THE BRAZILIAN SUB-SPECIES : CARIOCAS

Keeping my promise, now I will analyze the next most prevalent Brazilian sub-species. The Carioca.

Although Cariocas and Paulistas are the closest related species of Brazilian (as Ray mentioned in the comments for the Paulista description), there are still major differences between the two.

While the Paulista is reserved, the Carioca is almost the polar opposite. They are loud, flamboyant and boisterous. They are super animated, and the typical carioca may accidentally punch you in the face while they are talking, due to the fact that not one word can be unaccompanied by a drastic and somewhat dangerous hand gesture. They loovvee to talk with their hands.

They are passionate people. Passionate in every sense of the word. And emotional. They love people, they love to love, and when they're pissed off get the *uck out of the way. I've witnessed this first hand. Cariocas are much more hot-headed than the Paulista. Not to say Paulistas are push overs, but I've never seen one lose their cool. I have seen Cariocas lose their cool plenty of times due to impulsive rushes of anger that overwhelm and are quickly released after a short (3 minute) freak out. Instantly after, they are better and smiling again.

Cariocas are freaking adorable. They smile, A LOT, and they have a super sunny attitude. They are super optimistic. Even with it's problems, most would not trade Rio for anywhere in the world. And they sure as hell wouldn't trade if for Sao Paulo. Cariocas don't appreciate Paulistas because they think they are snobby and in love with themselves.

Cariocas might as well not even speak Brazilian Portuguese. The slang they use is intense and their chiado makes many want to commit suicide. Although, it seems that the better educated the individual the easier they are to understand to a standard Brazilian Portuguese speaker.

Although initially more "open" then Paulistas, I think it takes a little longer for a Carioca to truly consider you a friend. They often come on super strong in the beginning and then back off a little. If they come back around then you are considered a true friend. One thing I have noticed is that Cariocas tell you what you want to hear, no matter if it's the truth or not.

Cariocas are much "flakier" for lack of better words, than the Paulista. They may tell you they are going to do something, but 3 months later it is still not done. I know this is not done out of any bad in their hearts, but more likely due to the fact that they are generally really freaking laid back.

I believe the class structure in Rio appears more lax on the surface, but in reality I beleive that the class structure may be more rigid than the Paulista class system. I acredit this to the fact that the gaps between wealth and poverty are much more polarized and in your face in Rio rather than Sao Paulo.

Cariocas are a very diverse group racially and ancestrally, but I would go out on a limb and say that their are less ancestral groups represented in Rio than in Sao Paulo. Rio is without a doubt a more African influenced city than Sao Paulo in culture and in population. The Italian influence of SP is almost non-existent in Rio, the only probable Italian descendants are exiles from Sao Paulo, Minas or the South. I would guess that most white cariocas are of Portuguese descent, with a few other contributors on much smaller levels.

I think that the carioca is more complicated than the Paulista. Paulistas are easier to understand in my mind. I don't know how to explain this, but Cariocas just seem more complicated. But, this is in no means a bad thing, and keeps me super interested. Many Cariocas are border line crazy, but in a great way.

They are cosmopolitan, but not quite as cosmopolitan as their Paulista brothers and sisters. I think this will change drastically in the next years as thousands of immigrants from all over the world diversify the population. The new surge of Portuguese immigrants will strengthen the Portuguese influence of the city.And the Copa do Mundo and Olimpiadas will forever change the city.

My prediction is that Rio is poised to become the next "it" city, and will become one of the most important cities in the world. It will consolidate itself as a mecca for tourism, for business (with all the oil business going on), for design and gastronomy. If you will, a tropical New York on the beach.
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That's it for now! Add anything you feel needs to be added!

Bjos,
Alex