Inspired to learn Portuguese by my father's collection of LPs from late 1960s Brazil. Lived in Brazil, Portugal and East Timor. I am an ex-aidworker, perpetual-novice anthropologist working on projects combining technology, communications and social transformation.
Latest posts by Janet Gunter from September, 2012
Brazil: Threat to the Autonomy of Indigenous Lands
The issuance in mid-July of a governmental measure, Decree 303, that restricts the autonomy of indigenous lands in Brazil has been strongly criticized by many social movements, both in Brazil and beyond, which fight for the rights of indigenous peoples.
Brazil: Mapping Fires in São Paulo Favelas, Land Values
After crowdsourced research on fires in São Paulo's slums and informal settlements, known as favelas, Patrícia Cornils and a group of São Paulo citizens are mapping the fires at a site called “Fogo no Barraco” which translates as “Shanty on Fire”. The site also reveals dramatic increases in land value near fire...
Brazil: Crowdsourcing information on fires in slums
Recently a number of devastating fires in São Paulo slums [Pt], where land values have sky-rocketed of late, have left thousands homeless. Over 1,100 people were left homeless after the last fire. Some São Paulo residents are using a public spreadsheet to crowdsource data and analyze the phenomenon over the...
Angola: Brazilian firm's electoral advice to ruling party leaked
Club-K leaked a study conducted by Brazilian firm SENSUS in July [Pt] which significantly informed the ruling party's electoral strategy. It warns Angolans are dissatisfied with inequality with young people using Facebook and mobile to organize, and of the charisma of Abel Chivukuvuku (CASA-CE). It also suggested the best margin for...
Angola: Voter Silence Also Speaks
There were no serious disruptions to polling in Angola's elections today, yet a number of problems with the voting were reported by citizens. Moreover it appears that voter turnout was much lower that the 2008 election.
