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Directories Int'l Realty US Realty
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A City's Self Perception Stuart Lieberman, Esq., A city is what a city says it is. I just had the opportunity to visit Rio in Brazil. It is interesting how a city's self perception affects how others view the city. Rio is a beautiful city. It is a European looking kind of place , perhaps similar to Rome. But it has lush tropical vegetation all over -so it possesses a very distinctive look and feel. The ocean and the people are both beautiful. People that live here seem to enjoy the outdoors and to be very active. That makes sense when you consider just how splendid the beach coincides with the city's edge. One runs into the other as if the mix was natural and intended. But when you speak to people who live here, they will likely promptly tell you about the crime issues in the city. You will be instructed not to walk alone late at night. Apparently, it is suppose to be dangerous for anyone to do so ---but when the bad guys sense "Gringos," it can even be more dangerous. You are told that when you visit the beach, take off your rings, and only take the amount of money that you can afford to have stolen. In fact you may be instructed to always have a small amount of money with you. Because if you are held up, it is better for you to have something to give up. People have this fatalistic sense that all tourists are at great risk. The city has a strange configuration such that the poorest sections are in the mountains that overlook the balance of the city and the ocean. In other words, the poorest sections of town are in what would be the most desirable to develop portions of town---the most prime real estate. You will hear that there is a lot of crime in these areas. That the police are even afraid to go in them. That bad crime, including murder, is common within them. People who live in Rio will point this out. Its as if they want to insure against all problems - so every American tourist gets this same speech. Now, having spent a few days here, and taking the same precautions that I would take in New York -I never felt even the smallest bit afraid. Sure, you need to be smart -walk with a purpose—don't travel in areas known for high crime rates. But the New York or DC or LA or New Orleans rules for tourists are the same rules for tourists here. What's the point. First, Rio is amazing. The people are great. The food and fun are great. Go visit. Second, a city is what a city's residents say about it. Over talk about crime turns a great city into a crime city. Giving fair and appropriate warning is one thing. But scaring off American tourists, with out good reason, doesn't serve the city or the tourists well. American cities sometimes need to be careful about how they present themselves to the world. Too many cities transmit wrong, incorrect and self defeating messages. Yes, a city needs to be honest. Tourists deserve reasonable warnings. But that can be over done as well. Rio is a good example of overdoing. When you visit Rio, you will find a lot less American tourists than you might expect. I believe some of that is due to the poor image being broadcast largely by those who live here. I hope that the city looks at this issue and examines how it can portray a more fair and even self portrayal. In fact, American cities in general need to examine the messages that they are communicating to the outside. An unfair depiction that only focuses on a city's prolems is seldom warranted and always self defeating.
The information provided in this column is written by Stuart Lieberman,a practicing environmental attorney, and is for general information purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be used in place of legal advice.
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