favelas are one of the most sensitive and difficult topics of conversation - the subject is difficult to discuss for  many locals, and probably is a topic that should not be approached casually by the occasional or uninformed visitor.

When approaching the topic of a favela, probably one of the best assumptions a visitor can make is  that they he or she knows very little about favelas, no matter the amount of study and research done beforehand.

Cariocas are profoundly connected to their city - to the mountains, the beaches, their culture, and to the ' asphalt ' as much as the 'hills' - They are proud and protective of their land, and tend to have strong views about what makes their city unique and wonderful, and what specific attributes could be improved upon.