Brazil samba school argues slavery still exists
RIO DE JANEIRO — Brazil abolished slavery in 1888, but during Carnival this year a major samba school will be arguing that it never really ended.
Leaders of the Paraiso do Tuiuti group see many instances of what they consider “modern-day slavery” in Latin America’s largest nation.
They note that Brazil is one of the world’s most unequal countries in terms of income distribution, and that its top politicians and businessmen are predominantly white while more than 50 percent of citizens identify as black or mixed race.
“Our music questions whether slavery is actually over,” said Jack Vasconcelos, the group’s art director.