Blacks, Foreigners: The Making of Modern Brazil

Introduction

In her groundbreaking book, "Blacks, Foreigners: The Making of Modern Brazil," Manuela Carneiro da Cunha offers a provocative and insightful analysis of race and nation-building in Brazil. Drawing on a wealth of historical and ethnographic research, Cunha argues that Brazil's racial and social hierarchies were not simply the product of slavery and colonialism, but were also actively constructed and maintained by the Brazilian state and society.

The Myth of Racial Democracy

One of the central themes of Cunha's book is the myth of racial democracy in Brazil. This myth, which holds that Brazil is a racially harmonious society where people of all races live together in peace and equality, has been used to justify and obscure the country's deep-seated racial inequalities. Cunha argues that the myth of racial democracy is a powerful ideology that has served to maintain the status quo and prevent meaningful social change.

The Construction of Race

Cunha also examines the ways in which race has been constructed and defined in Brazil. She argues that race is not a natural or biological category, but rather a social and cultural construct that is constantly being shaped and reshaped. Cunha shows how the Brazilian state and society have used various mechanisms, such as переписи, laws, and media representations, to construct and maintain racial categories.

The Black Experience in Brazil

Cunha devotes a significant portion of her book to the experiences of black people in Brazil. She discusses the history of slavery in Brazil, the abolition of slavery, and the ongoing discrimination and racism that black people face in Brazilian society. Cunha argues that black people have been systematically excluded from positions of power and privilege in Brazil, and that they continue to suffer from high rates of poverty, unemployment, and violence.

The Future of Race Relations in Brazil

Cunha concludes her book by discussing the future of race relations in Brazil. She argues that the myth of racial democracy is a barrier to progress, and that Brazil needs to confront its history of racism and inequality in order to build a more just and equitable society. Cunha calls for a new understanding of race and nationhood in Brazil, one that is based on the recognition of the country's racial diversity and the need for social justice.

Conclusion

"Blacks, Foreigners: The Making of Modern Brazil" is a must-read for anyone interested in race, ethnicity, and nation-building in Brazil. Cunha's book is a powerful and provocative analysis of the ways in which race has been constructed and used to maintain social inequality in Brazil. It is a book that will challenge your assumptions about race and nationhood, and it will leave you with a new understanding of the complex history and society of Brazil.