Looking at racial-ethnic issues is a key point in ensuring the well-being and access to rights of all children
Racism is still a constant and structural reality in Brazil, which runs through families with the most varied profiles. Despite that, it is possible for each of us to play our part in racial-ethnic educationpromoting anti-racist practices that help ensure the well-being of children and adolescents.
the pedagogue Viviana Santiagowho has been involved in promoting the rights of children and adolescents from a racialized perspective for years, explains that anti-racist education is that oriented towards ethnic-racial relations, with “a strong component of contrasting racism, not to [deixá-lo] reproduce and, in fact, promote a coexistence based on respect for and access to rights”.
For historian and educator Sarah Carolina, this begins with community. “Family, school, friends… The entire community that permeates the child’s relationships must be attentive so that the message is unique: that Racism is a crime and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.”explains she, who is a single mother of three and content creator on the profile of Instagram Maternagem Preta.
From the conversation with the two experts, we list some practices that contribute to anti-racist education and can be part of the agenda of parents and guardians.
1. Encourage compliance with Law 10.639/03
It establishes the compulsory teaching of Afro-Brazilian history and culture in schools. In 2023 it will be 20 years old, however Sarah believes that there has been little progress in its implementation and many educational institutions are far from having, in fact, a curriculum that embraces the identity of all children. “It will be due to the few investments in continuous teacher training or in degree courses, but also due to the conformity of those who have always been the protagonist in narratives (whiteness) and who, therefore, do not feel the need to change training as it is today” , He says. .
It is precisely this reality that makes the historian and the pedagogue defend involvement of the whole school community to ask for the application of the law. Also remember how much more professionals of color are needed to complement the faculty.
For Viviana it remains to understand that the law is not optional: “schools must understand that it is a commitment and It is a duty of Brazilian education to promote access to Afro-Brazilian and African histories and culturesbecause it is a cultural repertoire that is a right of all students”. studies on religions of African origin.
While there are different levels of learning and multiple childhoods, Sarah Carolina says it’s possible to contemplate all of them. “Ever since kindergarten, when we were able to bring affirmative toys, working with cooking and storytelling from Africa, or literacy based on words of our language that have African origins. Another option is to teach Geometry based on the design of Nagô braids and Geography by problematizing the slave trade. It’s all about the refined look,” she says.
“An education that values various existences and makes a positive reference to the black population is beneficial for society as a whole, as knowing African histories promotes another construction of the subjectivity of black people, as well as breaking with the vision hierarchical that whites have of black culture, moving away from white solipsism, that is, no longer seeing only humanity among their equals. Indeed, they are actions that reduce inequalities”.
Djamila Ribeiro inside Small manual against racism (Letter Company)
2. Remember: This is about white families too
Viviana Santiago points out that the anti-racist process refers to all people. Therefore, it is also necessary to work on the concepts of whiteness with the little ones and their families. This means go beyond showcasing and glorifying black culture, but looking at what values are being taught to children and think about how they get an education about themselves.
Research is another key point. “Anyone who sets out to be anti-racist must exercise independent knowledge seeking, because assuming that a person of color will protect one’s racial literacy is also racism,” Sarah comments. This implies taking action, not omitting and taking a stand.
3. Don’t shy away from difficult conversations
Talking about such topics can be difficult at times. But Sarah advises adults not to spare children difficult conversations. “You have to assume racism exists,” she says.
Dialogue on the subject, sincerely and openly, is one of the best ways. This also tends to favor the development of the critical sense that is being built in boys and girls, so that they can, for example, take a stand if they witness a situation of racial discrimination.
4. Love, consume and share content
An important step for the historian and pedagogue is “to enhance Afro-Brazilian culture and history, showing how much it is present in everyone’s life”. From this, we have selected books, films and podcasts that can help in this mission:
LIGHT
Omo-oba: Stories of Princesses and Princes (Kiusam de Oliveira – Companhia das Letrinhas)
The book tells stories of female orixá, goddesses of Yoruba mythology, with all their strength and power.
Weza’s African Comedies (Coletivo Luderê Afro Lúdico and Sheila Perina – Editora Kitembo)
The protagonist, Weza, discovers the countries of the African continent and their respective games, some of which are thousands of years old.
LISTEN
In the podcast, the eponymous character travels across the seas, passing through Congo, Pernambuco, Bahia and Palmares. Each of the 12 episodes features a special guest, such as Lázaro Ramos, Luedji Luna, Margareth Menezes and Yuri Marçal.
Aimed at children in the literacy process. There is an entire season that highlights stories, jokes and songs from black culture in Brazil and promotes the fight against racism.
WATCH
The animated short won the Academy Award in 2020 for its heartwarming narrative about Black fatherhood, self-worth, and acceptance.
5. Include racial-ethnic education in daily life
See representativeness and anti-racism genuinely as something of everyday life. “Unfortunately, most families, especially white ones, think about consumption: books with black characters or black dolls. Yes, this is very important, but black culture cannot assume the role of a commodity in children’s lives,” comments Sarah.
Profile owner Maternagem Preta draws attention to the need for such purchases to be made intentionally. The fundamental question, according to her, is ensure representation and coexistence with blacks in all spaces. “If it’s easy, it’s not anti-racism. If it’s comfortable, it’s not anti-racism. If you’re comfortable, you’ve got to move. This should be a permanent reminder not to discourage you. It’s a difficult path, but one that needs to be trodden that blacks don’t walk there alone,” he concludes.
FIRST EDITION OF THE DIGITAL MAGAZINE BEBÊ
To celebrate Mother’s Day, Baby has just launched the first issue of its digital magazine. The publication will be quarterly and packed with amazing content on pregnancy, parenting, parenting, health, and more.
As part of this special moment, our cover story brings a beautiful interview with Morgana Secco, mother of Alice, the girl famous for difficult words, and little Julia. The conversation tackles topics like social media exposure, motherhood, and the ways she and her husband, Luiz Schiller, find to help their daughters create their own stories.
In addition to this report on the importance of anti-racism education, the edition also contains an article on essential care for newborns in winter and an exciting account of natural birth at the age of 44. Finally, Tainá Goulart debuts the column Dialogues of a single motherand you’ll also find a guide full of advice for choosing your baby monitor (with purchase options).
The number 1 edition of the digital magazine Baby is available on GoRead, access here!
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
