The provided text describes the actions and rhetoric of Jair Bolsonaro,a former president of Brazil,and draws parallels between his political style and that of Donald Trump. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
Bolsonaro’s Rhetoric and Actions:
aggressive Stance: During a 2018 rally, Bolsonaro expressed views on gun ownership, indigenous land rights, and reparations, using violent imagery.
Challenging the Rule of Law: Bolsonaro and his cabinet reportedly hinted at undermining legal institutions, particularly targeting Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who investigated him for disinformation.
Use of Military and Incitement: Bolsonaro allegedly used the military for protection and encouraged his followers to engage in insurrections against perceived injustices.
Post-Election Unrest: Following his defeat in the 2022 election, Bolsonaro’s supporters stormed government buildings in Brazil, an event compared to the January 6th Capitol attack in the US.Bolsonaro himself sought refuge in Florida and continued to fuel discontent.
Connections to Donald Trump:
Shared Tactics: The text suggests a shared approach between Bolsonaro and trump, particularly in their use of rhetoric and their relationship wiht their supporters. International Alliances: The filmmaker of “Apocalypse in the Tropics” believes that fundamentalist movements, like those associated with Bolsonaro, are sharing ideas and practices globally, forming alliances with meaningful international impact.This implies a connection to similar movements, including those in the US.
Trump’s Threats: Trump is mentioned as threatening to impose tariffs on Brazil if the Supreme Court does not drop charges against Bolsonaro for an attempted coup.
Broader Societal Context:
Divided Times and Search for Leaders: the text highlights a contemporary societal condition of division and uncertainty, where people are drawn to leaders who offer simple solutions and a sense of control.
* Mysticism and Divine Promises: The appeal of leaders who offer “mysticism of the divine” is presented as a response to feelings of lost control due to globalization, distance from power, and technological advancements.
In essence, the text portrays Bolsonaro as a leader who employed aggressive rhetoric, challenged democratic norms, and incited his followers, drawing parallels to Donald Trump and suggesting a broader trend of far-right movements sharing strategies and gaining global influence. It also touches upon the societal anxieties that can make such leaders appealing.
