Episode 1: Violence and the Culture War

As candidate Jair Bolsonaro neared the presidency in 2018, violence rippled across Brazil, mostly perpetrated by Bolsonaro supporters. Hundreds of threats and attacks, including several killings, were reported in the weeks and months leading up to the election. Bolsonaro's hateful rhetoric and fake news machine spurred on the violence, painting the election as a battle for the soul of the country. Targeting right wing fears over 'family values' and 'security,' Bolsonaro tapped into a growing culture war aimed not at winning a democratic debate, but eliminating opponents.This episode looks at Bolsonaro’s most ardent supporters, and how a culture war born from the United States inspired a wave of political violence that forced people to flee Brazil in fear for their lives.This is Brazil on Fire, a podcast about Brazil’s descent toward fascism under President Jair Bolsonaro. Over these six episodes we look at Bolsonaro’s far-right government that has set the country ablaze, and how the United States helped him do it. We’ll visit the birthplace of Brazilian Nazism, evangelical churches, and Indigenous villages in the Amazon. Hosted by Latin America-based journalist Michael Fox.This podcast is produced in partnership between The Real News Network and NACLA.Sound design by Gustavo Türck: @coletivocatarseTheme music by Monte Perdido: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0nexDyQCZI89JH8zsYu5wa?si=jo6-l1wiSrGmDkxyCA_cowFollow Brazil on Fire at The Real News Network: https://therealnews.com/brazil-on-fire-podHelp The Real News Network continue producing stories like Brazil on Fire by following us and making a small donation:Donate to TRNN: https://www.therealnews.com/donate-pod-brazil-on-fireSign up for our newsletter: https://www.therealnews.com/signup-brazil-on-fireLike us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/therealnewsFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/therealnewsSubscribe to updates from NACLA: https://nacla.org/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/brazil-on-fire--5630445/support.