Poesia na Rua

Brazil, 1984: A Crucial Event

In São Paulo in the beginning of 1984, there was a huge celebration in Brazil when people went to the streets to commemorate the return to the democracy. To demonstrate the importance of this event in Brazil, I will develop three main points that include politics, social and, music subjects.

First, the return of democracy was important because some politicians who moved to other countries after the establishment of dictatorship in 1964. In 1984, they could go back to their homeland. They initiated a transition between chains to freedom. For example, Lula da Silva, Fernando Henrique, Mario Covas, Brizola, Miguel Arraes were essential for creating a new constitution. Most of them were in the celebration in 1984 with millions of people in the streets in Sao Paulo.

Second, the return of democracy was essential to schools, churches, unions, and universities. These organizations were in the control of the Regime and some professors, journalists, students and priests were arrested and killed by the Military Regime. A huge number of them were in the streets in 1984. They were released to continue their lives with freedom and justice.

Third, musicians and artists were very important to the democracy in Brazil. For example, during the Military Regime, some of them created music to express opinions against the army. They were banished to the US, England, France and Chile. But, their songs caused a huge negative impact against the army because they were responsible for educating people and encouraging them to support democratic ideas. Musicians such as Chico Buarque, Caetano Veloso, Gonzaguinha and Gilberto Gil were welcomed to the people. Therefore, during the celebration in 1984, people sang their songs in the streets.

The democracy in Brazil is not completed. But, politicians, citizenships and artists were fundamental to making the democracy strong in Brazil. This historical period was fertile to Brazil and it was essential to create a new conscience about the importance of democracy as power of people.

Professor Otacílio Gomes da Silva Neto

Newark, New Jersey

March 17, 2016.