Downgrading of Two Relevant Professions in Brazil

Some years ago if a child said to her mother “Mommy, I wanna be a teacher” or “Mommy, I wanna be a cop when I grow old” these statements would  be celebrated.  Having someone in the family in these positions would be a reason to take pride.  These professions were once emotionally and financially valued in Brazil, and they were able to support a family with their earnings. Nowadays everything has changed. Teachers as well as police officers do not have decent conditions they deserve. However I must emphasize, that it goes beyond payment.

Teachers suffer verbal and physical abuse from parents and students. In several occasions the educator cannot even correct the mistake the student makes because he gets offended. The injured pupil arrives home, tells his parents what he wants and they believe him. Next day, these parents are in the school, outraging (in many cases, threatening physically) the teacher who is not even able to say something on their behalf.

When I was a child, or a teenager I used to hide from my mother if any teacher called my attention or even yelled at me. (Of course I had done something wrong.) If my mother knew she would no doubt say: “What have you done to your teacher?” I was always to blame, never the teacher.  Things  are currently different in our days.  

Police officers, apart from prejudice and distrust felt by some part of society, die every days victimized by the violence they try to combat. Outlaws weapons are much more effective than theirs. This distrustful working class is threatened, blackmailed by outlaws and it seems no one can protect them. If they do their job, if they accomplish some tasks they should do, justice will be stricter to them than it would be with the offender himself. Quite often they are removed from Office. Society itself jokes about their engagement in crime.

Crooks can kill, a Police officer cannot. Crooks can hit, a police officer cannot. A crook takes matters into their own hands, a police officer cannot.  Double standards.  How many police officers die every day, leaving their wives and young children behind? They let their family unprotected to take care of yours. Have you known any child whose father or mother had died?  I have.

These two occupations, once considered as worthy, are now scrapped, as a result of a cruel and sick society.

If a child says today they want to be a teacher or a cop, parents will dissuade them.

Worried, they will say: “No, dear…” - And he will have his head caressed - “You Will change your mind soon. There are so many other good occupations for you to choose!”