Gênero e raça: os movimentos de enfrentamento na história de vida de uma mulher negra alagoana

Abstract

The present research seeks to understand the coping strategies to deal with situations experienced as racial prejudice, the impact of racism on the life story of a black woman, through the narratives of her way of life, family, work, movements (black and feminist) , religion, identifying their support networks and in their experiences the contribution of social and political movements in their trajectory, dialoguing with references of black feminism. The focused life story is that of Vanda Menezes, a black woman, from Alagoas, psychologist, activist in the black movement, feminist and the first secretary for women in the state of Alagoas. A woman active in the struggle for the rights of the black population through her participation in social movements and in places of political management. Ethno-racial studies and discussions in Brazil have been gaining space and making it possible to express Other narratives about the history of the black population, reinvigorating the debate about their social condition and effective participation in the construction of Brazilian culture. Four aspects were highlighted for the understanding and analysis of this dialogue: About Vanda Menezes: her life story, highlighting her family, professional training and discussions on racial issues. Being a black woman: discussion of racial identification, what it means to be a black woman and the importance of black feminism in this process. The path to participation and political actions: points out the beginning of his militancy, participation in management positions and the importance of incorporating gender and ethnic-racial issues in the planning and execution of policies. Strategies for coping with racist situations: building your support network and coping strategies to deal with situations of oppression and everyday violence, signaling the articulation between subjective and collective resources. The research is characterized by a relational methodology by enabling the construction of spaces in which employees are invited to dialogue and, through this collaborative relationship, re-signify understandings, relationships, actions, among others, building the possibilities for the researcher to understand the issues that enhance the way in which social experience acquires meaning. It is based on the assumptions of social constructionism that invites us to challenge the objective bases of conventional knowledge and deconstruct the myths that can correctly and faithfully represent reality. The meeting and dialogue with the interlocutor took place in a fluid and spontaneous way, guided by the proposal of reporting her life story, her journey, significant resources, support networks, which helped and accompanied her in each context. The discussion dialogues with black authors, who highlight the need to build a counter-hegemonic discourse, which breaks with processes of oppression and domination and articulates with their experiences.