No Apologies Necessary

Brazil has its problems, but that's not something
that anyone has to wear as a mark of shame.

Dolores Jenkins

Over the years, I've worked with many Brazilian executives, professionals, and students. And, although each experience has been an extremely positive one, I've noticed a recurring pattern that I can't understand or accept.

Quite often I've worked with groups comprised of executives from different countries. The groups work on negotiation and presentation skills by analyzing and discussing case studies. At the beginning of each course, each group member introduces himself/herself and tells the other group members something about his/her job, etc. Almost without fail, whenever the Brazilian participant's turn comes, he/she adds a comment that comes across as a need to apologize for the country. The comment may come in any number of ways: "well, Brazil is a very poor country"; " there's a lot of corruption in our country"; "we have a very high crime rate"; "we're not doing well economically."

What I find to be most interesting about these comments is that they are often made voluntarily, without any statements or questions having been made or asked by other group members that would warrant any such type of response. Of course, there have been times that participants from other countries have made similar statements about their own countries, but I haven't seen it happen with the frequency that it happens with the group members from Brazil.

Now, I don't want to appear to be naïve. I know that poverty exists—it does in many places, including in some of the world's richest countries. And, Brazil has no monopoly on crime or corruption—what country has none? And finally, is there any country that has always prospered and done well—with no economic setbacks? Brazil has its problems, but that's not something that anyone has to wear as a mark of shame—or apologize for. Every country goes through its growing pains, and that's nothing to feel ashamed about.

I guess I'm a little biased. I've visited Brazil many, many times and think it is an absolutely fabulous country—and one with so many positive aspects. When I think of the beauty I've seen there—not just in terms of the natural surroundings, but also in terms of the soul of the people—I think that Brazil, and Brazilians, can stand tall and proud.

So, with no intention to offend, may I just suggest that any opportunity to speak about the beauty and excitement and vitality of the country be used to the maximum to encourage those who've never had the opportunity to gaze at the beauty of the beaches or marvel at the parades in the Sambadrome (against which even an Olympic event can pale in comparison) to come and do so.

Dolores Jenkins, the author, is a sales and training professional who resides in New York. You can reach her at fabbiza@yahoo.com 

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