Cuaderno Latinoamericano — a blog put out by a group of college students which I happen to be enjoying a lot lately — asks the question: is media coverage of the escalating violence in Brazil increasing because of a much-publicized upcoming concert by a legendary British rock band?

…why is this getting press now? Only because the Stones will be in concert in a couple of days?

Well, yes. Violence in Brazilian favelas is common, but how often to we read about it on CNN.com? The last time I remember was when Cidade de Deus came out.

A gang turf war broke out when 40 armed men invaded Rio de Janeiro’s largest slum, killing at least six people as the city prepares for a Rolling Stones concert and Carnival, police said Thursday.

Key here are the words “Rolling Stones”.

All eyes turn to violence in Latin America when the stakes — real or perceived — are high. In this case, it’s because the Rolling Stones are going to play a huge concert in Rio. Today Reuters reports that police will occupy “slums” while Mick is in town, but what of the “let them kill themselves” mentality of police in Brazil throughout the rest of the year?
“…police will occupy “slums” while Mick is in town, but what of the “let them kill themselves” mentality of police in Brazil throughout the rest of the year?”

“Cleaning things up” for important international visitors is something some Latin American countries do well. In 1968, when the Olympics were to be held in Mexico City, they cleaned the student protest problem up in no time, leaving only a few hundred dead.

As for media, nameless, faceless and poor brown people are of no consequence to them. But you say Mick Jagger…now we’re talking!

Via / Cuaderno Latinoamericano and CNN.com