Between 2016-2021, the state of Rio experienced 274 massacres, killing over 1000 people. 75% of those massacres resulted from police operations. In this episode, we hear from the mothers of children whose dreams were stolen by police brutality. Such cruelty has become normalised – especially towards black communities, who face the brunt of the violence.
Young black men also comprise the majority of Brazil’s prison population, the third largest in the world. Human rights activist Eliene Viera explains how prisons have become “crime schools” rather than places of rehabilitation. With few opportunities for education or social mobility, young people easily become trapped in cycles of violence and crime.
Yet the youth is also the greatest hope for Brazil’s future. Less racist and intolerant than previous generations, young people are leading the fight for a more just society. To the country’s uncaring motto, “order and progress,” another word will one day be added: “love”.
Throughout Brazilian history, countless atrocities have been committed in the name of God.
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Is Brazil a failed state or is it achieving what it was always designed to do?
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Through interviews with both police and militia men, this episode exposes how Brazilian governments have entrenched an approach that increases trafficking while reducing the price of drugs.
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