What is it about?
According to the 2020 edition of the Atlas of Violence, over the course of a decade (from 2008 to 2018), the homicide rate among young Black Brazilians aged 15 to 29 increased by 11.5%, while among young whites it went in the opposite direction, decreasing by 12.9%. Furthermore, it is also observed that this persistent situation of high urban violence is so serious and worryisome that different voices classify it as a form of “genocide” of young Black Brazilians. Therefore, this theoretical essay focuses on the question of what explains this phenomenon that takes the lives of thousands of innocent young black people every year and what are the main structuring elements. Consequently, this study delves into this phenomenon to understand its dynamics.
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Why is it important?
It reveals the existence of a blatant racial component behind police brutality and urban violence, and also presents an explanatory model, where the main supporting pillars include: 1) social inequalities, 2) belief in the myth of 'racial democracy' and 3) ideology of whitening. Ultimately, the dynamics behind the so-called 'genocide' of Black Brazilians closely resemble Hanna Arendt's idea of the 'banality of evil'.
Perspectives
Among the possible ways to challenge the phenomenon of racialzed police brutality encompasses the implementation of public policies to provide greater protection and guarantee of fundamental rights for vulnerable social groups. Furthermore, it is extremely important to promote racial literacy initiatives in various areas (e.g.,, in schools, universities, public and private companies, state institutions, and the media) to promote a significant change in mentality.
Dr Luiz Valerio P. Trindade
IPIE - International Panel on the Information Environment
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: VIOLÊNCIA URBANA RACIALIZADA E BRUTALIDADE POLICIAL NO BRASIL, January 2024, Editora Cientifica Digital,
DOI: 10.37885/231215330.
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