A CHOCANTE REALIDADE DA VIOLÊNCIA NOS BAILES FUNK DO RIO!- RON-YUR PODCAST

Summary

In this candid conversation, the speaker reflects on their experiences in Rio de Janeiro during the early 90s, sharing both fascinating and unsettling moments. They recount attending a chaotic baile funk event, where violence was an integral part of the experience, and their interaction with local youth culture. They also discuss their love for the city's beauty and vibrant lifestyle, contrasted with the dangers and hardships of growing up in areas like the Complexo do Alemão. Despite mixed feelings about the city, they highlight the cultural significance of funk music and their personal connection to it.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker recalls attending a funk party in Rio de Janeiro in January 1991, after being inspired by the book 'Mundo Funk Carioca' by Hermano Vianna.
• 😀 The funk party had an intense and chaotic atmosphere, including violent confrontations between rival groups, which were briefly interrupted by security with large sticks.
• 😀 The speaker was initially fascinated by the cultural dynamics of the event but was also shocked by the violence, comparing it to something Tarantino might depict in a film.
• 😀 The speaker was invited to speak on stage during the funk event, where they curiously inquired about the constant fighting, but was told it was part of the social dynamic of the time.
• 😀 Despite wanting to stay at the party, the speaker was rescued by musician Rodrigo Leão, who took them back to the van to avoid further danger.
• 😀 The speaker reflects on their past experiences in Rio, mentioning that they used to live in the Complexo do Alemão and had close encounters with violence, including a bandit hiding in their home.
• 😀 Despite the violent and chaotic experiences in Rio, the speaker found themselves increasingly fascinated by the city's culture, particularly the contrast between work-focused São Paulo and the laid-back Carioca lifestyle.
• 😀 The speaker mentions how their perspective of Rio has changed over time, now enjoying the city more, especially the Urca area where they stay during visits.
• 😀 The speaker contrasts Rio’s picturesque beauty with São Paulo’s urban landscape, noting how every view in Rio seems picturesque, while São Paulo can feel difficult to photograph beautifully.
• 😀 The speaker shares memories of their childhood involvement with funk music, particularly participating in a 'banho de espuma' (foam bath) at a funk party in Madureira, which was a popular event in the mid-90s.

Q & A

What was the experience of going to a baile funk in Rio de Janeiro like in 1991?

The experience of going to a baile funk in 1991 was both shocking and fascinating for the speaker. The event involved intense violence, with rival groups from different neighborhoods clashing in what was known as 'minutinhos de porrada' (a few minutes of beating without losing friendship). The scene was chaotic but also strangely captivating, with security guards intervening to separate the groups. The speaker reflects on how the event felt like something out of a movie, describing the narrative as surreal and intense.

How did the speaker react to the violence at the baile funk?

The speaker was initially shocked by the violence but found it intriguing. They were curious about why people were fighting constantly at the event and even ended up on stage, where they asked the crowd about the ongoing violence. Despite being surprised by the brutality, the speaker didn’t judge the scene outright but was fascinated by the experience.

What role did the speaker's friend, Rodrigo Leão, play during the baile funk experience?

Rodrigo Leão, a friend of the speaker, played a protective role during the baile funk experience. When the speaker wanted to stay at the event, Leão intervened and insisted on taking them back, recognizing that staying there wasn't a wise decision. The speaker appreciated Leão’s prudence, as they were in an unsafe environment.

How did the speaker view Rio de Janeiro compared to São Paulo?

The speaker viewed Rio de Janeiro in a very positive light, particularly appreciating the beauty of the city. They were struck by how visually stunning the city is, noting that everywhere you look in Rio, you can find beautiful landscapes. In contrast, they seemed to view São Paulo as less aesthetically appealing in terms of public spaces and the urban environment.

What aspects of Rio de Janeiro’s lifestyle did the speaker appreciate?

The speaker appreciated the Carioca lifestyle, particularly the locals' ability to balance work and leisure. They admired how people in Rio seem to prioritize enjoying life, whether it's spending time at the beach or taking time off to appreciate the surroundings. This contrasted with the speaker's experience of being constantly focused on work in other places.

What was the speaker’s experience growing up in a more dangerous part of Rio?

The speaker grew up in the Complexo do Alemão in Rio, which was a dangerous area. They recalled incidents where gunmen took refuge in their home, and the environment was filled with crime and violence. Despite these challenging experiences, the speaker does not have nostalgia for Rio and does not miss it, even though they have visited the city more recently and had more pleasant experiences.

How did the speaker’s perspective on Rio change over time?

Initially, the speaker had a negative view of Rio due to their dangerous experiences growing up there, including witnessing crime and violence firsthand. However, over time, after visiting the city as an adult, they developed a more positive perspective, particularly enjoying the city's beauty and the warmth of its people, especially through friendships made during their visits.

What was the cultural significance of the funk music scene in Rio in the 1990s?

The funk music scene in Rio during the 1990s represented a strong cultural movement, particularly in the favelas. Funk became a symbol of resistance and expression for many young people in the city, even though it was often stigmatized by other social groups, like rock musicians. The speaker was drawn to this world after reading a book about the funk scene and was intrigued by its raw, real-life depiction of Rio's underprivileged communities.

How did the speaker’s personal style reflect the 1990s youth culture in Rio?

The speaker's personal style in the 1990s was very much in line with the youth culture of that era. They described wearing a white Reebok tennis shoe, a denim jumpsuit, a white T-shirt, and a bracelet, which was the typical 'look' of the time. The speaker also mentioned using gel in their hair, which was another hallmark of the style among young people in Rio during that period.

What does the speaker think about the portrayal of Rio in the media?

The speaker acknowledges that media portrayals of Rio often focus on its problems, particularly issues like crime and violence. However, they also express a more nuanced view, recognizing that the city has a vibrant cultural scene, beautiful landscapes, and a lifestyle that locals cherish. Their own experiences, especially in recent visits, have made them see the city in a more positive light.