Nannies - Brazilian Full Short-Film. Documentary. English subtitles.

Summary

This video script explores the historical and personal narratives surrounding domestic workers, particularly nannies and wet nurses, in Brazil from the late 19th century to the 20th century. Through reflections on photographs, personal stories, and historical accounts, the script delves into the emotional and social dynamics between domestic workers and the families they served. It highlights the complex roles these women played, their sacrifices, and the intimate connections they formed with the children they cared for, while also touching on the broader implications of slavery and race in Brazilian society.

Takeaways

• 😀 The photograph taken in Recife in 1860, featuring a boy and his wet nurse, symbolizes the deep affection between enslaved wet nurses and the children they raised, reflecting the complex history of caregiving in Brazil.
• 😀 Wet nurses, or 'amas de leite,' played a crucial role in both the cultural and physical nurturing of children, often bonding deeply with the children they cared for, sometimes transferring maternal love for their own lost children to their charges.
• 😀 The presence of 'amas de leite' in Brazilian society was pivotal, reflecting both the importance of caregiving and the harsh realities of slavery, where black women were often forced to nurse the children of white families.
• 😀 Historical advertisements for wet nurses in newspapers reveal the intersection of race, class, and labor in Brazil, with requirements for wet nurses often specifying physical traits such as 'strong' or 'healthy.'
• 😀 In the 20th century, some working-class women reflected on their roles as caregivers, with one mother expressing how her own experiences as a wet nurse shaped her views on family, work, and independence.
• 😀 The emotional bond between a wet nurse and the child she cares for is explored through the narrative of a woman who worked as a nanny for over 12 years, emphasizing how caregiving goes beyond the professional role and becomes familial.
• 😀 The script reveals how women in the role of 'babá' (nanny) often sacrificed personal time and comfort, such as leaving their own children in order to care for the children of others, which created complex emotional and social dynamics.
• 😀 The story of Denise, a long-time nanny, illustrates the personal and professional struggles of caretakers, highlighting the financial and emotional toll, but also the rewards and affection that can develop between caregiver and child.
• 😀 The theme of identity and societal roles is explored through the relationship between the narrator and their own nanny, reflecting on the fluidity of familial roles and the societal expectations placed on women who perform domestic labor.
• 😀 The script also delves into the evolution of class and labor in Brazil, using historical references to demonstrate how the role of domestic workers, particularly black women, shaped and was shaped by the broader societal structures of power and race.

Q & A

What is the significance of the photograph mentioned at the beginning of the transcript?

The photograph, taken in Recife in 1860, is significant as it depicts a boy with his wet nurse, symbolizing the complex relationship between children and their caretakers in Brazil during the colonial era. It also reflects the emotional bond and the social roles that wet nurses played in the upbringing of children, particularly those from wealthy families.

How does the historian interpret the photograph of the boy and his wet nurse?

The historian suggests that the photograph represents a broader history of Brazil, highlighting the cultural significance of wet nurses in nurturing children and maintaining the emotional connections across social classes. It reflects the intimate yet complex dynamic of affection and duty in the caregiving role.

What role did wet nurses have in shaping children's upbringing in Brazil, according to the transcript?

Wet nurses, particularly women of African descent, played a crucial role in shaping children's emotional development and attachment. They were not only caregivers but also figures of affection and nurturing, transferring their own experiences of motherhood to the children they cared for.

How does the transcript reflect the historical context of slavery in Brazil?

The transcript touches on the history of slavery, where enslaved women, often referred to as 'mãe preta,' served as wet nurses for white children. It reflects the complex dynamics of slavery, affection, and the cultural practices surrounding caregiving in a deeply unequal society.

What does the speaker reveal about the relationship between employers and domestic workers, especially wet nurses?

The speaker reveals a mixture of emotional intimacy and professional boundaries in the relationship between employers and domestic workers. Despite the affection and shared experiences, there is also an awareness of the power imbalance and the difficulty of fully understanding the lives of the workers, especially when it comes to the emotional toll of being separated from their own families.

How does the speaker feel about the work of domestic workers, particularly wet nurses, in their own family?

The speaker expresses a deep sense of gratitude and emotional connection toward the domestic workers who helped care for their children. However, they also acknowledge the discomfort and challenges of not fully understanding the sacrifices and emotional toll that these workers, especially wet nurses, endured while being away from their own families.

What does the anecdote about the worker named Denise reveal about the sacrifices made by domestic workers?

Denise's story highlights the sacrifices made by domestic workers, such as being separated from their own children for long periods of time while working for other families. It illustrates the emotional and physical toll of such labor, as well as the difficulties in balancing work with personal family life.

What is the significance of the mention of a wet nurse’s life and their potential plans for the future?

The mention of a wet nurse's potential plans for the future, such as purchasing a small home or investing in a better life for themselves, underscores the aspiration for upward mobility and independence. It highlights the personal agency of domestic workers in a system that often denied them such opportunities.

What does the transcript reveal about the evolving role of domestic workers over time?

The transcript shows how the role of domestic workers, particularly wet nurses, has evolved over time, with workers seeking better living conditions, independence, and more recognition. It also highlights the ongoing struggles and changes in the nature of domestic work, from historical slavery to modern-day employment.

How does the transcript depict the social and economic divide between families and their domestic workers?

The transcript depicts the social and economic divide between families and domestic workers through the stories of caregivers who often lived apart from their families and worked long hours under difficult conditions. It also points to the contrasting roles of the 'employers' as figures of authority, while the workers were expected to be both caregivers and subservient to the household demands.