Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro: 25oC, hot and Sunny and slightly overcast.
It has become clear over the last couple of months, particularly in the previous two weeks, that a fundamental reason to go to England is the situation in Brazil, which has become a dictatorship.
Similar to the situation in North Korea, where small actions over time led the populace to realise they were suddenly living under a dictatorship, Brazil has been experiencing a gradual shift in this direction since Lula took power in January.
During Lula’s presidential campaign last year, he promised peace and tranquillity, along with eradicating hunger and poverty in Brazil. However, many felt these promises were based on falsehoods. His campaign waged a war against the then-incumbent right-wing President Bolsonaro, who was seeking re-election.
Regardless of personal opinions about Bolsonaro, it was clear that Brazil was moving in the right direction, rebuilding itself after the pandemic and even from the challenges faced during Lula’s previous administration before Bolsonaro.
I’m not an intellectual person, nor am I very academic. However, I have developed a good sense of right and wrong, influenced by my parents and my culture, which encompasses justice and common sense. If we lack a good understanding of right and wrong, we are ignorant and unresponsive to our family and society.
We must have a good sense of justice and fair play. Without it, we risk becoming psychopaths or sociopaths, lacking remorse or regret when inflicting harm on others and society itself.
While common sense, on the other hand, is the backbone of everything we do, create, and utilise. Without it, we become inefficient and lack direction, making us vulnerable to being misled by anyone or anything.
I have been teaching classes to individuals in high academic positions who, in some cases, appear to have difficulty recognising the significant environmental and social destruction that has occurred in Brazil over the last 10 months since Lula became president. I’m unsure if these individuals have some financial or economic interests influencing their perspective, as I have encountered similar situations in the past, or if they are just stupid or ignorant.
This is very common in Brazil. I’m not sure about England or other countries, but in terms of human nature, people often blindly support an institution, organisation, candidate, person, or ideology solely for economic interests. This tendency is especially prevalent here in Brazil, where there seems to be little concern for others and the real consequences that follow elections.
It has become clear to me that aside from my family, one of the main reasons for getting away from Brazil for a short time is to gain a new perspective. I want to see what is happening here in Brazil, and if the situation worsens, I may consider staying longer in England or another country.
I was born in England, a democracy where freedom of speech is supposed to exist. In theory, this holds true until today. I don’t have the strength to stay quiet or turn a blind eye when I witness injustice or something deeply unethical. I love Brazil and my daughters, and I care deeply for them. However, if the current situation continues, I may have to consider leaving Brazil.
It was a Wednesday like no other. Classes and I went for a walk with Perola.
In bed by 9.30 pm.
Thank you.
Thanks for reading this blog post. Please explore my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments section.
Richard
