What kind of democracy?

The end of the military dictatorship in Brazil came about because of widespread opposition from all of Brazilian society. People with different concerns and ideas came together to demand a more extensive and receptive government. Brazilians called into question how their country was organized politically, but also began to question other aspects of their society. Brazilians have had a continuous discussion about what kind of democracy and society they want.

For example, Afro-Brazilians have continued to challenge the belief that Brazil is a racial democracy and argue that programs, exercises, and ideas create racial inequalities. Women have challenged the widespread assumption about their roles and thrusting for equal treatment and chance. LGBTQ groups appeared at the end of dictatorship calling for equal rights and contesting social prejudice. In 2013 Brazil's Supreme Court accepted their concerns and legitimized same-sex marriage.

With the end of military rule, Brazil's democratic government began to answer to more of its citizens. Today, it is clear that the government serves more than the influential or associated. Through the Bolsa Familia and other social programs, the government has brought 40 million Brazilians out of acute poverty. Instances of patronage and corruption continue, but the media and other watchdog groups have kept these in the public eye.

While Brazil is developing, the by-products of the past linger: racial, social, and economic inequalities continue. However, the people remain just as compatible in their calls for change and molding the future of their country. In the coming years, they will continue to raise political questions by pro-actively engaged in the democracy that they reclaimed in the 1980s.

This brings us to a few questions which need to be answered by the Brazilian government in order to legitimize its rule.

-        How much of its resources should Brazil devote to continuing to make progress in reducing poverty?

-       How important is it to continue to reduce racial and social inequalities?

-       How can Brazil's government become more responsive and accountable?

-       Should Brazil play an increasing role in international relations?

-       How can Brazil protect the Amazon and combat climate change while taking into account the economic needs of people in the region?

 

     What the future embraces remains to be seen.