Talking with the right-wing: pernicious polarization in Brazil and the philosophy of Paulo Freire

Abstract

The last decade has witnessed the development of pernicious polarization in Brazil, partly due to the emergence of a conservative, populist-nationalist, and neoliberal agenda. This article addressees the viewpoints of individuals who identify themselves as part of the right-wing, drawing on 21 semi-structured interviews with members of the Movimento Brasil Livre. By analyzing the interviews following the philosophy of Paulo Freire, we show how their narrative of oppression echoes Freire’s ideas of conscientization and liberation in form but not in substance. We also suggest that a Freirean approach opens new ways to discuss and potentially break the pernicious polarization apart, incorporating a significant distinction between sectarians and radicals.