Talking with the right-wing: Pernicious polarization in Brazil and the philosophy of Paulo Freire

Abstract

The last decade has witnessed the development of pernicious polarization in Brazil, partly due to the emergence of right-wing organizations promoting a conservative, populist-nationalist and neoliberal agenda. Despite the attention that this process has received, the viewpoints of individuals who identify themselves as part of the right-wing have been overlooked. This article aims to address this gap, drawing on twenty-one semi-structured interviews with members of right-wing organization Movimento Brasil Livre. By analyzing the interviews through the philosophy of Paulo Freire, we show how these individuals propose a narrative of oppression that echoes in form but not substance Freire’s ideas of conscientization and liberation. We also suggest that a Freirean approach opens new ways to discuss and potentially unlock pernicious polarization, incorporating a significant distinction between sectarians and radicals, with the former unreceptive to criticism and discussion, and the latter defending their positions but open to dialogue and listening.

Brazil’s Digital Politics and the Crisis of Democracy (2013-2018)

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“…In the pro-impeachment messages, in addition to the most common hashtags calling citizens to take the streets (e.g., #VemPraRuaBrasil #ForaDilma), there were hashtags created against the Workers Party (e.g., #ForaPT, #LulaNaCadeia). 20 Moreover, the traditional media disseminated the perception that the country was collapsing under Rousseff 's government and that the impeachment process wasn't politically motived [53,59].…”

A visão de desenvolvimento e mudança social de Freire: experiências do passado, desafios do presente e perspectivas para o futuro

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