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Brazil's Debate on Terminology for Enslaved People

This article discusses the ongoing debate in Brazil regarding the most appropriate term to describe enslaved people ("escravo" vs. "escravizado"), reflecting broader conversations about historical representation and racial justice.

Read original article in Portuguese

Portuguese

United Kingdom

Human Rights ViolationsHuman RightsArts And CultureHistoryBrazilRacial JusticeLanguageSlaveryAcademic DebateTerminology

Bbc News BrasilUniversidade Federal De Minas Gerais (Ufmg)Escola Superior De Propaganda E Marketing (Espm)Universidade Federal Do AbcRede De Historiadorxs NegrxsUniversidade Federal De Sergipe (Ufs)

Edison VeigaRenato Pinto VenancioLuiz GamaJoaquim NabucoMarcos Da Silva E SilvaLucimar Felisberto Dos SantosPetrônio Domingues

What is the main debate discussed in the article?: The debate about using "escravizado" instead of "escravo" reflects a shift in how Brazil understands its history of slavery.
What are some of the arguments for and against using each term?: This linguistic shift signifies a move towards recognizing the agency and humanity of enslaved people, acknowledging their experiences within the system of slavery.
Why is the choice of terminology between "escravo" and "escravizado" significant?: The choice of terminology is a part of an identity struggle within the movement; "escravizado" emphasizes the imposed nature of slavery, highlighting the humanity of those enslaved.

Cognitive Concepts

3/5

Framing Bias

The article frames the debate as a progressive shift towards a more accurate and humane understanding of slavery, potentially downplaying any potential drawbacks or unintended consequences of the terminological shift.

1/5

Language Bias

While aiming for more sensitive language, the article predominantly uses the Portuguese terms 'escravo' and 'escravizado,' which might not fully convey the nuances to non-Portuguese-speaking audiences.

2/5

Bias by Omission

The article focuses heavily on the academic debate and legal battles surrounding the use of 'escravizado' without fully exploring potential counterarguments or perspectives that might favor the continued use of 'escravo'.

2/5

False Dichotomy

The article presents a clear dichotomy between 'escravo' (a natural, inherent state) and 'escravizado' (an imposed condition), potentially overlooking the nuance and complexity of historical usage and individual experiences.

Sustainable Development Goals

Reduced Inequality Positive

Direct Relevance

The article highlights efforts to rectify historical injustices and promote a more accurate representation of enslaved people's experiences. This aligns with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by addressing systemic biases and promoting inclusivity through language.

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