During Brazil’s municipal elections, journalists, especially women and minorities, faced significant harassment, with CDJor reporting a notable rise in attacks. The report revealed that the culture of misogyny and racism is deeply embedded, impacting the professional identities of journalists. Juliana Dal Piva recounted personal experiences of harassment linked to her investigative work. The situation highlights the pressing need for protective measures for journalists in the Brazilian media landscape.
In Brazil’s recent municipal elections, women and minority journalists encountered a substantial increase in both online and offline harassment during a particularly polarized political climate. The Coalition in Defense of Journalism (CDJor) reported that from August 15, when the election campaign commenced, until October 27, when the runoff took place, a majority of the attacks were directed towards female journalists, revealing the entrenched misogyny prevalent in Brazilian society. Experts assert that this hostile environment reflects broader patterns of discrimination against marginalized groups in the media.
Cristina Zahar, from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and a member of CDJor, commented on the prevailing culture, stating, “We live in a very misogynistic and macho culture, so this is what happens when women are in a public space, getting power and being empowered.” Despite their limited representation in the media, female journalists were subject to a disproportionate share of abuse, with social media platforms being hotspots for attacks. Reports indicate that women experienced targeted derogatory comments, both about their professional capabilities and physical appearances, significantly on platforms like Instagram and X.
The report also highlighted alarming instances of racism experienced by Black journalists, exemplified by attacks aimed at Pedro Borges, who faced racial discrimination after interviewing a right-wing candidate. Both Zahar and Borges underscored the detrimental effects such hostility has on the professional identity and credibility of journalists. Zahar stated, “It’s a way of taking away their identity, taking away their right to be a good professional and exist in the journalism space.”
Juliana Dal Piva, an investigative journalist, shared her experiences of intense harassment following her investigations into the policies of former President Jair Bolsonaro. She described a sustained campaign of slander and threats, facing a particularly severe backlash after a right-wing influencer circulated a manipulated image insinuating her involvement in a scandal. Dal Piva remarked on the culture of misogyny enveloping the discourse around female journalists, stating, “All of the content is very misogynous. It’s very against women.” She emphasized the necessity for resilience among women reporters and the continued struggle for a safe and respectful environment for credible journalism.
Despite the removal of Bolsonaro, the corrosive atmosphere towards the press remains pervasive, as articulated by Zahar: “Since Bolsonaro, a red line has been crossed for the relationship between the presidency and the press.” The ramifications of such hostility pose existential threats to free press in Brazil, a cause for concern that both Zahar and Dal Piva acknowledge.
In response to these challenges, the CDJor report advocates for the enforcement of policies protecting journalists and the need for accountability for aggressors. Recommendations also include refining online platform mechanisms to better combat the rampant abuse that journalists regularly face.
The growing trend of violence and intimidation against journalists, particularly women and minorities, illuminates the urgent requirement for reform and the safeguarding of free expression in Brazil.
The context of this issue lies within the landscape of Brazilian media during the municipal elections, characterized by heightened political tensions and shifting power dynamics. Historically, the media in Brazil has faced challenges, particularly under leaderships that foster aggression against journalists. The renewed focus on women’s and minority rights amid rising right-wing politics has led to increased scrutiny of how these groups fare in an evolving media climate. The report from CDJor reflects broader societal issues surrounding sexism and racism that journalists of these demographics must navigate daily.
The findings of the CDJor report underscore a troubling trend of increased hostility towards women and minority journalists in Brazil amid the recent municipal elections. The prevalence of online and offline attacks, particularly against female and Black journalists, calls for urgent action to ensure a safe environment for media professionals. Continuous efforts to combat impunity and promote effective protective measures for journalists are essential to uphold the principles of free expression and a democratic society.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
