, Columnist
Brazil's Narrative of Equality Is Oversold
Despite progress fighting poverty, South America's largest economy is still marked by vast disparities.
Brazil's billionaires not pictured.
Photographer: Dado Galdieri/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Not so long ago, Brazil seemed to be near a turning point. Latin America's largest nation wasn't just growing and generating jobs; it was finally poised, it seemed, to close one of the world's most notorious gaps between rich and poor.
Out went the old trope of "Belindia" -- Brazil as a wealthy Belgium ringed by a vast and desperate India -- and in came a new story of social inclusion for the least favored. For 12 years, the ruling claque spun that fabulous narrative into political glory, sweeping four straight presidential elections while touting its headline poverty-busting program abroad as a novel brand of soft power.