A Independência e os Usos do Passado (Prof.ª Dr.ª Neuma Brilhante - UnB)

Summary

The transcript discusses the political and historical appropriation of Brazil's Independence, focusing on how the official history was shaped and manipulated to support specific political agendas. The creation of the Brazilian Historical and Geographical Institute in 1838 marked the institutionalization of a history that reinforced the nation's state-building narrative, often depicting independence as a peaceful, orderly process led by figures like Dom Pedro I. The narrative has evolved over time, being revisited during different political eras, including military dictatorship, and continues to influence contemporary political movements in Brazil, especially surrounding the Bicentennial of Independence.

Takeaways

• 😀 The creation of the Instituto Histórico e Geográfico Brasileiro in 1838 was a pivotal moment in shaping the official narrative of Brazilian history.
• 😀 History in Brazil has been used as a political tool to legitimize state power and reinforce certain political models.
• 😀 The Brazilian Independence was initially presented as a peaceful and orderly process led by Emperor Dom Pedro I, an idea that has been revisited and reinforced at key historical moments.
• 😀 The narrative of a 'heroic' independence led by Dom Pedro I was widely accepted in the 19th century and has been updated throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.
• 😀 The manipulation of historical narratives to support political agendas is not unique to Brazil but is a common practice in Western societies, especially during times of political transition.
• 😀 The role of marginalized groups, including the broader population, is often downplayed or completely omitted in the official history of Brazil's independence.
• 😀 Historical revisionism has been especially prominent in moments of political conflict, such as during the military dictatorship in Brazil.
• 😀 The commemoration of Brazil's Bicentennial in 2008 was marked by widespread academic and public engagement, but the Centenary in 2022 saw less national mobilization.
• 😀 Political divisions and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have hindered a cohesive national effort to commemorate Brazil’s independence centenary.
• 😀 The creation of a portal for the Bicentennial is seen as a significant academic initiative to preserve and share the history of Brazil's independence, but its impact remains limited.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the historian in this lecture?

The historian focuses on how Brazil's independence has been represented and manipulated through history, particularly through political uses of historical narratives and the role of institutions in shaping the country's national identity.

How did the creation of the Instituto Histórico e Geográfico Brasileiro (IHGB) influence the writing of Brazilian history?

The IHGB, established in 1838, played a significant role in shaping official historical narratives in Brazil. It was created with the intention of strengthening and consolidating the national state, focusing on distinguishing Brazil from Portugal and other emerging states at the time.

What political agenda did the IHGB's historical narratives aim to support?

The IHGB's narratives aimed to support a particular model of the national state and its political structure, reinforcing the legitimacy of certain governments and political models by framing the past in a way that supported these agendas.

How was the independence of Brazil portrayed in the 19th century?

Brazil's independence was often portrayed as a peaceful, orderly process led by Dom Pedro I, without significant conflict. This narrative emphasized Dom Pedro I's central role as a heroic figure in the nation's independence.

How has the interpretation of Brazil's independence changed over time?

Over time, the interpretation of Brazil's independence has evolved, with later historians challenging the simplistic, peaceful version and highlighting the social conflicts and struggles that were part of the process. Despite this, the earlier version continues to resurface in political discourse.

Why has the version of Brazil's independence as a peaceful process been revived in recent years?

This version of Brazil’s independence has been revived by certain political groups, particularly those supporting the current government, because it supports a narrative that minimizes social conflicts and emphasizes unity and order, aligning with the political agenda of silencing disputes and focusing on national heroes.

What role does the academic community play in the discussion of Brazil's independence?

The academic community plays a key role in challenging and reinterpreting the historical narratives surrounding Brazil's independence, offering critical perspectives that emphasize the complexities and conflicts of the period. They also contribute to the creation of public platforms for these discussions.

What was the significance of the 2008 commemoration of Brazil's independence?

In 2008, there was a major wave of commemorations marking Brazil's independence, with various academic and governmental initiatives, including events, publications, and media productions. This marked a significant public effort to reassess and celebrate the historical process of independence.

What has been the response to the Bicentennial of Brazil’s independence in 2022?

The response to the 2022 Bicentennial has been less enthusiastic and less mobilized compared to the 2008 celebrations. There has been a lack of significant governmental action and limited participation from the academic community, despite some efforts such as the creation of a Bicentennial portal.

How did the pandemic affect the academic response to Brazil's Bicentennial celebrations?

The pandemic led to a reduction in academic engagement and mobilization for the Bicentennial celebrations, as many scholars and institutions faced fatigue and resource constraints, which impacted the scope and effectiveness of planned commemorative actions.