We are looking for someone to occupy the Ministry of Human Rights.
After the scandal of Silvio Almeida’s dismissal and the reception of the Minister of Racial Equality, Anielle Franco, the same government that knew about the complaint, but did nothing before, is looking for a replacement that does not leave the photo of ministers missing blacks.
Choosing a white person would raise a lot of criticism, reducing the presence of black people in the ministerial portrait of the Esplanada.
On the other hand, choosing a black person is not enough, because it is also not a guarantee of the public authorities’ commitment to the struggle of black men and women in this country.
Everyone came out smaller from last week’s episode. In fact, from an episode dated May 2023 and which some already knew about seven months ago. Everyone, but especially the black cause, went to the ground.
The feeling of mourning, after the death of reputations and dreams, needs to be quickly replaced by the reconstruction of the scenario and the strengthening of references that the black community will necessarily go through.
Even though the agenda, for a while, will be one of investigation, revolt and solidarity, it is also urgent that it be in favor of the collective of black people who do not deserve to suffer any more for fear of what and who to trust.
The mourning may only be for some, but the struggle remains, mainly, for all black people. It’s just that the cause is for everyone and just one person doesn’t mean the whole cause.
The weekend was about reaffirming flags, reviewing concepts and sifting through the rain of words from a movement that studies, runs, seeks so much, but is not knowing how to deal with so much sadness and division.
Not blaming the victim and not criminalizing black men are hallmarks of the progressive camp — but they are in complete contrast at this moment in history.
The level of responsibility for the fight against inequalities and racial differences in Brazil, which has never been easy, now requires even more rigor.
Replacing a dark black minister with another guarantees the symbol, but does not confirm its relevance to the agenda.
The concept at stake is tokenism and black people know very well what that is. In English, the word “token” means symbol. The inclusion of tokens generates the false impression of representation and equality because he (or she) is there in the photo, but has no real importance in the decision-making group or political relevance in an institution.
Who benefits from this is the guilty conscience of others. The icon is highlighted, naturally relieving those who don’t want to be accused of not hiring black people, but simply don’t have the power.
It is no surprise that the existence of black movement leaders who reach the top of the decision-making chain is something absurdly rare in the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary branches.
It’s like simply saying: Brazil is not racist, it even has a black minister.
