Bandidolatry in Brazil: How This Phenomenon Is Destroying Our Society
Time is running out! Understand how the culture of bandidolatry is perpetuating violence and what needs to be done IMMEDIATELY.
São Leopoldo, February 25, 2025 - Year II - Edition 058
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Bandidolatry in Brazil: How This Phenomenon Is Destroying Our Society
Time is running out! Understand how the culture of bandidolatry is perpetuating violence and what needs to be done IMMEDIATELY.
Have you ever heard of "bandidolatria"? This phenomenon, which is becoming increasingly popular in Brazil, reflects a culture that exalts or victimizes criminals, turning them into almost heroic figures. It may sound absurd, but all it takes is turning on the TV or browsing social media to notice how some individuals are treated like celebrities. This distortion of values makes us question how we got to this point.
Bandidolatria not only trivializes crime but also impacts how society views justice and security. While criminals are glamorized, the victims and their stories are often forgotten. This scenario generates outrage and invites us to reflect on the values we are cultivating. Are we glorifying those who should be held accountable?
Historical Aspects of Bandidolatry in Brazil
Brazil's relationship with criminality is marked by a duality that dates back to colonial times. Figures like Lampião, the "King of Cangaço," exemplify this ambiguity: seen by some as a cruel bandit and by others as a sertão (backlands) vigilante. As historian Eric Hobsbawm (1917–2012) described in Bandits (1969), such characters often emerge in contexts of inequality and social injustice, gaining the status of "popular heroes."
In the 20th century, this narrative remained alive. The Rio de Janeiro drug lord Zé Pequeno, portrayed in the film City of God (2002), became a symbol of this complexity. According to sociologist Luiz Eduardo Soares in Cabeça de Porco (2005), the marginalization of poor communities and the failure of the state fuel the romanticization of the criminal figure. Today, this heuristic is reflected in bandidolatry, where criminals are glamorized while victims are forgotten.
Brazilian history, therefore, reveals a constant tension between repulsion and fascination with the "other side of the law." This narrative, rooted in centuries of inequality, continues to shape our perception of crime and justice.
The "Poor Thing" Culture
The narrative that transforms criminals into victims of society has gained strength in Brazil, fueling what many call the "culture of pity." This perspective, though well-intentioned, overlooks the complexity of individual choices and the reality of millions who, despite adverse conditions, choose the path of honesty. As philosopher Mario Sergio Cortella points out in What Is Your Work? (2007):
"Poverty explains, but it does not justify."
According to data from the IPEA (Institute for Applied Economic Research), more than 50 million Brazilians live below the poverty line. However, the majority of these individuals do not resort to crime as a solution. Sociologist Zygmunt Bauman (1925–2017), in Wasted Lives (2004), warns that excessive victimization can lead to the trivialization of evil, absolving individuals of responsibility and reinforcing cycles of violence.
The media and public discourse often portray criminals as products of a flawed system, downplaying their actions. An emblematic example was the media coverage of the case of João Hélio, a boy murdered in 2007 in Rio de Janeiro, which contrasted with the public's emotional response to stories of young offenders. As journalist Eliane Brum highlighted in The Life No One Sees (2006):
"Selective empathy reinforces inequalities and perpetuates injustices."
This "culture of pity" not only devalues the real victims of crime but also diverts attention from effective public policies. While criminals are seen as "poor things," those who suffer the consequences of their actions are left on the sidelines, in a silence that echoes the pain of a society still searching for balance.
The Influence of the Media
The Brazilian media plays a significant role in constructing narratives that glamorize crime, contributing to the phenomenon of "bandidolatria" (criminal idolization). Soap operas, films, and series often portray drug traffickers as charismatic figures, "good people" with strong morals, while police officers are depicted as corrupt and violent. This inversion of values, as highlighted by researcher Muniz Sodré in A Máquina de Narciso (1988), reinforces stereotypes that distort reality and influence public perception.
An emblematic example is the TV series Cidade dos Homens (2002-2005), which, despite addressing urban violence, ended up excessively humanizing characters involved in crime. In cinema, films like Tropa de Elite (2007) explore the complexity of police brutality but also romanticize the figure of the criminal as a "rebel" against the system. According to film critic Jean-Claude Bernardet in Brasil em Tempos de Cinema (1995), this romanticization creates a dangerous empathy that risks trivializing the real consequences of crime.
In prioritizing entertainment, the media often neglects the social impact of its narratives. As journalist Elvira Lobato points out in Instinto de Repórter (2010), "the pursuit of ratings can turn tragedies into spectacles and criminals into idols." This dynamic not only devalues victims but also perpetuates a cycle of violence and impunity.
As long as the media continues to sell the image of the criminal as a hero, society pays the price by witnessing the trivialization of evil and the erosion of essential values. It is urgent to rethink these narratives, seeking a balance that neither glorifies crime nor ignores its roots and impacts.
Slang and expressions that normalize criminality
Language has immense power in shaping mindsets, and in Brazil, phrases like "vida loka" (crazy life), "patrão do morro" (boss of the hill), and "ladrão que rouba ladrão tem cem anos de perdão" (a thief who robs another thief deserves a hundred years of forgiveness) end up normalizing and even romanticizing crime. These terms, often used colloquially, reflect a culture that downplays the severity of criminal acts and transforms illegal actions into almost heroic deeds. As linguist Marcos Bagno observes in Preconceito Linguístico (1999),
"words not only describe reality but also construct it."
This trivialization of crime becomes even more concerning when we observe its influence on younger generations. According to anthropologist Alba Zaluar (1942–2019) in Condomínio do Diabo (1994), the use of such slang in marginalized communities creates a sort of parallel "code of honor," where crime is seen as a means of social advancement. This distortion of values not only perpetuates violence but also hinders the construction of a fairer and more equitable society.
As long as these expressions continue to be repeated without critique, the glorification of criminality will remain deeply rooted in our daily lives, fueling a dangerous cycle of violence and impunity.
Politics and Bandit Worship
The relationship between politics and crime in Brazil is marked by a narrative that, in some cases, favors criminals at the expense of victims. Certain politicians, seeking electoral capital, adopt discourses that romanticize the figure of the offender, portraying them as a "victim of society" or a "product of inequality." Political scientist Sérgio Abranches notes in Politics and Crime (2010) that this strategy minimizes individual responsibility and reinforces a culture of bandit worship.
An emblematic example was the public defense made by some lawmakers during the 2013 protests when acts of vandalism were justified as "legitimate outrage." According to sociologist Jessé Souza in The Elite of Delay (2017), this stance not only diverts attention from real social demands but also legitimizes violence as a form of political expression. Meanwhile, crime victims are often ignored, their stories erased amid discourses that prioritize the rights of those who have chosen to live outside the law.
This dynamic becomes even more perverse when we observe the influence of criminal factions on electoral campaigns. As journalist Raquel Dodge reveals in Politics and Organized Crime (2019):
"The intersection between politics and crime creates a vicious cycle, where impunity generates more violence, and violence feeds impunity."
As long as politics continues to serve as a platform for rhetoric that glorifies crime, society will pay the price, witnessing the erosion of essential values and the perpetuation of a system that benefits few at the expense of many.
Lenient Laws and Impunity
In Brazil, the sense of impunity is one of the pillars that sustain criminality. With lenient laws and a flawed prison system, criminals know they are unlikely to serve their full sentences. According to data from the National Council of Justice (CNJ, 2021), more than 40% of inmates in the country are repeat offenders, highlighting that the lack of effective consequences turns crime into a "profitable" and low-risk endeavor.
As jurist Luiz Flávio Gomes warns in Imprensa e Impunidade (2015), "Impunity not only encourages recidivism but also erodes public trust in the justice system." Until laws are enforced rigorously, criminality will continue to be seen as a viable option, perpetuating a cycle of violence and injustice that affects everyone.
The Culture of Value Inversion
We live in an era marked by moral confusion, where right and wrong seem to have been shuffled by invisible hands. This inversion of values, a troubling phenomenon, reveals itself in a particularly cruel way in the treatment given to criminals and victims in contemporary society. While the victim weeps silently in pain, the criminal is often portrayed as a "victim of society," receiving more attention and even clemency from the system, as reported by the website Notícia Livre on April 5, 2023.
The suffering of those who lose loved ones to violence is ignored, while the criminal is "rehabilitated" and released in a short time. This ethical paradox reflects a profound inversion of priorities:
"The victim is at the mercy of the criminal, but when the criminal allows the victim to survive, he still holds control over their life" (Paulo Sergio de Oliveira Lima, undergraduate thesis).
The true victim, however, has no voice. Their grief is overshadowed by narratives seeking to justify the unjustifiable.
This culture of value inversion transcends the penal sphere and takes root in society itself. As scholars have pointed out, "the inversion of values goes beyond the family and school environments, as it is already deeply ingrained in society," according to an article published on June 19, 2021, by Rio Vale Jornal. The result is a scenario where principles such as respect and honesty are relegated to the background, while unethical behaviors gain ground.
Meanwhile, families shattered by violence face a bitter reality: coping with their pain while watching their tormentors benefit from a flawed system. We must rethink our priorities and "rescue deep-rooted, sustaining values of balance and well-being." Without this, we will remain trapped in a spiral of moral decay, where the guilty are absolved and the victims are forgotten.
The Worker as the "Fool"
In Brazil, being honest is often seen as synonymous with being a "sucker." While some dedicate their lives to hard work, others build fortunes and fame through crime. This social distortion reflects a sad reality:
"Brazilian society still values easy success more than continuous effort" (Social Observatory of Brazil. Report on Work Culture, 2019).
The worker, who pays taxes and fulfills their obligations, ends up marginalized in a system that seems to reward the dishonest.
This paradox is fueled by a culture that romanticizes crime and undervalues merit. As sociologist Jessé Souza points out, "Brazil is a country where dignified work is underestimated, while illicit gains are glorified." The sense of injustice is overwhelming for those who strive daily, while they watch criminals flaunting wealth on social media.
This inversion of values creates a vicious cycle. The honest worker feels demotivated, while the example of easy success gains strength. "The perception that crime pays undermines trust in justice and the future" (Datafolha Institute. Survey on Public Safety Perception, 2021). To change this reality, it is necessary to restore the value of dignified work and combat the structures that perpetuate impunity.
Until then, the worker will continue to carry the weight of a nation on their shoulders, while others reap the rewards of dishonesty. It is time to rethink our priorities and recognize that "the true hero is the one who resists the temptation of the easy path," states Mário Sérgio Cortella in his book Don’t Despair (2014).
The Impact on Society
If crime pays off, it spreads. This cruel logic is a direct reflection of a culture that romanticizes easy success and devalues honest work. Unfortunately, Brazil ranks among the most violent countries in the world, holding alarming positions in global crime rankings, according to a study by the World Population Review, "Most Violent Countries in the World," 2023. It is no coincidence that a society that forgives—or even glorifies—crime ends up reaping the bitter fruits of that choice.
Violence is not just a matter of cold statistics; it has a face and a name. Families are destroyed, children are orphaned, and entire communities live in constant fear. "When the State fails to adequately punish criminals, the message sent is clear: crime pays," (Public Security Observatory. National Homicide Report, 2022). This vicious cycle further fuels the sense of impunity, encouraging new acts of violence.
The numbers are frightening. According to the Atlas of Violence, produced by IPEA (Institute for Applied Economic Research) and the Brazilian Forum on Public Security, the country records alarming homicide rates, many of which are linked to drug trafficking and other forms of organized crime. With every life lost, it is as if a piece of the soul of society is torn away.
To reverse this scenario, it is urgent to rethink our priorities. As sociologist Sérgio Adorno states, "violence will only be combated when there is investment in education, employment, and social justice." Until then, the shadow of violence will continue to loom over Brazil, corroding its moral and human foundations.
Lack of Security and Constant Fear
Millions of Brazilians wake up every day under the weight of a paralyzing fear, held hostage by a culture of impunity that seems to have no end. "Fear is the hallmark of a society that has failed to protect its citizens," states the Report on Urban Violence in Brazil (2021) by Human Rights Watch. Families lock their doors and windows, avoid going out at night, and live with the constant anguish that something terrible might happen.
This climate of insecurity is fueled by the perception that crime pays. When criminals act with impunity, trust in the justice system collapses. Surveys show that more than 60% of Brazilians feel unsafe in their own homes, a direct reflection of growing violence and the lack of effective responses (Brazilian Public Security Forum. National Public Security Survey, 2022).
Living in fear should not be normal. As sociologist Michel Misse points out,
"Public insecurity is one of the cruelest faces of social inequality."
Until the State confronts this reality with serious policies and fair punishments, fear will continue to be the silent companion of the Brazilian people.
Possible Solutions to the Culture of Crime-Worship
Combating crime-worship (bandidolatria) and the culture of impunity in Brazil requires more than just repressive measures; it is necessary to invest in education and awareness. As educator Paulo Freire (1921–1997) argues in Pedagogy of the Oppressed (1968), "Education does not transform the world, but it changes the people who will transform the world." An education rooted in ethical values and a sense of justice may be the key to breaking the cycle of violence and the romanticization of crime.
Programs like Escola da Vida (School of Life), implemented by the city government of Vitória (ES), demonstrate that it is possible to reduce criminality among young people through educational activities and social inclusion. According to data from IPEA (2020), regions with greater investment in education show significantly lower levels of violence. Additionally, media awareness campaigns, such as those promoted by the Sou da Paz Institute, help deconstruct narratives that glorify crime.
As long as society does not prioritize education as a tool for transformation, crime-worship will continue to flourish. It is time to act, uniting forces to build a future where justice and human dignity are non-negotiable values.
Stricter Punishment for Crimes
Crime will only be discouraged when we confront impunity with strict laws and the full enforcement of sentences. In Brazil, recent legislative advances have sought to toughen penalties for serious crimes. For example, a bill authored by Senator Damares Alves, which was approved by the Senate, proposes harsher penalties for convicts who commit crimes during temporary releases, according to a report by Maria Beatriz Giusti, published on July 2, 2024, on the Correio Braziliense website. Additionally, a new law that increases the maximum sentence for crimes against women to 40 years demonstrates a significant effort to combat gender-based violence, as highlighted in a publication by the Federal Senate on its social media on November 25, 2024.
However, stricter laws are useless if they are not effectively enforced. Society cries out for justice but still contends with premature benefits and loopholes that favor repeat offenders. "The imposition of a stricter enforcement regime than the sentence allows requires proper justification," stated in a publication on the website of the Court of Justice of the Federal District and Territories on August 17, 2021, reinforcing the need for coherence between written law and its execution.
It is urgent that the prison system be reformed to ensure that punishment is proportional to the offense and that criminals understand the consequences of their actions. Only then can we build a safer and fairer society.
Conclusion
The glorification of crime and the inversion of values erode the foundations of Brazilian society, transforming victims into silent specters while criminals take the spotlight. The pain of families crushed by violence echoes like a stifled cry, pleading for justice that never arrives. How can we prosper while crime is romanticized and honest work is treated as naivety?
The culture of glorifying criminals not only exalts evil but also dehumanizes its victims, perpetuating cycles of fear and impunity. Meanwhile, millions live under the weight of terror, locked inside their homes, while criminals are either acquitted or glorified. It is time to rethink our values and reject this perverse narrative that poisons our nation.
The time to act is now! You, the reader, can be part of this change by sharing your opinion about this bulletin. Respond to us: how can we combat the trivialization of crime and restore social dignity? Together, we can build a fairer and safer society for all. Your voice matters!
That’s All Folks,
Fernando Nunes - mentesevolucao@gmail.com