Piero Bosio Social Web Site Personale

@evan @renata @mayintoronto I describe myself as both, depending. I feel more Canadian these days because I never felt 100% Brazilian even before I moved. Also it’s been 16 years and I don’t go back that much. When I’m there I feel like a gringo visitor most of the time - and here I’m slightly exotic.

@evan But yes, e.g. my mom says “Fabio immigrated to Canada, he’s an immigrant there”

@evan I get it, but everything is related. Brazil is a weird place, worth visiting.

@evan That’s because most Brazilians know it’s not one of the rich countries but it’s also not in the poor country bucket (there are many places that are worse). So, many people want to leave, but those who can’t feel validated by people who choose to come.

Brazilian identity is a very complex feeling.

@evan Yes to all! There’s also a thing about “imigrante” in Brazil that requires some explanation:

Brazil is not as diverse as it thinks it is - especially compared to Canada. There’s a certain fascination with foreigners there, everyone asks dozens of questions. It becomes a bit of a status symbol because it validates the idea that Brazil is good, actually - so much so that some people *choose* to live there.

@evan I personally use “immigrant” on purpose since I’m white-presenting and work in tech. It’s an attempt to buck the trend of using this word for a particular kind of immigration (the kind some people don’t want).

I emigrated from Brazil because I wanted to and I acknowledge I had the privilege to do it. Many people in my position would call themselves something else.

Again, this is not meant to cause drama or unnecessary discussion, it’s a personal position!

@evan @renata @mayintoronto For the record, I know. It wasn’t my intention to cause any drama and I enjoy the polls a lot.

@evan Good point!

@evan I’m a Brazilian immigrant* and not only we can but we have to - vote is mandatory in Brazil. I only need to vote in presidential elections though.

* expat is a problematic word