Laughter Out of Place Chapter 2 & 3

1. Domestic Work Chapter 2

1.1. Most domestic workers get 1 minimum wage

1.1.1. The lower class earns disproportionately less than the middle class (since domestic work is something necessary within that class)

1.1.1.1. Necessity as a class marker

1.2. Usually long days, far from their homes

1.3. Little time to spend with their families

1.4. Understood sense of relationship between the worker and employer

1.4.1. Paternalism on the side of the employer

1.4.1.1. Inherent distance and feeling of superiority as well

1.4.1.1.1. Many upper class see the lower class as stupid, claim they "talk differently"

1.4.1.2. Clear feelings of love and affection between people

1.4.2. Servitude echoes back to colonialism

1.4.2.1. Living quarters are small, dirty, separate living spaces

1.5. There are not enough people in the higher classes to employ the lower classes

2. Chapter 3 Race & Sex Relations

2.1. Race is an uncomfortable topic in Brazil

2.1.1. No legally sanctioned racism

2.1.1.1. Racism is internalized

2.2. Identity is more based on being Brazilian, than being a particular race

2.3. There is a large spectrum of "race" that relies more on colors, skin type, etc.

2.3.1. "Black" features are seen as more unattractive than white features

2.4. Light skin is believed to be more likely to succeed

2.4.1. This is true especially for women

2.4.1.1. Ironically, dark skinned women as seen as more sexual : the mulata

2.4.1.1.1. Race and sex are combined in blackness