It is urgent to clear the political environment in Brazil

Brazil and the world are immersed in extreme polarization between antagonistic political forces and between people with different thoughts and world views, which has generated an environment of fundamentalism in which hate speech and verbal violence predominate, especially on the part of far-right forces.

This phenomenon, rooted in social networks, private messaging services and even on the streets, has stifled dialogue between these opposing forces and contaminated all institutions, including the family institution. This degree of radicalism leaves no room for civility, tolerance or respect for divergent opinions, characterizing itself more as a battle between enemies to be eliminated than a search for solutions. This escalation approaches dangerously close to barbarism.

This radicalization, based on resentment and blaming the political opponent for the problems faced, threatens democracy itself. The strategy used, especially by the extreme right, of pointing out blame on the left and in social movements without offering solutions has been effective in inciting hatred and creating fanatical followers, but it is ineffective in solving the population’s real problems.

In this hostile environment, civility, reason and truth are replaced by narratives that are often devoid of evidence, feeding on denialism and fake news. The persistence of this climate of conflict can undermine democratic pillars, undermine trust in political institutions and disqualify politics as a civilizing instrument.

This erosion of the social fabric, which has already been occurring in people’s daily lives, reaches its peak whenever there is a popular consultation, such as the plebiscite on the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union (Brexit) or presidential elections, such as those that have taken place over the last eight years. in the United States, Brazil and Argentina, when the most primitive feelings and instincts of human beings emerge. In this year’s municipal elections, especially in medium and large cities, it will be no different.

In fact, the escalation of this division among Brazilians is especially worrying because the tactics of the extreme right, anchored in accusations without evidence and the disqualification of politics and its leaders, seek to merge religion and politics, exploiting the faith and ignorance of part of the population, in addition to also relying on financing from business sectors and political parties. If not contained, this escalation will lead its followers to a parallel reality, disconnected from the facts.

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In this conflictive and belligerent climate, democracy and politics, which were conceived by humanity to resolve, in a peaceful and agreed manner, the contradictions that individuals in society cannot and should not resolve for themselves, are at risk. And there is no solution to collective problems outside of politics. Without it, it’s every man for himself.

To face this challenge, in addition to the work that is already being carried out by state institutions, especially by the Federal Supreme Court, a joint effort by the government and society’s institutions and a multifaceted approach that promotes dialogue, tolerance and rationality are urgently needed. This effort must involve civic education, regulatory reforms to curb undemocratic practices, reform of the political system and, above all, behavioral change on the part of political leaders and the media.

Without this effort to pacify the country, municipal elections will be subject to violence and intolerance, damaging public debate and the interest of local communities. The serpent’s egg is being hatched and we cannot allow it to be born and grow!

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