Is Brazil Made by Us? - Ricardo Soares

Is Brazil Made by Us?

In his book "Is Brazil Made by Us?", Ricardo Soares argues that Brazil is not a country made by its people, but rather by a small elite that has always held power. He supports this argument by examining the history of Brazil, from its colonial period to the present day, and showing how the same patterns of inequality and exploitation have persisted throughout.

A History of Inequality

Soares begins by tracing the roots of inequality in Brazil back to the colonial period, when the Portuguese established a system of plantation agriculture that relied on slave labor. This system created a deep divide between the wealthy landowners and the enslaved population, and this divide has never been fully overcome.

After Brazil gained independence from Portugal in 1822, the country's political and economic systems were largely unchanged. The wealthy elite continued to control the government and the economy, and the majority of the population remained poor and marginalized.

In the 20th century, Brazil experienced a period of rapid economic growth, but this growth did not benefit the majority of the population. The wealthy elite continued to accumulate wealth, while the poor remained trapped in poverty.

The Current Situation

Today, Brazil is one of the most unequal countries in the world. The richest 1% of the population owns more wealth than the bottom 50% combined. This inequality is reflected in all aspects of Brazilian society, from education to healthcare to housing.

Soares argues that this inequality is not simply a natural consequence of economic development, but rather the result of deliberate policies that have been implemented by the wealthy elite to maintain their power. He points to a number of factors that contribute to this inequality, including:

• The concentration of land ownership: A small number of wealthy landowners control the majority of the land in Brazil. This gives them a disproportionate amount of power over the economy and the political system.
• The lack of access to education: The wealthy elite have access to the best education, while the poor are often left with few opportunities to improve their lives. This perpetuates the cycle of poverty and inequality.
• The corruption of the political system: The political system in Brazil is dominated by a small number of wealthy families who use their power to enrich themselves and their allies. This corruption undermines the rule of law and makes it difficult for the poor to have their voices heard.

The Way Forward

Soares concludes by arguing that Brazil needs a new social contract that will create a more just and equitable society. He calls for a number of reforms, including:

• Land reform: The government should redistribute land to the poor and landless. This would give them a stake in the economy and help to reduce inequality.
• Education reform: The government should invest in education and make it accessible to all Brazilians. This would give the poor the opportunity to improve their lives and break the cycle of poverty.
• Political reform: The political system should be reformed to make it more representative of the interests of the majority of the population. This would reduce corruption and give the poor a greater voice in government.

Soares' book is a powerful indictment of the current state of Brazil. He argues that the country is not made by its people, but rather by a small elite that has always held power. He calls for a new social contract that will create a more just and equitable society.

Why You Should Read This Book

"Is Brazil Made by Us?" is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand Brazil. Soares provides a clear and concise analysis of the country's history and current situation, and he offers a number of concrete proposals for how to create a more just and equitable society.

This book is essential reading for anyone who cares about Brazil and wants to see it become a better place.