How the US Government's Security Perception Seems to Align More with Brazilians

An Unexpected Alignment: How the US Government's Security Perception Seems to Align More with Brazilians Than Their Own Politicians

Recently, former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio's statement and the U.S. Embassy's security advisory for tourists in Brazil sparked a wave of reactions within the Brazilian political and diplomatic landscape. Authorities, particularly those linked to tourism, were quick to push back, painting a picture of a safe and booming Brazil. However, amidst this discursive battle, an uncomfortable question arises: the U.S. government's perception of violence in Brazil seems, ironically, to align more closely with the daily experience of the average Brazilian citizen than with the narratives of their own political leaders.

The Reality of U.S. Advisories vs. Official Brazilian Discourse

The U.S. State Department has a clear protocol for issuing travel advisories, based on intelligence analysis and data on crime, kidnapping, and other threats. When the U.S. Embassy issues an advisory recommending "increased caution in Brazil due to crime and kidnapping," and specifies risk areas like favelas or border zones, it is, in a way, mirroring a reality that millions of Brazilians face.

This reality contrasts sharply with the official discourse of some Brazilian politicians, who often downplay the severity of violence or oppose measures that could be more effective in combating crime. It's not uncommon to hear defenses of laws that, in practice, are perceived by the population as too lenient, or that fail to effectively confront organized crime and impunity. Political polarization, unfortunately, often turns public safety into an ideological battleground, where the priority is not effectiveness but adherence to certain banners.

The Brazilian Citizen's Lived Experience of Insecurity

While Embratur defends the country's tourism image and politicians debate legislative nuances, the Brazilian population feels the brunt of crime firsthand:

• Daily Fear: Walking on the streets, using public transport, or even being at home is often accompanied by a sense of alert. Using cell phones becomes a risk, and the choice of routes and times is dictated by perceived safety, not convenience.

• Material and Psychological Harm: Being a victim of a robbery or assault is a traumatic experience that goes beyond the value stolen, leaving significant psychological scars and distrust. Damages to vehicles caused by potholes on roads (a reflection of poor resource management, despite taxes collected) add to this scenario.

• The Rise of Organized Crime: De Blasio's statement about concerns over classifying Brazilian criminal factions as terrorists, while having a geopolitical approach, touches an open wound in Brazil. The power and influence of organized crime are an undeniable reality in many regions, affecting the economy, local politics, and the population's daily lives. Laws and policies that fail to dismantle these structures or allow their proliferation are a source of deep frustration.

• "Revenue Hunger" Without Return: Brazilians pay extremely high taxes on everything, including vehicles and financial transactions, with the promise of public services and security. When the government appears "hungry for revenue" (as discussed in the article on IOF and vehicle taxes) but streets and roads remain riddled with potholes and dangerous, trust in the state erodes.

The Unintended Alignment

The paradox is clear: a foreign government, through its advisories, appears to validate the lived experience of most Brazilians when encountering urban violence. This external validation, even if unintended, resonates more strongly than some national politicians' attempts to "sugarcoat" reality or advocate for policies that prove ineffective in combating crime.

The perception that certain laws and political stances "favor violence and organized crime" is not unfounded. It stems from observing high recidivism rates, the difficulty in dismantling large criminal organizations, and the sense of impunity that permeates the system. When politicians advocate for reforms that do not result in tangible improvements in safety, the gap between the political elite and the general public widens.

The Urgency of Connecting with Reality

For Brazil to truly project an image of safety and prosperity to the world, its political leaders must be in tune with the reality experienced by their own population. This means:

• Effective Security Policies: Developing and implementing public safety laws and strategies that genuinely combat crime, trafficking, and violence, rather than appearing to protect criminals.

• Infrastructure Investment: Utilizing collected taxes to provide basic infrastructure (roads, lighting, sanitation) that also contributes to safety.

• Transparency and Accountability: Being transparent about challenges and actions, admitting difficulties, and demonstrating concrete results.

The voice of the Brazilian citizen, who clamors for safety, is what should guide public policies. If a foreign government's perception seems more accurate to the average Brazilian, it's an alarming sign that the disconnect between the political class and the base of society has reached a critical point, and that true "redemption" will come not from words, but from actions that transform the daily reality of insecurity into one of tranquility and protection.

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