World Cup or not, Brazilian protesters have had enough

From a social perspective, both Brazil and South Africa have a diverse population, with a vibrant culture that loves dance and soccer. South Africa hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and Brazil is hosting the next one in 2014.

Sadly, the similarities do not end there. Brazil and South Africa are notorious for being unequal societies, with high crime and corruption. This year, large protests erupted in Brazil following the announcement of a 20 cent increase in bus fare. Popular musician Seu Jorge was fast to jump onboard with the protests by releasing a song that translates as “enough, it’s not about the 20 cents”.

The protests have been largely about four things. The hike in transport costs, widespread corruption by state officials, the dismal spending of government funds on education and health, and the overspending on the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Brazil’s economy is the 8th largest in the world, with a GDP greater than R22,7 billion for the past three years. That is four times bigger than South Africa’s. economy. Its population of 201 million people is also approximately four times larger than South Africa. Therefore, when figures indicate that 21 percent of Brazilians live below the poverty line we are talking about 43 million people.

The middle class is unhappy too with the level of inefficiency and corruption in government. They are taking to social media channels like Facebook, Twitter and Youtube to inform and mobilize protesters across all the states in Brazil. Masses of youngsters, teachers, health workers and other disillusioned workers have united and decided that enough is enough. They blame widespread corruption for the condition the country is in, blockading national roads and shouting for politicians to “come to the streets”. “Vem pra Rua” has now become the slogan of the protests.

Many complain that the politicians have no grasp of what society goes through, because they live in their bubble of wealth, financed by misappropriated state funds.

Brazil’s tax burden of 36% of GDP is amongst the highest in the world. “First World Taxes and Third World service delivery” was the way a journalist summed it up.

Numerous social media groups were created to unite and inform the masses about protests, with groups like Anonymous amassing more than a million followers and stating that they have no leader, no structures, just ideals that live amongst all members. The Anonymous movement popularized the use of white drama masks when they launched a Youtube video highlighting their five objectives, the most prominent one being the rejection of a constitutional amendment called PEC37 that limits institutions from investigating corruption in government.

Protesters are also frustrated at the lack of support shown by Globo, the most watched Brazilian channel worldwide. UOL is becoming considered a far more credible information source because they do not sugarcoat the government’s faults.

Social media groups have been created to pass on stories of what is happening from the protesters’ point of view. One popular group is called Ninja, and it aims to shed light on the action on the ground as it happens. Placards like “If you vote for the corrupt you are not a victim, you are an accomplice” and “When Brazil wakes up the politicians will never sleep” are circulating the streets.

So far the protests have had mixed results. Police responded with violence, further angering protesters. However, PEC37 has now been voted down in parliament with many speaking out against it to appease the growing civil unrest. Legislation has also been amended to punish government officials found guilty of fraud more harshly. The transport increases have been removed in some states.

The Confederations Cup was simply an opportunity seen by protesters to reach a global audience because of the international media coverage it attracted. Sepp Blatter recently warned that if the protests in Brazil continue FIFA might have to reconsider their choice of venue for the 2014 World Cup. Even though Brazilians would love to have the World Cup take place in their country, the civil unrest will not cease until the government of Brazil starts clamping down on its corrupt officials and finally uses more of the taxpayers’ money to deliver better schools, hospitals and roads to its people.