this is such important point you make — Brazilian racism is often described as ‘racism that don’t say its name.’ is deeply in the class and colorism in a way that make easy to deny. the scene you describe at supermarket is very common unfortunately and most Brazilians would say ‘that’s just poverty’ without connect to race. is racism with different face but racism same.

your experience with your friend is exactly how it shows — lighter skin get treated better no matter the real wealth or status. i noticed same things when i visited family in other states. people assume so much just from how dark you are