Inside Insight: Brazil unplugged

Brazil is rocked by (justified) demonstrations. While numbers vary, it is safe to assume that hundreds of thousands have and are taking to the streets to voice anger, frustration and dissatisfaction. With what, exactly, that remains a question to some. But it is a question that seems to get a wide spectrum of answers, depending on where the writer stands and from where the “independent” observer hails.

It is clear that Brazil’s economy, after several years of very substantial growth, has been cooling down of late. Less growth is most directly felt by those who are at the least privileged end of society, while the so-called middle class (not to mention those who are really well off), tend to feel less affected by a down-turn as aggressive as the present one appears to be.

It is not exactly surprising, if political demonstrations (of any kind) select the most high-profile venue possible for their cause to be voiced, seen and heard. The FIFA Confederations Cup appears to be an ideal event to vent anger at authorities and demonstrate dissatisfaction with a government that is largely seen as corrupt and qualified by many as not caring for the plight of the vast majority of its people.

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