O medo vai à escola: história do medo étnico-religioso e ensino oficial da história e cultura afro-brasileiras

Abstract

The fear was historically thematized by the unprecedented work of the French historian Jean Delumeau (2009). From the author we learn that not only individuals, but also collectivities are engaged in an ongoing dialogue with fear. The fears which men feel and disturb their minds in their most intimate dimension are certainly innumerable, unconfessable, unfathomable. Others, however, become public, take collectivities, generate violent social actions or preventive attitudes of groups or classes against others. Delumeau's work, although dealing with different historical circumstances and times, is the inspiration and reference for this research. The objective is to thematize a particular and recurring passion in the Brazilian culture: the history of ethnic-religious fear before the traditional religions that are configured in Afro-Brazilian cultural bases. Like all fear, ethno-religious fear, brought about by the misunderstanding of characteristics of African culture and its religions, has a history. The pretension is to discuss the historical-cultural causes that elucidate the association between the Afro-Brazilian religions and the practices considered demonic. In this association, lies the root of prejudice that, in the past, has prevailed in our society since its formation. Fundamentally, ethno-religious fear has its origin not only in ignorance and preconceived ideas, but also in immemorial biblical-theological interpretations and recent pseudo-scientific theories that have become commonplace in the social sciences. The fear of which we speak officially takes over the school space and enters the classrooms, since when Law 10.639 was implemented, implemented in 2003, which establishes, in a mandatory way, the teaching of Afro-Brazilian History and Culture, supported by art . 26th of LDB. The historical and socially constructed prejudice, which denies and detracts from the value of religions of African origin in Brazil, is an important factor that hinders the adequate treatment of the subjects and themes advocated by the Law in the curriculum practiced by teachers, especially those responsible for discipline of Religion. More conservative religious orientations have treated Afro-Brazilian culture in a limited, stereotyped and restricted way, under a Manichaean vision in which only the attitude of demonization fits. Students, practitioners and adherents of Afro-Brazilian religions, as is common in society, also suffer from discrimination and prejudice within schools. They hide their religious option because of the fear of rejection, and because they have not materially guaranteed religious freedom as a fundamental right of the human being and an inalienable part of the formation of their identity for the full realization of their citizenship. Knowledge is the antidote to fear, ignorance and prejudice, so that the school has an important and inescapable educational task to fulfill.