Two Ways of Viewing Income Concentration and Discouragement

"(Rodrigo Contrera)

On one of the recent covers of 'Folha de S. Paulo', research showed that those suffering the most from Brazil's inability to grow are the most educated professionals, those who spent more time in formal education. Their income has sharply declined, turning to informal activities, thereby theoretically reducing productivity. Those who benefited the most were the ones who hardly studied in their lives, devoting their efforts to manual labor or activities that, at least theoretically, don't require much academic or school education. https://www.vercapas.com.br/capa/folha-de-s-paulo/2023-09-04/

The Discouragement of More Experienced Professionals

I had already observed this in the 90s, when I was morally obliged to leave home with an almost empty briefcase to avoid the appearance of inactivity in the face of a recession cycle, despite having graduated as one of the top students of my class in a major university's Journalism program. Even today, I see older men in the city squares with briefcases and looks of despair, unable to return home empty-handed.

Chile vs. The Rest: Who Fared Better?

I've discussed the 1973 coup in Chile and the recessive neoliberal policy of the Chicago Boys, which led to lost economic and moral generations. But Brazil reaped different fruits: decades of feeble growth, professionals with no room to grow, declining public services, and whole generations with no real educational improvement. However, unlike in Chile, poverty is palpable on Brazil's streets.

On the other hand, look at statistics showing inequality in Chile. It's vast, but the key point here is that it's NOT VISIBLE.

https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/chile

Democracy in Question

Why do figures like Bolsonaro gain credibility among the middle class? Because this class neither likes nor believes in democracy. In their view, it leaves the economy and politics in the hands of the same old wolves.

A Terrible Option Therefore, due to a lack of knowledge about events from 1964 to 1989 during the military dictatorship, many still believe in the firm hand of the military as less corrupt. The Brazilian economy has been stagnating for decades, and this trend seems unlikely to change. While there might not be a universal solution for such a large economy, there is still enough room for localized or temporary solutions.

To contribute to this discussion, I will briefly explain - with an additional detailed material for consultation - why we don't need to throw in the towel yet. There still seems to be a way out, albeit challenging. Surprisingly, I, alone, determined this in a not-so-small environment involving 1,500 lost individuals, who are now no longer so lost. I didn't intend to, but it happened.

Today is September 7th, Brazil's Independence Day.

(Rodrigo Contrera)"