Positions against Human Rights: The Brazilian reality under a decolonial perspective

The starting point of the reflection proposed here is the increasing diffusion of the discourse against Human Rights in present-day Brazil. This reflection is central in order to understand the stance adopted by the media that situate pro-human rights activists outside the law. The diffusion of these ideas devalues accusations against crimes and consequently undermines the value of the allegations and arguments voiced by defenders of human rights. In addition to this aspect, this paper, on the basis of concepts such as Historical and Political Culture, explains the dynamics of ideas vis-a-vis this theme in Brazilian society. Within this process, the science of history allows for reflexion on the use of the past, experience that lends sense to and orientates the stance taken today. The conclusion is that this discourse against human rights and, consequently, against democracy, is a consequence of the colonial construction of Brazil.