The way I see it, judging by how you describe it, Black men are doing what other men have been doing for as long as history cares to disclose. The idea of going to a remote place, where one has no real sense of responsibility, to find a sex-mate isn’t a new concept. It’s the “no strings” sexual relationship that we’re after. Is it right? I don’t believe so because I clearly don’t have any problem with the “strings” (most of the time anyway). But I do see the appeal of going to a place to which I never have to return if I so choose to “get my groove on” and return home when my business is done. The Soldiers that I’m around daily often fantasize about doing that very thing…black and white alike. I’ve considered it or fantasized about it a time or two myself (although I thought of Colombia not Brazil). But I ask myself, “why Brazil?” It can’t be because of some personality trait that they posses because I don’t know anyone from there. I certainly don’t know anyone who would have clued me into something that I would find desirable in their women. Why then? It must be physical. I think of Brazil and I think of Carnivale. I think of scantly clad women with low inhibitions and willing attitudes. I think of an opportunity to explore the outer limits of sexual experience with, as I said before, no strings attached. But isn’t that what I am supposed to think?

and although i agree with you that you can’t scare people into “behaving”… i do think that conversation about the HIV/AIDS pandemic is extremely relevant… espcially when we are talking about black communities. AIDS is ravaging the diaspora in the U.S. and the caribbean…. so it seems strange that no one is talking about the irony of an educated black middle class that is very much aware of this, and still chooses to engage in high risk sexual behavior.

peace :-)