In Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro’s victory may mean further shifts in tolerance and moderation
On Sunday, Brazilians elected a far-right populist president, Jair Bolsonaro, whose charismatic campaign has dramatically reshaped the country’s political landscape. Ever linguistically playful, Brazilians invented a series of nicknames: On the right, “Bolsominions” (the president’s most fervent followers) sold T-shirts lauding their guy as “O Mito,” or “The Myth.” On the left, supporters of candidate Fernando Haddad adopted the hashtag “#Bolsoasno” (Bolso-donkey).
Bolsonaro’s supporters seemed to revel in his inflammatory rhetoric and disparaging comments toward women and minorities, in the mythos of his surviving an ill-conceived September assassination attempt, and in his messianic campaign promises.
What does Bolsonaro’s victory signal?
The rise of a candidate like Bolsonaro is surprising in a country that has long ranked near the top of the region on indicators of political tolerance.… Seguir leyendo »