COMMISSIONS: Brazil's Awakening

BRAZIL'S AWAKENING 

For The Sunday Times (UK) / Cover photo; and L'Espresso Magazine (Italy) Photos of the Year, and ESPN 

What began as protests rejecting a 20-cent increase in public transportation fares in Rio de Janeiro, and other major cities across Brazil, ended in the biggest social movement, since the dictatorship, against corruption and rising costs of the 2014 World Cup.  

Politicians dropped the increased fare, however the issue grew to widespread frustration about the heavy tax burden, corrupt politicians, weak public education, health & transportation systems, and the forced evictions of favela communtiies, as the nation hosted the 2013 Confederations Cup soccer tournament and prepares for July's papal visit.  

Nearly one-million Cariocas (residents of Rio) converged on the streets of downtown Rio de Janeiro. Many Brazilians who witnessed the violence during the dictatorship say the violence against the protestors by the military today is no different then the past.