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.
For once (and not for the first time either), football is not only the beautiful game but it is a welcome catalyst for many to express views, vent anger and be heard. A globally broadcast football event will always generate the kind of worldwide media attention that is of course conducive to disseminating any message from those who use the event with some savvy and the appropriate political undertone. Nothing wrong with that.
Brazil is no different to anywhere else in the world in this context: large events will always attract those who want to use it for their own purpose and thus tell the world about their plight, their sorrows and their demands.
It is unfortunate, for a football fan above all, to see pictures of demonstrators ransacking shop windows, setting cars on fire and chanting anti-government slogans. But it remains legitimate and it is a democratic right to protest (although the blind destruction of property may not be the ultimate invitation to join a cause, no matter how justified the cause may be).
What is equally unfortunate, is the bias of some who feel vindicated by the many that demonstrate loudly, some aggressively. If a few pundits reduce the public outrage, which is fuelled by badly lacking social services, inadequate infrastructure and corrupt politicians, and spin it to make it seem an anti-FIFA campaign, then they are not only ill informed but simply malicious. The attack on two FIFA buses on Salvador last night does not prove a biased point either.
Joseph Blatter is no doubt a gifted operator in the corridors of world football. He is sometimes less gifted as a socio-politician, and when it comes to offering commentary about phenomena that rock his world: the world of football.
Not everything can be reduced to the world’s favourite game (“once the tournament is on, things will improve”) and how it heals wounds, etc. But at the same time, not every social, economic and political problem that is voiced during a World Cup or any other major football event, has its origins in football either.
The issues at hand that have plagued Brazil for decades – yes, do have a look at the favelas – remain unresolved. The poorest of the poor cannot make a living. The health services are awful, and education – one of the policy cornerstones of the former communist rebel and now President of Brazil – appears to be in disarray all over the country Brazil’s infrastructure is badly out of shape, roads, highways, the rail service – you name it, it is badly flawed, in tatters (try Manaus or anywhere outside Sao Paolo).
These issues have about as much to do with football as the writings of some idiots who exalt and hysterically shriek “See! See! I always said Brazil would stand up against FIFA corruption!”
The demonstrations in Brazil have nothing to do with FIFA corruption. But they have a lot to do with government corruption in a country that is privileged to have more resources than any other state in South America. If then, for good measure, some throw in a few words such as “I’d rather have a new hospital than a new football stadium”, then that is a perfectly legitimate and understandable point to make. But it cannot be blamed on football – or, it should not be – if egomaniac politicians of any kind (Brazilian or otherwise) want to create their own legacy through football, by hosting the biggest event in the world, no matter what the social costs may be.
Blatter, while no doubt concerned, made a somewhat maladroit comment in this context when he said “we did not force Brazil to host the World Cup”. That is true. But what is also true, are the egos of a Lula, a Havelange and a Teixeira (all gone), who knew full well that there would be political issues further down the road to deal with but who didn’t care a damn and proudly offered up their country to host an event that demands a lot from the host and only leaves something of value behind if the organisers show foresight, restraint and a social conscience. It appears that none of the three mentioned, did.
To blame FIFA for all the Brazilian evils is unjust, even if it is a popular position to take. It is certainly erring on the side of malice and stupidity. Brazil’s issues were not created by FIFA or football. Nonetheless, football seems to be the convenient scapegoat to those who lack analytic ability, historic knowledge, or, quite simply, integrity. Hypocrisy will not solve the Brazilian problems. And neither will football – which is where the FIFA President may well be wrong.