"Qatar is a symbol of disrespect for human rights."

-Karina, I'd like to bring up a current topic related to the World Cup. Obviously, these are days when the #WorldCup2022 is everywhere, the topic is overwhelming, and while many of us are thoroughly enjoying everything related to the sport, I was thinking—and this is where my question lies—is this also a good time to continue addressing the deeper issues related to inequality? Because the fear is that these major cultural phenomena, while very interesting on the one hand, will also lead to a avoidance of discussing fundamental issues, because people are still facing the same problems…

Absolutely. This World Cup is all bread and circuses, and it has its own particular characteristics—I know absolutely nothing about football—but it has its own particular characteristics because of the place where it's being held, which is a symbol of these inequalities. Furthermore, it's a symbol of the lack of respect for many human rights. Clearly, everything related to, for example, women, LGBTQ+ people, sexual diversity, and a long etcetera.

During the month-long World Cup, other highly relevant issues are often dropped from the agenda. I would say: we must take advantage of the World Cup to talk, for example, about the "World Cup of Inequalities." Perhaps we will address this in upcoming columns with relevant indicators, but some reports have already been published. Fortunately, the academic and political community is paying attention to this phenomenon and is presenting data such as the ranking in terms of inflation and other dimensions of inequality. The hope is that this celebration, which many enjoy and others simply observe, will not overshadow the issue of inequality, which is undoubtedly becoming increasingly dramatic in Latin America, but also throughout the world. Let us remember what is happening in terms of inflation, food security, freedoms, and democracies, and how this issue is impacting different regions.

We mustn't forget, moreover, that two conflicts remain: the war between Russia and Ukraine, and the conflicts within our own region. Let's not allow the World Cup to overshadow all of this, and let's be able (those of us who love football) to enjoy this cultural and sporting celebration, but bearing in mind that reality remains exactly the same, and perhaps in a month, it won't be exactly the same; rather, inequalities will deepen even further.