Construction of Internationalism in Latin America Results of the Multicultural Research Program “Olympic Studies Reader” led by China and Brazil

Abstract

Latin America has been analyzed from a historical viewpoint as a patchwork of cultures and ethnic groups and Brazil has been considered a true melting pot that puts together not only Native Brazilian groups but also immigrants of various nationalities. The South and Southeast of Brazil represent a continuity of neighboring countries such as Argentina, Uruguay and Chile with population and customs that expose European roots (Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, German, etc.) of former colonizers. Important ethnic groups of African origin live in Eastern Brazil. In the northern and northeastern regions there is predominance of communities of Native Brazilians and peoples of European influence as it is seen in the northern part of Latin America. Brazil has also welcomed immigrants of various ethnic minorities, in particular Jewish, Arabic, and Japanese, since the 17^th century. The so many different groups of individuals of so many national and international origins living together in peace and understanding makes Brazil a typical multinational country today.