The political situation in Brazil

Brazilian right-wing politicians introduce 30 bills – about dolls

Brazilian right-wing politicians in states across the country have introduced more than 30 bills to restrict the use of hyper-realistic dolls, reports The Guardian.

This comes in the wake of a social media hate storm against doll owners – adult women who create, collect and play with the dolls. Among other things, the politicians want to ban the owners from using the dolls to skip lines or from seeking medical care for the dolls, something that there is no evidence that has ever happened.

“If a topic is trending, politicians propose laws about it, even if it is pointless,” political scientist and anthropologist Isabela Kalil told the newspaper.

According to her analysis, right-wing politicians are fighting for a place in the spotlight when a new leader is to be elected. Former right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro is on trial without the possibility of running again.

Hate storm against doll owners: “I get threats every day”

Hyper-realistic dolls are at the center of a media storm in Brazil. Traditional media outlets report daily on the phenomenon and the politicians who seek the spotlight by criticizing it.

On social media, enormous amounts of hatred are directed at the adult women who create and play with the dolls.

“I get threats every day,” collector Larissa Vedolin tells The Guardian.

Several analysts believe that the criticism, hatred and questions about women’s mental health are yet another example of macho culture.

“When an adult man plays video games, dresses up as a Jedi or plays with radio-controlled cars, no one wonders if he needs help,” psychologist Desirée Cassado tells G1 Globo.