Laura, brazilian background stage, our culture and why it's not sexist.

[Mac]

I am Brazilian and I want to talk about how the Brazilian culture is presented around the world. First of carnival and football are really well marked characteristics in our country, yet most people think that we live in cities mixed in the jungle. But this is not true, in fact I even think I would rather we had more green in the cities. The south and north of the country is quite different. How further south you are more sophisticated the country is.
 Our capital has giant buildings and we have one of the largest cities in the world. São Paulo is the 3rd largest city with the largest population in the world. But other cities are full of buildings and are extremely urban too.
 We do not have people dancing and playing football in the streets. Our cities are as common as the rest of the world. Our poverty extends in other regions of Brazil. northern regions and regions far from the center and south of the country. But some cities have world-class features. Like Curitiba, Florianópolis and Porto Alegre (where I live). These three capitals are located in the South.
I totally understand that Capcom and games in general have to focus and enhance the regional culture and themes in their games. I'm just trying to make it clear that the reality is quite different from what is shown in movies, games and etc.
 
 Many would criticize that Laura is super sexualized, but this is something quite common in our culture and women of Brazil has no shame and limits as the rest of the world are experiencing today.

An example of this are our songs. Currently we suffer from a lack of musical culture and absurd growth in culture of sex songs.
  We have a brazilian pop star with record of views for our country in youtube videos, and she resambles Laura Actually. :)

  You can see here, this is common and well received in our culture:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGov-KH7hkM

Do you like her music? Actually I do. Even tough we need more culture diversity in our songs I can't bash her work.
I know there are artists like Nicki Minaj and others that sexualize. But the difference is that in Brazil this culture is welcomed with open arms, and most people do not see it as controversial, polemic, abrupt and ugly. It is received with pride and care. And respected.
People are more mind free here. And actually it shows money isn't everything because even we have average money compared to the rest of the world we have great ways of enjoying life and accepting and receiving simple things in life.
I am following some North Americans wars with SJW and etc. It seems so silly.
Women are becoming afraid to let go, sexualize and be free as they want.
I'm a feminist myself but I think this culture of bashing sexualization as people want is hurting most parts of the world. Wee don't need to shut sexualization down, we need to raise respect towards it.

In Brazil the important thing is. Women that are sexy, or sexualize have power, have pride, have freedom and like that. But in North America it seems that when a woman is sexy they are objectified or humiliated. If they sexualize they are being somehow submissive and losing their pride. And if they choose to be like that it seems they're losing their freedom and hurting themselves. Why?
So with Laura and her sexy looks I hope women and men in the world can learn a bit things for our country. Sexy woman are not objects, are powered woman that know to use her sexy qualities attractions. Woman that sexualize is not being submissive to the man's world, but choosing a path of enjoyment and playing the mind tricks that comes with the flavors of these psychic games.
I hoped everyone in the world could share more culture, because we in fact need.
Americans and Brazilians and Indians have a lot to offer and learn from each other.
North America seems suffering a bit of crisis identities from women and men because you became a wealthy country and are confused about external status from mind and body, because everything got so elitist and you lost the translation of natural life. That's my opinion, please, don't take it as negative or bad criticize.

So, for a Brazilian girl her outfit is fine. But Chun Li needs a fix in her sluty dress. :P

Edit:

More of our culture related to Laura:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PJzG1ZNO2k

[MauCat]

@Mac I'm brazilian too and i've been living in Italy for the last 15 years, but my family is still there. I will try to explain my point of view about the costumes polemics. I'm a man and i have 30 years old and I have no problems if a woman (or a man) who wants to express his/her sexuality, but this is a game, they are not real people, and they are not dressing what they want, they are characters created by Capcom. The point is basicaly one: the female characters looks like a fanservice in my opinion, I'm not complaining about the female bodies but the cheesy way that capcom make it, in USF4 Cammy have the same costume and chun li too (Chun li have both, the traditional and the black one) but their bodies was less sexualized. I will show you a exemple:
Chun li alternate costume USF4: http://jorimslist.com/screens/chunlialtscreen1.jpg

Chun li costume SFV: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Z_K1Hz2RRKE/maxresdefault.jpg

I'm not so mad because of the costumes or the female bodies, but see capcom doing this only to sell more games is unpleasant and unnecessary, becase SFV is a good game, it's funny to play, and in 1 or 2 years they will put more characters, make balances and make some dlcs with costumes and this game will be great. They don't need to make that "sexploitation" to sell more. But it's my point of view and i'm 30 years old, back in the days i would LOVE with all my heart all these boobs and legs, but today i see it only like a nice detail, maybe because i see it not like a free expression of sexuality but more like commercial choice. And speking with some of my friends who have my age here in Italy seems like they have my same opinion. Maybe we are only old.

ok people will hate me for this comment, i know, they will call me neo-puritan, SJW, anti-capitalist/communist, gay and a lot of other things....

[The Who]

Originalmente postado por Useless Bunny:

None of the countries featured in SF are accurate in any way, Capcom takes stereotypes and just makes their stages and characters based on that.

Originalmente postado por Mac:

Woman that sexualize is not being submissive to the man's world, but choosing a path of enjoyment and playing the mind tricks that comes with the flavors of these psychic games.

That sounds really pretentious. I think your point of view that woman perceive themselves differently about sexuality in Brazil when compared to the rest of the world is not correct; pretty much everywhere in the world things are quite similar to the US in terms of status of contemporary culture, except for places that follow completely different concepts, religion, etc. such as Pakistan or some place like that.

Originalmente postado por Mac:

https://youtu.be/UGov-KH7hkM

Do you like her music? Actually I do. Even tough we need more culture diversity in our songs I can't bash her work.
I know there are artists like Nicki Minaj and others that sexualize. But the difference is that in Brazil this culture is welcomed with open arms, and most people do not see it as controversial, polemic, abrupt and ugly.

I don't think that's a correct statement as well. That kind of music is not necessarily appreciated and welcome by all Brazilians, it's not hard to imagine them being considered bad, a joke or straight up degenerate since there are hardcore liberal and conservative people in Brazil as well just like in every other country in the world. Pretty much everything about Brazil is a huge mix up; the races, culture, opinions, taste, etc. The way woman dress up and behave in Brazil are very similar to how things are being perceived in most countries.

Your wall of text seems to be pending too much to one side, which is ironic considering your purpose (I think) in this thread. Anyway, that's just my own opinion.

I think you are overestimating the level of similarities between US's culture and the rest of the world.

[Shina]

Originalmente postado por Mac:

Words, alot of them

As far go country representations go they have always been wrong for every culture / country, stereotyped caricatures seen through the lens of the japanese in that lonesome cubicle that wasn't offered world tours, it makes every location, unique, wierd or over the top. It's in all series including KoF, They expect us smart and grown up enough to understand it's a harmless joke, and much like chun li's dress they were around way before long you showed interrest in street fighter (If you had shown prior interrest you would have picked up on the pattern by now), they were a trope, then became a fun and undearing tradition, an inside joke, an unspoken rule.
If you don't like it, tough sh1t, seems like the artists over there do, and artistic liberty trumps your individual discomfort.
North america doesn't perceive sexy women as you do. Only the third reich..., I mean, thrid wave feminist ( a vocal annoying minority) see it that way.
If you are opposed to these practicise be militant about and don't buy the game, video games will only change stuff if the market demands it.

We all know brazil is white beaches, the skyscrapers of the rich towering the shanty towns of the poor. We know it's a place with a crap lot of cosmetic surgery clinics, and a place your kidneys get stolen during the carnival, and now, it also has you.
See, street fighter did not alter my perception of Brazil, sure as hell not travelling there.

[Useless Bunny]

Originalmente postado por Milky Way Galaxy:

ok people will hate me for this comment, i know, they will call me neo-puritan, SJW, anti-capitalist/communist, gay and a lot of other things....

Don't worry, you're just mature.

Originalmente postado por Shina:

Originalmente postado por Mac:

Words, alot of them

As far go country representations go they have always been wrong for every culture / country, stereotyped caricatures seen through the lens of the japanese, make every location, unique and over the top. It's in all series including KoF, They expect us smart and grown up enough to understand it's a harmless joke

Yes, I think the usage of sterotypes and exaggerated stuff different regarding culture in video games are pretty funny to be honest, people shouldn't feel offended by that.

[WickedRequiem]

Originalmente postado por Useless Bunny:

Originalmente postado por WickedRequiem:

Laura super sexualized?

Capcom disagrees with that. I'm probably forgetting something, but isn't Laura the only female character who hasn't been censored?

I don't think Karin or Chun were changed.

RIght, forgot about Karin.

Chun was censored, iirc, on her special moves and victory stance.

[The Who]

The more I read this thread, the more I dislike certain posts that try to impose American values as some kind of 'world general standard'. All the while, this thread came from a Brazilian who should know what he's talking about.

I guess it's true what they say about Americans in general. They lack awareness about the rest of the world.

[CaballeroRojo]

I dont know why people from us thinks the whole world is like USA. I am from argentina, i am living right now in Mexico, i can say that the 2 cultures are extremely different.
Also comments like this: "We all know brazil is white beaches, the skyscrapers of the rich towering the shanty towns of the poor. We know it's a place with a crap lot of cosmetic surgery clinics, and a place your kidneys get stolen during the carnival, and now, it also has you. " Makes you think like in usa everybody is a Saint, and the bad mean people always are from other countrys. Argentinians girls and men arent good looking because cirugy (Maybe free Health care helps a lot anyway) is because their good food. Eating lots of meat gives you a good ass. And just fried burguers from mc donaldasdlsald.
I dont mean to be offensive, but really, people in latinoamerica doesnt think the same than people in northamerica.

[I Farted & 2 Shit Nugs Came Out]

HUEHUEHUEHUEHUEHUEHUEHUEHUEHUEHUEHUEHUEHUE GIB MONIES PLZ!!!!!!

[LasherMX]

STFU this is a video game. Things aren't real or made out to be realistic..err hadoken??! The Japanese characters don't look like Japanese people, so why would anyone else look like they should from any other country.

That Video posted - I don't even consider that music. Doesn't matter what country it's from. Its Junk auto-tune garbage.

Originalmente postado por Useless Bunny:

OK] That sounds really pretentious. I think your point of view that woman perceive themselves differently about sexuality in Brazil when compared to the rest of the world is not correct; pretty much everywhere in the world things are quite similar to the US in terms of status of contemporary culture, except for places that follow completely different concepts, religion, etc. such as Pakistan or some place like that.

As far as the sex goes. Pretty much everywhere else is way more OK with sex/sexist than the USA. The USA is full of uptight prudes who want to tell you how your sexuality is supposed to be. As example...welll Amsterdam comes to mind, but that's fraking easy pickings...How about Japan, where it's legal to have and pay for any kind of sex except intercourse.. How about Canada, where women can go topless anywhere they please...you can't even breast feed a child in the USA without some yahoo having a meltdown. The USA is pretty much like everywhere else in the world??.. what a Joke!

But as to the OP's problem with how Brazil is portrayed...Too bad, change the channel, watch something else, find a different game if you don't like what yo see.

[Mac]

Originalmente postado por LasherMX:

STFU this is a video game. Things aren't real or made out to be realistic..err hadoken??! The Japanese characters don't look like Japanese people, so why would anyone else look like they should from any other country.

That Video posted - I don't even consider that music. Doesn't matter what country it's from. Its Junk auto-tune garbage.

But as to the OP's problem with how Brazil is portrayed...Too bad, change the channel, watch something else, find a different game if you don't like what yo see.

I do not understand where it comes from so much hatred today. I made it clear that I fully understand the need to expose the culture of the countries more intensely. Just wanted to clarify that Brazil has no cities mixed with jungle as it appears in movies, series and other games. The cities here are extremely urban and as I said to wish we had more green in the cities.
  But our culture is extremely different when portraying women and their bodies. Women like to point out their qualities and exhibit. They love to dance freely and passionately.

And I never said I have problems how the country is shown. People project their way of negative judgments and pejorative in others and distort the interpretation within their way of hatred and attacks.
  I'm sorry, but I avoid this minimalist view that people have today to attack, judge, criticize venomously all. There are things that I hate in my country but there are things I love.

I thought how this game has an important and modern Brazilian character I could come here talk a bit about our culture and how it is related to this character.
  Blanka is an old and stereotyped character, so I will not bring debates about him. But Laura is modern and talks about the women of our country.
  She seems perfectly Brazilian. Capcom did a great job.
  She is sensual, knows this and is not ashamed to show. It is extravagant, bold and comfortable with herself.
 
  The other characters were a bit exploited beyond their nationality and essence. It was not cool. But Laura perfectly characterized the psychological culture that our women love their physical attributes and is not afraid to show and enjoy.

  Is there really a problem I talk here of an important Brazilian character in the game and how the Brazilian culture is related to her?

[The Who]

Originalmente postado por CaballeroRojo:

I dont know why people from us thinks the whole world is like USA. I am from argentina, i am living right now in Mexico, i can say that the 2 cultures are extremely different.
Also comments like this: "We all know brazil is white beaches, the skyscrapers of the rich towering the shanty towns of the poor. We know it's a place with a crap lot of cosmetic surgery clinics, and a place your kidneys get stolen during the carnival, and now, it also has you. " Makes you think like in usa everybody is a Saint, and the bad mean people always are from other countrys. Argentinians girls and men arent good looking because cirugy (Maybe free Health care helps a lot anyway) is because their good food. Eating lots of meat gives you a good ass. And just fried burguers from mc donaldasdlsald.
I dont mean to be offensive, but really, people in latinoamerica doesnt think the same than people in northamerica.

Watch as what you say gets drowned in the rhetorics of the self-righteous ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ who confused their own standards and disgusts with general 'morality'.

You have my sympathy, friend.

[Useless Bunny]

I have a question: How many of you that commented in here actually left their own country? My opinion is based on my experience of actually living in Brazil, in one of the southern regions OP mentioned to be more precise.

[Mac]

Just watch this, really:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM9a0b57VmA

And this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PJzG1ZNO2k

Now do you get what I'm trying to say? Maybe a video/image talks more than 1000 words. :P
It's Laura!!
BRAZILLIAN GIRL LOVE THEIR BODIES and sexualizations ;)
That's my point! And in my opinion we have the best women in the world. 100% natural bodies in the videos.
So Laura is not exploited. It is in our culture these women.

[Sparrow]

As a brazilian myself I have to point out that you lack some knowledge about your own country. I live in São Paulo and I played football/soccer on streets during my childhood and is common to see kids playing it in the streets nowadays, not as it was ten or twenty years ago, but it still happens.

If there's music and something that resembles a party, there will be one or another dancing to the music playing.

Jungle cities telling we don't have this kind of city made me think you have never been out of the big metropolitan cities and went to the countryside. In addition, looks like you don't know Manaus, Rio Branco, Rondônia, Goiânia and other cities on our north part that the city is actually mixed with the jungle, the more you go to the north the easier is to find this kind of city.

Also, you ignore the fact that most famous and succesfull brazilian people comes from northeast, just a hint: Moura Battery is a multinational corporation that its matrix comes from Northeast country.

About the sexualized society, that's a fact here, no matter where you go, there's no escape. And it is sad. For what I have seen lately complaining about Laura is a complete hypocresy.

[Umbra]

The thing is OP, many countries have the big cities, yeah it is a stereotype but that part of Brazil is something you don't see anywhere else really instead of a boring, generic cityscape that could be from anywhere.