Thousands of Brazilians Take to the Streets
Protests have erupted in over 160 Brazilian cities and towns, with demonstrators voicing their discontent with President Jair Bolsonaro. There are a variety of reasons why Brazilians are frustrated and flexing their political muscle, some of which include President Bolsonaro’s perceived mishandling of the pandemic and the corresponding economic crisis. The dissenters are calling for the removal of President Bolsonaro from office amid a growing chorus for his impeachment in several protests since May 2021.
Mr. Bolsonaro’s popularity has recently plummeted with 61% of voters disapproving of his administration’s performance.
Why are Brazilians protesting?
INSTRUCTORS: click the link below to download this week’s lecture for use in your classroom. The deck contains a writing prompt and a debate question as well as other assessment questions.
Videos:
News Articles:
Brazil Bolsonaro: Thousands protest calling for president’s removal
BBC News
October 2, 2021 https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-58777244
Outcry in Brazil over photos of people scavenging through animal carcasses
The Guardian
October 3, 2021 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/oct/03/outcry-in-brazil-over-photos-of-people-scavenging-through-animal-carcasses
Thousands protest across Brazil calling for President Bolsonaro’s impeachment
CNN
October 2, 2021 https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/02/americas/brazil-bolsonaro-protests-intl-hnk/index.html
Brazil’s Bolsonaro faces protests, calls for impeachment
FOX NEWS
October 3, 2021 https://www.foxnews.com/world/brazils-bolsonaro-protests-calls-for-impeachment
News Articles (Analysis):
Brazil: Thousands Protest In Major Cities Demanding President Jair Bolsonaro’s Impeachment
REPUBLIC WORLD
Protesters in Brazil Demand Bolsonaro’s Impeachment
VOICE OF AMERICA
October 2, 2021 https://www.voanews.com/a/protesters-in-brazil-demand-bolsonaro-s-impeachment/6255161.html
Bolsonaro tests Brazilian democracy: ‘Only God can take me from presidency’
FINANCIAL TIMES
September 27, 2021 https://www.ft.com/content/1770b0f8-3740-45db-a032-eedfdb0f8920
Brazil Sees 5th Nationwide Protest Against President Bolsonaro Since May
THE NATION
October 3, 2021 https://nation.com.pk/03-Oct-2021/brazil-sees-5th-nationwide-protest-against-president-bolsonaro-since-may
Assessment:
Writing: What is the significance of the protests in Brazil?
Debate: Should the U.S. and international community intervene in Brazil if there is a coup?
Poll: Should the U.S. and international community provide humanitarian aid to Brazil?
Short Answer: What are the ramifications if President Bolsonaro refuses to relinquish power should he lose the election next year?
Quiz:
Most Brazilians have a favorable view of President Bolsonaro. (T/F)
Protests have taken place in over 150 Brazilian cities and towns because of frustration with President Bolsonaro. (T/F)
Over 500,000 Brazilians have died as a result of Covid-19. (T/F)
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If the Brazilian presidential election were held today what would most likely happen?
a. President Bolsonaro would narrowly win.
b. President Bolsonaro would lose.
c. President Bolsonaro would tie his opponent.
d. President Bolsonaro would win in a landslide.
Critics of President Bolsonaro claim he hasn’t taken the pandemic seriously for which of the following reasons?
a. His reluctance to get his COVID-19 booster shot.
b. His unwillingness to stop air travel.
c. His refusal to wear a mask.
d. His inability to prevent people from attending sporting events.
President Bolsonaro has threatened the following Brazilian democratic institutions EXCEPT.
a. The executive branch.
b. The legislative branch.
c. The judicial branch.
d. The media.
