Aula 03: Pelas lentes da memória: as mulheres que vi e ouvi

Welcome to the Course

Introduction to the Course

• Todos sejam muito bem-vindos à terceira aula do curso anti-racismo e descolonização, promovido pelo NDPH e NEAB da Universidade Estadual de Londrina.

Administrative Announcements

• A lista de presença será circulada ao final da aula; é necessário ter 75% de presença para obter o certificado, ou seja, assistir a quatro das seis aulas.

• Após o término do curso, as listas de presença serão verificadas e os certificados enviados por e-mail aos que cumprirem a exigência mínima.

Introduction of Guest Speaker

Acknowledgment of Professor Tânia Maria Gomes da Silva

• A professora Silvia Cristina Martins agradece a Tânia pela participação no curso e destaca sua experiência acadêmica. Tânia é doutora pela UFPR e atua em um programa de pós-graduação na Cesumar Maringá.

• Tânia também preside uma entidade beneficente que trabalha com crianças e adolescentes em situação vulnerável, focando em temas como literatura, dança, música e esporte.

Tânia's Perspective on Women and Violence

Reflections on Research Focus

• Tânia expressa sua alegria pelo convite para discutir suas experiências com mulheres em situações de violência e vulnerabilidade social. Ela menciona seu histórico acadêmico na UENP sob orientação do Dr. Josimar Pai de Almeida.

• Inicialmente insegura sobre como sua pesquisa se encaixaria na discussão mais ampla sobre raça, ela reflete sobre a intersecção entre classe social e raça nas experiências das mulheres que estuda.

The Importance of Addressing Race in Research

• Tânia reconhece que muitas mulheres pobres são negras, destacando a necessidade de incluir essa perspectiva em seus trabalhos recentes sobre saúde e violência contra mulheres.

Women and Their Impact on Personal History

Reflections on Influential Women

• The speaker reflects on women from their childhood who sparked an interest in women's history, emphasizing the powerful impact these figures had on their life.

• They acknowledge that their current academic perspective is influenced by past experiences, blending personal memories with scholarly insights.

• The speaker describes a romanticized view of these women during childhood, noting how feminist studies later shaped this perception.

Experiences of Oppression

• Discussion centers around the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society during the 1970s, particularly those living in marginalized communities.

• The speaker highlights the challenges faced by single mothers and women working in domestic roles, often without support from male partners.

• They mention witnessing women defy societal stereotypes, including those involved in sex work, which left a lasting impression on them as a child.

Memorable Figures

• A specific woman named Maria is mentioned; she worked for the speaker's family and exemplified resilience despite her difficult circumstances. Her joyful demeanor contrasted with her challenging life situation.

• Another influential figure was known as "Sá jovem," who represented power and supernatural abilities to the speaker, shaping their understanding of female strength even without direct interaction.

Intersectionality and Race

• The narrative emphasizes that many impactful women were Black, highlighting their significance not just due to race but also for their contributions to the speaker's life story.

Exploring the Lives of Women in Vulnerable Situations

The Tirolesa and Her Impact

• The speaker reflects on a woman known as "the tirolesa," who had striking red hair and lived a life that challenged societal norms, working at night while her husband worked during the day.

• The tirolesa's relationship with her husband, described as an older gentleman who appeared refined, highlights the complexities of their lives and societal perceptions.

• The speaker acknowledges early awareness of the unconventional nature of this woman's life, recognizing it as outside typical societal expectations.

Personal Reflections on Race and Identity

• The speaker shares personal background details, identifying as a black woman with mixed heritage, which shaped her understanding of race within her family dynamics.

• Discussions around "cabelo ruim" (bad hair), reflecting internalized racism and beauty standards prevalent in society; the speaker expresses a desire for long, straight hair.

Childhood Innocence vs. Racial Awareness

• As a child, the speaker was unaware of racism but later reflects on how these experiences influenced her understanding of identity and race.

• She recalls childhood activities like carefully peeling oranges to create curls in her hair, symbolizing attempts to conform to beauty ideals.

Evolving Perspectives Through Literature

• Influenced by authors like Légua Gonzales and Beatriz Nascimento, the speaker begins to connect class issues with racial identity in her work.

• Her professional experiences working with marginalized communities have deepened her understanding of social vulnerabilities.

Acknowledging Women's Struggles

• The speaker recounts interactions with women from impoverished backgrounds who inspired admiration; she desired to share their stories through history.

• Reflecting on women's invisibility in historical narratives due to class and gender oppression motivates her pursuit of documenting their experiences.

Intersectionality: Class and Race

• Emphasizes that many women remain invisible not only due to gender but also because they belong to lower socioeconomic classes.

• Discusses Brazil's unique racial dynamics where identification is complicated by mixed heritage compared to other countries like the U.S., affecting self-perception among individuals.

Community Engagement and Activism

• Shares experiences working closely with poor women throughout life; these interactions opened eyes to systemic oppression faced by marginalized groups.

Empowerment and Intersectionality in Women's Rights

The Need for Collective Empowerment

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of collective empowerment among women, referencing Bell Hooks and others who advocate for unity in the fight against oppression.

• It is highlighted that gender justice cannot be achieved without addressing the specific challenges faced by Black and poor women, who are often marginalized.

Violence Against Women

• Current studies reveal a significant vulnerability to violence among Black women, with alarming statistics on domestic violence and femicide indicating a persistent crisis.

• Data from 2021 shows that 66.6% of women experiencing domestic violence were Black, underscoring the urgent need to address racial and gender-based vulnerabilities.

Addressing Racism's Impact

• The speaker discusses how racism contributes to health issues and suffering, particularly affecting children who are unprepared for such societal challenges.

• A suggestion is made to incorporate literature into education for Black children as a means of fostering resilience against racism.

Anti-Racist Education Initiatives

• The speaker mentions ongoing efforts in Mandaguari to promote anti-racist education through literature aimed at young girls, featuring works by authors like Lázaro Ramos and Emicida.

• There is an emphasis on helping girls embrace their natural hair textures as part of building self-esteem and rejecting imposed beauty standards.

Reflections on Feminist Discourse

• Personal anecdotes illustrate the struggle with societal beauty norms regarding Black women's hair, advocating for acceptance of diverse hair types.

• The speaker expresses a desire for open dialogue about the experiences of marginalized women rather than relying solely on formal presentations or slides.

Historical Context and Modern Challenges

• Domitila Sungara's legacy is referenced; she represented Bolivia at the UN but felt disconnected from mainstream feminist discourse focused on superficial issues rather than systemic oppression.

• Sungara’s perspective highlights that not all men are enemies; instead, systemic forces like capitalism pose greater threats to women's rights.

Caution Against Neoliberal Approaches

• A warning is issued regarding identity politics potentially being co-opted by neoliberal interests that may divide rather than unite marginalized groups.

• The speaker stresses the importance of recognizing intersectionality—class, race, and gender—as critical factors in understanding women's experiences with violence.

Feminism and Intersectionality in Contemporary Society

The Importance of Active Engagement

• Emphasizes the necessity for collective action against systemic issues, urging universities to provide spaces for reflection and activism among students and faculty.

• Critiques historical feminist movements for neglecting the specific needs of Black women, highlighting the detrimental effects of this oversight on feminism's evolution.

Bridging Theory and Practice

• Advocates for moving beyond academic discussions to practical engagement, such as forming groups that work directly with marginalized communities, particularly young girls.

• Shares a personal experience teaching literature to incarcerated women, using storytelling as a means to address racial oppression and foster dialogue about identity.

Addressing Racial Identity Issues

• Discusses the importance of connecting with children to understand their experiences with racism, sharing her own struggles with hair texture as a relatable point.

• Highlights the need for solidarity in combating various forms of oppression (racism, sexism), emphasizing community support without leaving anyone behind.

Expanding Feminist Discourse

• Calls attention to the significance of identity politics while warning against creating isolated activist groups; stresses inclusivity across different social issues.

• Urges consideration for individuals with disabilities within feminist discourse, advocating for their rights and accessibility in public spaces.

Historical Context and Current Challenges

• Reflects on past struggles faced by women who juggled multiple responsibilities while fighting for their rights; acknowledges their resilience despite societal challenges.

• Expresses concern over neoliberal appropriation of identity politics, stressing vigilance against superficial support that lacks genuine intent or understanding.

Interconnectedness of Oppression

• Introduces intersectionality as a critical framework brought forth by scholars like Kimberlé Crenshaw; emphasizes its relevance in understanding diverse experiences under capitalism.

• Warns against naivety regarding intentions behind discussions led by vulnerable populations; advocates for deeper awareness of systemic inequalities affecting marginalized groups.

Conclusion: Call to Action

Discussion on Racial Identity and Violence

Reflections on Racial Identity

• The speaker introduces Miguel, indicating a transition to comments and questions directed towards Tânia.

• A reference is made to José de Almeida's 2004 book "Presença Negra em Londrina," highlighting the author's personal experiences with racial identity during his time in social sciences.

• The narrative includes an emotional moment where Almeida realizes he is perceived as black at work, illustrating societal perceptions of race and identity.

Impact of Racial Perceptions

• Comments from attendees express appreciation for the lecture, emphasizing the importance of discussing racial issues. Notable mentions include Deisiane Pereira and Carlos Rodrigues.

• A question arises regarding domestic violence committed by black men, pointing out that existing data often overlooks this demographic aspect.

Data Collection Challenges

• The speaker notes that while black women are predominantly victims of domestic violence, there is a lack of comprehensive data on the race of aggressors due to inadequate reporting practices in health services.

• There is a call for better data collection methods to understand the demographics of both victims and perpetrators in cases of domestic violence.

Insights into Gender-Based Violence

• It is acknowledged that while black women face higher rates of gender-based violence, empirical research on their partners' racial backgrounds remains limited.

• The discussion highlights the need for more thorough research to substantiate claims about the intersectionality between race and domestic violence.

Personal Narratives and Historical Context

• The speaker reflects on their own experiences with women's history, emphasizing its significance in historiography.

• A question from Silvia prompts a discussion about self-recognition within racial identities, particularly among those who may not initially identify as black despite having African ancestry.

Education as a Path Forward

• The conversation shifts towards how education can facilitate self-recognition and understanding within broader social contexts.

• Emphasis is placed on collective existence over individualism, suggesting that recognizing interconnectedness can lead to greater awareness around racial issues.

Conclusion: Collective Understanding

Discussion on Social Inequality and Historical Perspectives

Overview of Economic Disparities in Brazil

• The speaker highlights that a significant portion of the Brazilian population, 97%, earns less than R$1,580 monthly, indicating severe economic inequality.

• It is noted that the wealthiest 3% earn significantly more, with a majority of this affluent group being Black, emphasizing intersectionality in social exclusion.

• The discussion touches on the need for collective action to address these inequalities rather than remaining isolated in personal bubbles.

Historical Context and Methodology

• The speaker references 19th-century historians who advocated for neutrality in historical analysis but contrasts this with German and French historians who were politically active.

• An example is given from the work of historian Social de Colágeno, who emphasized discussing past events to understand present realities.

Personal Journey into Oral History

• The speaker recounts their introduction to oral history through a professor's encouragement to pursue topics they are passionate about.

• They chose to study consensual unions among women in marginalized communities due to personal connections and curiosity about their lives.

Challenges of Objectivity in Research

• The speaker reflects on their initial misconceptions about "amigadas" (women living together without marriage), revealing how societal perceptions can shape research interests.

• They emphasize that their research was never neutral; they were deeply involved with the subjects they studied, which influenced their findings.

Insights on Oral History Practice

• Citing Alessandro Portelli, the speaker argues that there is no 'lie' in oral history as individuals share experiences shaped by relationships and context.

• They acknowledge that while writing academically requires certain filters, their engagement with subjects remains authentic and rooted in lived experiences.

Conclusion and Acknowledgments

Course Attendance and Upcoming Events

Course Requirements

• Students are required to sign at least four attendance lists, achieving a minimum of 75% attendance for course completion.

• After the course concludes, a report will be submitted to PROEX, which is necessary for issuing certificates that will be sent via email.

Upcoming Lectures and Conferences

• The next class is scheduled with Professor Gilberto da Silva Lima on June 7, focusing on the colonial history of the Atlantic slave trade; however, this date may change due to overlapping events.

• During the National Archives Week from June 3 to June 7, there will be significant activities including an opening conference by Professor Thiago Lima Nicodemos from São Paulo's Public Archive.

Notable Speakers and Topics

• On June 7, alongside Professor Gilberto’s lecture, Professor César Carpinski from the Federal University of Santa Catarina will discuss the relationship between archivists and historians in managing historical documents.

• A variety of roundtable discussions are planned throughout National Archives Week; updates regarding any changes in schedule or registration links will be communicated via email.

Reflections on Learning and Appreciation

Acknowledgments

• Silvia expresses gratitude towards Tânia for her engaging presentation style that inspires students to reflect deeply on their own life stories and academic journeys.

Importance of Personal Reflection

• Silvia emphasizes that while not everyone needs to emulate Tânia's journey, it serves as a vital reminder for all students to contemplate their paths in studying history.

Closing Remarks