Is Brazil as dangerous as some people say it is to be?

I really want to travel to Brazil because it looks so beautiful and relaxing, but I heard there's other things that go on that people don't really know about and I really need all the information I can get before I do my traveling.I know that there is a big case of AIDS over in Brazil.But I also heard that there's abductions and other crazy stuff like that towards Americans, but im not sure if they're just rumors.
Any help???

first do me a favor and don't listen to these people on top of me.

thank you. ok
i go to brazil twice a year, i was born there.
I'm 14. and i go by myself, i go to Sao Paulo.
i take the subway by myself i take buses by myself, i take taxis i do everything a normal brazilian does.
and you are probably thinking well you are brazilian so they wouldnt do anything to you. no actually i have natural red hair, freckles, and i look nothing brazilian, at all. and i also have an american accent.
people there will not attack you in the middle of the street, you just have to be careful like any other place you to visit, and let people know where you are going, and just enjoy being there, dont loook like your a afraid. it is a beautiful country (nothing like iraq) and you will have fun.

I thinks its almost as dangerous as Iraq.

its a very beautiful place but just watch for the night life.. os brazileiros sao muich pregosos .. they steal you and take your money....... just keep an eye out