Rede Record commentator says that Brazilians want Italian citizenship to obtain a possible advantage
Luiz Carlos Prates, a controversial and disgraced commentator on RIC TV, an affiliate of Rede Record in Santa Catarina, has provoked the anger of thousands of Brazilians seeking to exercise their right to and recognition of Italian citizenship.
The commentator was chosen to talk about the 460 Brazilians who are in line to obtain Italian citizenship.
Known for his acerbic comments on TV, the journalist suggested that Brazilians want Italian citizenship to gain a possible advantage. "Despite all the historical problems we've faced, we are a thousand times better than Italy," he said. And he continued: "I doubt that those who are asking for Italian citizenship know how to write a proper essay, let alone sing the Italian national anthem," he exclaimed.
Read also Increased search for Italian citizenship processes through the courts
On social media, Italian Brazilians gave the answer.
“I like you, but you said something stupid. Let me explain: I know how to write an essay and many who have dual citizenship also have this 'skill', even though they were educated in Brazil”, he wrote Felipe Righetti.
“I really like your comments, but this time it was very unfortunate. We descendants seek citizenship because it is something we have a right to. We are not abandoning Brazil or spitting on the soil that welcomed us and that was our country of birth. However, seeking to go to Italy or any other country is seeking a connection with your family roots, something that few people value nowadays. I believe you probably don’t know what this is. Anyway, we love our Brazil, just as we love our Italy, because it is our mother, just as Brazil is our father. Take care,” he said. Evandro Foxhunt.
André Andrade Piccolim, said: “nIt's not credible that a communicator has the space to talk so much nonsense about a subject he doesn't know about. We are in line because the Italian legal system recognizes our status as Italian citizens since birth. Like it or not, it is a blood right and has nothing to do with seeking advantages. Do not confuse the search for advantages with the fight for a legitimate right, even if motivated by improving the quality of life. Many Brazilians boast that they are truly functionally illiterate and are not even interested in Brazilian history.”
See Luiz Carlos Prates’ comment in full:
