Brazil’s Complex Reality: Racism, Race Mix, and Society

It is a common misconception that Brazil, with its high degree of racial mixing, is less racially discriminatory than other countries. On the contrary, Brazil has its own unique form of racism that is deeply ingrained in institutional and individual practices. This article aims to shed light on the complex nature of racism in Brazil, addressing common myths and misunderstandings, and providing a nuanced overview of Brazilian society.

The Reality of Racism in Brazil

While it is true that most Brazilians consider themselves to be mixed racial backgrounds, this does not mean that racism is less prevalent. In Brazil, racism is both institutionalized and ingrained in the psyche of individuals. Approximately 90% of Brazilians can be described as mixed, encompassing a significant portion of the population. However, over 50% of the country identifies as mixed, while a relatively smaller portion identifies as white (around 40%). This mixing has not eradicated racism but has instead led to unique forms of discrimination.

One particularly striking aspect of Brazilian racism is the discrimination faced by black people against black people. This form of internal racism is unique to Brazil and highlights a deeply ingrained issue within the society. The plight of black people in Brazil is akin to that of the United States, but without the same levels of violence, especially within the context of police violence. This discrepancy is often attributed to the fact that Brazil is adept at hiding its issues, making them less visible on the surface.

Stratification and Discrimination

The message from the majority of countries to their black populations is often:

United States: I can beat you, I can kill you, but I can’t block you from ascending in society. Brazil: I won’t beat you, I won’t kill you, but I will block you from ascending in society.

This difference in treatment and perception of black individuals in Brazil and the US highlights the unique nature of Brazilian racism. While the methods of discrimination may be different, the outcome is often similar—black people face significant barriers to advancement and societal inclusion.

The Whitening Process and Its Impact

Brazil has undergone a profound process of whitening. This has been achieved through various means:

Immigration: The influx of white immigrants, particularly from Europe, was accompanied by extensive support and land grants, whereas black communities were largely abandoned. Genetic Factors: Even within the mixed-race population, there are distinctions in skin tone and perceived whiteness. Being darker-skinned, even if one has straight hair, can lead to fewer opportunities and discrimination. For instance, the author, darker than a Southern European but with straight hair, was previously classified as white on birth certificates but redefined as “pardo” (brown) in the latest census. Police Violence: Despite the lack of overt segregation, black individuals continue to be disproportionately targeted and killed by the police. This systemic issue further perpetuates the barriers to social mobility for black communities.

The whitening process is seen as a survival strategy in Brazilian society. It often leads to the perception and treatment of individuals based on their perceived whiteness, with darker-skinned individuals experiencing more discrimination and fewer opportunities.

The Redeem of Ham: A Symbolic Representation

A notable example that encapsulates the complex dynamics of race and racism in Brazil is the artwork Redendo de Can (The Redemption of Ham). This piece depicts a black grandmother celebrating the success of her white grandson, symbolizing the stark reality that whiteness is often equated with positive outcomes and societal advancement, even among mixed-race families.

These factors combined highlight the reality of racism in Brazil, revealing that despite its high level of racial mixing, systemic and institutional racism continues to affect black and mixed-race individuals. Understanding and addressing these issues is crucial for fostering a truly inclusive and equitable society.