Global governments march toward extremism
Brazil’s 2018 elections are dividing citizens who are fighting against each other rather than fighting corruption in the country.
Candidate Jair Messias Bolsonaro, 63, from the PSL political party — the “social liberal party”— is at the center of attention. He is known as the Brazilian Donald Trump due to his radical way of saying whatever comes to his mind.
Like Trump, he has verbally attacked women, LGBT members and black people. These minority groups, including people with a low-income, are the ones who usually stand against him.
Bolsonaro’s comments have made him a spotlight for fascist accusations all over the world. He has also been the reason for much of the political unrest in Brazil.
His supporters and opponents have been fighting each other rather than addressing government corruption.
What is happening in Brazil is similar to what is happening in the United States.
Liberal opponents and conservative supporters of Trump are fighting against each other due to their rejection or support of the Trump’s policies.
In both countries, the divides have run so deep that people are fighting each other in the streets.
Bolsonaro suffered an assassination attempt during one of his campaigns by an opposition-supporter who stabbed him in the abdomen.
Americans should pay careful attention to what is happening in Brazil.
As the largest country in South America, the results of Brazil’s run-off election could have a domino effect which could result in the rise of more far-right candidates.
Trump’s alt-right political strategist, Steve Bannon is advising Bolsonaro’s campaign.
The election in Brazil is an example of what happens when people are tired of their government and are desperate for change. They become attracted to an authoritarian figure who rejects the way the government normally works
Similar to how many Americans view Trump, Brazilians will likely turn to an authoritarian—Bolsonaro won early rounds of voting and leads polls in a runoff election on Oct. 28.
In America, many people on the political right felt tired of the way the government was run under president Barack Obama.
They felt the policies from Obama and democratic officials threatened their morals and made the country unsafe.
These people became attracted to political “outsiders” like Trump. The way he spoke and what he promised resonated with them and rejected political formalities.
Despite the criticisms, Trump’s supporters thought he was tough.
He referred to Mexicans as “rapists” and “murderers.” He promised to build a border wall to keep Americans safe.
He was recorded saying that he would “grab” women “by the pussy.”
Bolsonaro acts just like Trump.
The candidate’s personal attacks include calling one woman journalist a “slut” on one occasion and another one an “idiot.”
He said he will legalize weapons so people can defend themselves. He also wants to give impunity to police who kill “bandits.”
“Violence is combated with violence,” Bolsonaro said in an interview. “We have to give legal back up to the military police to be able to take action. If it is the case, with violence. And if it is the case, killing, like the American police.”
Bolsonaro also said that would rather have a son dead than to have a gay son.
Despite his ironfisted approach, the majority of Brazilians think Bolsonaro is the hope for the country in the 2018 elections.
They might not like him or agree with him, but because people are tired of the opposition, they are willing to vote in anyone.
The Workers’ Party candidate, Fernando Haddad, is Bolsonaro’s main opponent. His party has been in power since 2003. The former president and party leader, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, is in jail for corruption and misappropriation of money.
But, tired of the Worker’s Party’s 15-year grip on power, Brazilians are turning to Bolsonaro for change.
