# The Defeat of the Rhinoceroses: A Reflection on Modern Political Extremism Recent electoral shifts in the US and Brazil signal a rejection of political indecency. - **Source:** [Folha – Poder](https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/poder) - **Published:** 2026-11-08 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/b90edd1f-32f4-4929-accd-1be90f493daa ## Literary Allegory and History The author draws parallels between the rise of Nazism and Eugène Ionesco’s play 'The Rhinoceros'. In the play, citizens transform into beasts, mirroring the passive complicity seen in 1930s Germany. This historical trauma serves as a cautionary framework for understanding how societies can gradually normalize indecency and dehumanization in modern political discourse. ## The Trumpian Political Shift The 2016 election of Donald Trump is identified as a critical turning point that beastialized political debate. By normalizing aggressive rhetoric, this style of governance influenced similar movements globally, including in Brazil and Portugal. The author notes that this trend encouraged once-decent individuals to openly express racism, sexism, and xenophobic sentiments. ## The Temptation of Relativism Reflecting on the erosion of social shame, the author admits to fearing personal desensitization to these new political norms. The constant exposure to 'Trumpian' figures across various nations created a pervasive sense of dread. The central question remains whether democratic societies can resist the infectious nature of this widespread political bestiality. ## Electoral Rejection of Extremism Recent US midterm elections and Brazilian political shifts are interpreted as a significant repudiation of extremist figures. Despite initial electoral successes for populist candidates, voters have signaled a clear desire to move away from the path of vilification. This 'blue tsunami' represents a collective effort to reclaim democratic standards from polarization. ## Democracy as a Fragile Shield The author asserts that while liberal democracy is imperfect, it remains the most viable system for maintaining social order. The recent electoral outcomes suggest that citizens are capable of correcting course after experiencing the consequences of radicalism. This resilience highlights the importance of moderation in safeguarding the future of global political institutions. ## The Role of Social Shame Shame is described as a vital mechanism for social regulation that has been dangerously weakened in recent years. When public figures abandon decency, the barrier against hate speech crumbles, leading to the dehumanization of political opponents. Restoring this sense of shame is essential for re-establishing civil discourse within modern democratic societies. ## Global Lessons from Ballots The electoral outcomes in the US and Brazil serve as a blueprint for other nations facing similar populist pressures. By rejecting the politics of hate, these voters have demonstrated that the trend toward extremism is not inevitable. The author hopes these results inspire other populations to prioritize democratic values over divisive rhetoric. ## Conclusion on Political Future The metaphor of the rhinoceros concludes with a firm rejection of the beastialization of public life. Democracy requires constant vigilance and the active participation of citizens who refuse to capitulate to indecency. Ultimately, the author maintains that the survival of liberal values depends on the collective refusal to accept political extremism. ## Sources covering this story - https://redir.folha.com.br/redir/online/poder/rss091/*https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/colunas/mafalda-anjos/2026/11/a-derrota-dos-rinocerontes.shtml — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._