Epistemicídio | Djamila Ribeiro, para PUCRS Online

Summary

The transcript explores the concept of epistemicide, or the systematic erasure of marginalized knowledge systems, particularly within the context of racial oppression. The speaker reflects on the historical suppression of Indigenous and Black knowledge and its psychological impact, referencing scholars like Lélia Gonzalez, Franz Fanon, and Grada Kilomba. This erasure, they argue, not only harms marginalized communities but also limits the worldview of dominant groups. The discussion emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues from both a social and psychological perspective to better understand the consequences of racism and epistemic violence.

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Q & A

What is the concept of epistemic violence discussed in the transcript?

Epistemic violence refers to the systematic erasure or marginalization of certain bodies of knowledge, often tied to oppressed groups. The speaker highlights how the lack of access to diverse knowledges, especially those from marginalized communities, is a violation of human rights.

What is the significance of the speaker's reference to the 2018 conference at the Federal University of Acre?

The speaker mentions presenting the argument about epistemic violence for the first time at this conference to emphasize the importance of acknowledging the erasure of knowledges as a form of historical and ongoing human rights violation.

How does the speaker connect racial classification to epistemic violence?

The speaker explains that the racial hierarchy imposed on certain groups led to the systematic erasure of their knowledge systems. The suppression of these knowledges serves to perpetuate a cycle of oppression and inequality.

What is the speaker's critique of the imposition of a universal epistemology?

The speaker critiques the imposition of a universal epistemology that disregards other forms of knowledge. This imposition is a key element of epistemic violence, as it marginalizes alternative worldviews and contributes to the continued oppression of certain groups.

How does the speaker relate the erasure of knowledges to the oppression of Black populations?

The speaker highlights that the erasure of knowledges historically affects Black populations by invalidating their cultural and intellectual contributions, thereby reinforcing social hierarchies and perpetuating systemic racism.

What psychological impacts does the speaker mention as a result of epistemic violence?

The speaker discusses the psychological harm caused by epistemic violence, particularly how it contributes to the difficulty of Black individuals constructing positive self-images. The speaker references works by Franz Fanon and Grada Kilomba to illustrate the mental damage caused by racism.

How does the speaker address the historical aspect of epistemic violence?

The speaker emphasizes that epistemic violence is not a recent phenomenon but a historical process that has systematically denied oppressed groups access to knowledge, contributing to long-standing societal inequality.

What role does racial classification play in the suppression of knowledge, according to the speaker?

Racial classification plays a crucial role in the suppression of knowledge by creating a system that devalues and dismisses the intellectual contributions of marginalized racial groups, further entrenching societal oppression.

What does the speaker mean by the phrase 'we don't have access to a series of epistemologies'?

The speaker is referring to the limited exposure to diverse ways of knowing and understanding the world, which is a direct result of epistemic violence. This lack of access to alternative epistemologies prevents individuals from experiencing a fuller range of perspectives.

Why does the speaker mention 'the history of madness' and its connection to racism?

The speaker critiques the history of madness by pointing out that it overlooks racism as a factor that 'drives people mad.' They argue that racism, as a systemic force, causes deep psychological harm, which is often ignored in traditional psychiatric and historical analyses.