Brazil's unparalleled spate of book bans is page out of US culture wars

Brazil has been experiencing a surge in book bans, reminiscent of the culture wars in the US. The bans target works with themes related to race, gender, and LGBTQ+ communities. Politicians, often supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro, are frequently behind these bans. The book "O Avesso da Pele" by Jeferson Tenório, which won a prestigious literary award in 2021, was banned in multiple states. Another banned book, "O menino marrom," by renowned Brazilian author Ziraldo Alves Pinto, faced a similar fate. Experts note a rise in censorship cases in Brazil, drawing comparisons to the censorship during the military dictatorship. While the dictatorship had federal-level censorship, the current bans are driven by local authorities. Right-wing groups are pushing to block topics they deem contrary to traditional values. Despite legal actions to reverse bans, pressure on teachers and schools to avoid controversial topics persists. The bans have led to increased attention and sales for the banned books, but concerns remain about the impact on education and freedom of expression in Brazil.