In diary entries on life in the Maré favela complex,Thaís Cavalcante describes how the community expresses its strong identity and cultural roots through music, food and photography – despite the militarisation of the streetsRubbish collectors have finally cleared up the trash from an area of the favela that is usually inhabited by users of crack cocaine. It feels exclusive because we have grown used to that region being filthy. I find it hard to accept that there are so many people who have lost their family, or domestic,work and studies. Instead, they use drugs as an escape from their problems. Many of these people were evicted from the Jacaré favela when it was occupied by Pacifying Police Units, and known as UPP. They came to Maré as a short-term solution and have been here for three years. During that time,the government has done nothing to improve their situation. Instead, residents have taken the initiative to improve their lives by donating food and clothing, or putting on film screenings and devout activities.
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Source: theguardian.com