother.
Fatty Gurl
Oakland, CA
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Terrance - Looks like you enjoyed yourself....My great-uncle went for his 75th birthday and the old man stayed for 30 additional days and have not been the same since.....LORD knows....disease is higher in Brazil....so lesson #9 should be #1.....
Take Care -
Keta
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Dear Terrance,
Please use this email as your authorization to IMMEDIATELY unsubscribe me from this ignorant, so called black networking/travel web site.
Never have I been privy to such a tasteless and negative portrayal of women in my life. I'm appalled that you chose to disseminate such trash to your subscribers. I thought that this was a positive and progressive site when in actuality, it's just another way to humiliate and denigrate women of color.
It's quite sad that on the day after Jennifer Hudson and Forrest Whittaker take home the highest honor bestowed upon them by a racist and unjust academy, that I would be insulted by this trash.
Here are some interesting statistics for you:
Brazil is the epicenter of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South America and accounts for 57 percent of all AIDS cases in Latin America and the Caribbean. AIDS was first reported in Brazil in 1983; through mid-2002, the Ministry of Health had reported nearly 240,000 cumulative cases.
The high number of AIDS cases in Sources: UNAIDS, U.S. Census Bureau part reflects historically more accurate reporting in Brazil than in many other countries in the region. Nevertheless, HIV prevalence in Brazil is higher than in most other neighboring countries. At the end of 2001, an estimated 610,000 individuals were living with HIV/AIDS, resulting in an adult prevalence of 0.7 percent. Among populations at greatest risk, prevalence is considerably higher, at 42 percent.
HIV/AIDS Situation in Brazil
HIV Infected: 660,0001
AIDS Deaths: 15,0001
The rate of reported AIDS cases increased from 10.6 per 100,000 in 1992 to a high of 18.7 per 100,000 in 1998. Brazil has experienced a stabilizing trend with rates of 16.5, 16.4, and 14.8 per 100,000 in 1999, 2000, and 2001, respectively. In the last decade, heterosexual transmission of reported AIDS cases grew from 25.8 percent in 1991 to 56.1 percent in 2002.
HIV/AIDS in Brazil
186,112,784: population of Brazil (July 2005 est.)
620,000: Estimated number of people living with HIV/AIDS by the end of 2005
0.5%: Estimated percentage of adults (ages 15-49) living with HIV/AIDS by the end of 2005
220,000: Estimated number of women (ages 15-49) living with HIV/AIDS by the end of 2005
14,000: Estimated number of deaths due to AIDS during 2005
Maybe you should consider sharing these statistics rather than sharing needless, reckless information that will further massacre our existence.