Brazilians are living in a paradoxical moment. It is we, who have come from outside, who appreciate them and love them more, and for this reason we are the ones who are most surprised, in these moments, to see that they are afraid of loving each other, because hate has replaced love. And from glory to hell there is always only one step.
I was moved a graphic report published by Folha de S. Paulo about what some immigrants think about Brazil. Perhaps because it confirms my obstinacy that Brazilians are being poisoned and convinced that they are worse than what they really are or what they imagine they are and that the best thing is to escape from this country poisoned by far-right politics and the war on culture.
In this report, the non-Brazilians who arrived here do not understand why Brazilians suddenly feel bad about themselves, are ashamed of being who they are and even now they are the ones who prefer to emigrate. And, at the same time, immigrants remember their happiness when they arrived here and met the first Brazilians. The African Absoulaye remembers: “Here I attended forró, country music and samba courses. Muslim culture does not accept dance. Here I realized that dream.” The confession of Nbuduzu, a South African, is moving: “I learned to speak Portuguese and sing in prison. There I managed to free my music and my singing.” And the Portuguese Maria Luisa confesses that they even ask her: “What are you doing here?” And he comments sadly: “I thought Brazil liked itself better.”
Brazil, where even in the hell of prisons someone feels they have spaces of freedom to cultivate their art, better reflects the happy Brazil we have always seen in this country, despite the sins of those who took advantage of their vocation for the happiness of their children . people to have subjugated him, perpetuating the hell that bequeathed the longest slavery known in history.
Today there is a Brazil on the surface, poisoned by policies foreign to its vocation to dialogue and encounter which have reawakened with the exaltation of violence and the love of weapons the worst that exists even in the depths of the most noble souls, dragging him to an alarming situation. growth of depression. And there is the real Brazil, of which my colleague and Spanish writer, Antonio Jiménez Barca, when he leaves the direction of the Brazilian edition of EL PAÍS to return to the headquarters in Madrid, to my question about what Brazil has left him as I remember, he replied: “Brazil taught me to be happy”.
As Freud said, human beings need to protect themselves from their violent instincts and try to dominate others, at the same time they always seek fulfillment and happiness. According to the creator of psychoanalysis, it is the death instinct, thanatos, and the life instinct, eros, that move the world, and if it still exists it is because the life instinct is stronger than the death instinct. Even in Brazil, due to natural circumstances, perhaps better than in other parts of the world, the momentum of life that involves meeting, self-esteem, peaceful dialogue, the freedom to express feelings, to share in peace that little or that so much so that the life he has given you is greater than your death impulse.
The resistance experienced by Brazilians who do not conform to this dark climate of violence, of castration of friendly encounters and lack of desired thought is that of power, once the battle against the sterile defeatism that begins to asphyxiate .it has been won, a Bright Brazil, with spaces where everyone can freely express their own way of being happy. Let it be Brazil once again where the immigrants who arrive here hope for a beach of freedom to best express all their creativity, rather than in the battlefield into which they are converting it.
Brazil, its privileged land and its people enriched by the rich plurality of cultures, must return to being the country that, according to a happy expression, God had chosen to live in. Yes, the God of all, especially the God of those we always forget the most, the God of peace and encounter and not the God of the most privileged, whose policy of exclusion is also hoped for in Brazil.
God was prophetically incarnated in the sweet eyes of poverty and fragility and severe of injustice, of Saint Sister Dulce. Perhaps she is not the first saint born in Brazil, where immigrants from all over the world, in search of peace and natural beauty who want to escape the greed of a soulless capitalism, still dream of living and dying. The first Brazilian saint also liked to sing and dance.
They are trying to strip Brazil of the best of its history and its plural and festive soul. An unforgivable sin.
How can Brazilians rediscover their cultural pride amidst current socio-political challenges?
Time.news Interview: The Paradox of Brazilian Society and Its Quest for Joy
Editor (E): Welcome back to Time.news, where we delve into pressing social issues each week. Today, we’re exploring a thought-provoking perspective on contemporary Brazilian society. With us is Dr. Maria Alves, a cultural anthropologist, who has recently studied the contrasting sentiments of pride and despair in Brazil. Dr. Alves, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Alves (A): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
E: The article we are discussing highlights a paradox within Brazil: while many immigrants find joy and freedom within Brazilian culture, a number of Brazilians feel ashamed and pessimistic about their identity. Can you elaborate on this paradox?
A: Absolutely. This paradox is rooted in a complex socio-political climate. Many Brazilians are grappling with a perception that their country has become hostile, marked by far-right politics and a pervasive “war on culture.” This atmosphere of fear has sown seeds of self-doubt among the populace, leading to an unhealthy obsession with emigration as a form of escape.
E: That’s striking. The immigrants you mentioned in your findings seem to express a deep appreciation for the cultural vibrancy present in Brazil. Why do you think that is?
A: Immigrants often come from backgrounds where cultural expression is suppressed, so when they arrive in Brazil—where art, music, and community celebrations thrive—they experience a profound sense of liberation. For example, the South African who found joy in singing while incarcerated illustrates how even in restrictive environments, the Brazilian spirit of freedom can be inspirational and healing.
E: There’s a poignant quote from one of the immigrants: “I thought Brazil liked itself better.” What does that reveal about the national sentiment?
A: This statement is incredibly revealing. It suggests that many Brazilians have internalized a negative narrative about their country. The disappointment expressed by the immigrants points to a need for self-acceptance and love both individually and collectively. If those who embrace Brazilian culture from the outside can see its beauty, why can’t those within it appreciate it too?
E: You mention that the rise of violence and political strife has influenced this brain drain. What can be done to revive a sense of pride among Brazilians?
A: Reviving pride starts with fostering open conversations about identity, heritage, and the value of Brazilian culture. Schools, communities, and even media can play a crucial role in celebrating accomplishments and diversity. Initiatives that highlight Brazilian artists, musicians, and their contributions could help reclaim that pride.
E: It seems crucial for Brazilians to rediscover their intrinsic value. How does your research relate this back to Freud’s concepts of “eros” and “thanatos”?
A: Freud’s struggle between the life instinct (eros) and the death instinct (thanatos) is a compelling framework here. Despite the current challenges, Brazil has an inherent tendency towards joy, connection, and resilience. The life instinct—manifested through celebration, art, and social interactions—remains more potent than despair. Encouraging people to engage in dialogues and communal activities can help them tap into that instinct more robustly.
E: You’ve painted a hopeful picture amidst the struggles. As we wrap up, what is your message for both Brazilians and those observing from abroad?
A: My message is this: remain hopeful! Brazil is a land of rich culture and deep connections. It’s essential to recognize the strength found in dialog, celebration, and solidarity. For Brazilians, even in tough times, remember that the world sees your worth—and it’s about time you did too.
E: Thank you, Dr. Alves, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. It’s a reminder that love and self-acceptance can pave the way for a brighter future, both for individuals and for nations.
A: Thank you for having me. Let’s continue to foster conversations that promote pride, joy, and healing in Brazil and beyond.
E: That concludes our interview for today. Join us next week as we explore further dimensions of cultural identity and resilience.