Casagrande explica o que foi a Democracia Corinthiana | À Prioli

Summary

The Corinthians Democracy was a powerful and organic movement during Brazil's military dictatorship, where players like Sócrates, Wladimir, and Adílson created a democratic structure within the team. This collective decision-making model was a bold challenge to authoritarianism both in football and society. Despite political pressures, they persisted in making their football club a symbol of resistance. Their success on the pitch and the team's global recognition cemented the movement's place as one of the most important political and social statements in football history, helping to weaken the military dictatorship's grip on Brazil.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Corinthians Democracy was a unique movement in Brazilian football during the military dictatorship (1964-1985).
• 😀 It was a response to the lack of political freedom and authoritarian control, especially during a time when there were no direct elections.
• 😀 The movement began informally among a group of players, including Sócrates and others, who wanted a more democratic approach to football decisions.
• 😀 Decisions such as travel arrangements, hotel choices, and training methods were made collectively by the players, embodying the principles of democracy.
• 😀 The movement’s name 'Democracia Corinthians' came about organically, initially as a playful reference before becoming more serious.
• 😀 Players initially faced resistance from the club’s higher-ups, including military officials, who disapproved of the democratic ethos.
• 😀 Despite pressures from military officials, the players continued to wear the 'Democracia' badge on their jerseys and played under the banner of the movement.
• 😀 The movement was not just about football; it was also a political statement against the military dictatorship in Brazil, which had been suppressing freedoms.
• 😀 The team’s success on the field helped solidify the impact of the movement. Their performance and victories made the democracy message resonate more.
• 😀 The Corinthians Democracy became internationally recognized, with the story being shared in interviews across the world, highlighting its global significance in the fight for democracy.
• 😀 The movement played a crucial role in preventing the military dictatorship from regaining its strength during a period of transition towards democracy in Brazil.

Q & A

What was the 'Democracia Corinthiana' and how did it originate?

The 'Democracia Corinthiana' (Corinthian Democracy) was a movement within Brazil's Corinthians football team during the military dictatorship. It was a collective decision-making process within the team, where players had a say in team logistics and operations. It originated organically, without initially being planned as a political statement, but evolved into a symbol of resistance against the authoritarian regime.

How did the 'Democracia Corinthiana' challenge the military dictatorship in Brazil?

The movement challenged the dictatorship by promoting democratic values within the football team, an environment that was traditionally authoritarian. Players decided together on various aspects of their team life, like travel, accommodation, and match preparations, which stood in contrast to the control the military had over public life and sports at the time.

What were the broader political conditions in Brazil when the 'Democracia Corinthiana' emerged?

Brazil was under a military dictatorship from 1964 to 1985, during which the government suppressed political freedom, freedom of speech, and democratic elections. The country was experiencing a gradual decline of the dictatorship, with increasing public discontent, and the 'Democracia Corinthiana' arose in this climate of political and social transition.

Why did the Corinthians players feel a need to implement a democratic system in their team?

The players, including Sócrates, felt the need to implement a democratic system because of their frustration with authoritarian leadership. Sócrates, in particular, had previously clashed with coaches and the football system for being overly rigid and dictatorial, which motivated him and others to create a more collaborative environment.

How did the military government react to the 'Democracia Corinthiana'?

The military government initially tried to suppress the movement by pressuring the club to remove the 'Democracia Corinthiana' emblem from the players' shirts. They were concerned that the movement could inspire broader political resistance. Despite this pressure, the players continued to resist and kept the democratic values alive within the team.

What were some of the decisions made democratically by the Corinthians players?

Some of the decisions made democratically included choosing how the team would travel, whether they would concentrate before matches, and the selection of hotels for stays. The team collectively made these decisions, which was a departure from the traditional top-down approach in football teams.

How successful was the Corinthians team on the field during the 'Democracia Corinthiana' period?

The team was highly successful on the field. They played exceptionally well and won important matches, including a significant win over São Paulo in 1982. Sócrates and Casagrande became prominent figures, contributing to the team's success and the global recognition of the movement.

What was the significance of the 'Democracia Corinthiana' outside of Brazil?

The 'Democracia Corinthiana' had a significant impact internationally. It was recognized globally as an act of political resistance within the world of football. Sócrates and other players received widespread attention from international media, and the movement became a symbol of political activism in sports.

What was the role of Sócrates in the 'Democracia Corinthiana'?

Sócrates played a central role in the 'Democracia Corinthiana.' As a key player and leader, he was instrumental in advocating for democratic principles within the team. His philosophical approach to life and football made him a natural figurehead for the movement.

How did the 'Democracia Corinthiana' contribute to the eventual decline of the Brazilian military dictatorship?

The 'Democracia Corinthiana' contributed to the decline of the military dictatorship by fostering a sense of political resistance and empowering ordinary people to push back against authoritarian control. By maintaining democratic values within the team and refusing to be silenced, the movement helped undermine the legitimacy of the regime, which was already weakening by the early 1980s.