Jenna Campbell

History 344- Race and Ethnicity in Latin America

Dr. Enrique Cotelo
November 21, 2016
Edward E. Telles. Race in Another America: The Significance of Skin Color in Brazil.
(Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2004)
Racial divisions have been a prominent issue in Brazil for much of their documented

history. However, unlike comparable countries it has been progressive in the acknowledgment of

racial barriers and discriminations(270). It did not achieve this easily and it took decades of work

by the people of Brazil, but now there is acknowledgement of racial division and inequalities and

the people are working hard to eliminate this gap. However, it seems that the gap will never truly

be eliminated, because of the neglect it had received since the problem has been "solved."(270)

To understand race in Brazil it is important to understand the shifts that have occurred

throughout its history. There have been several shifts included an enormous shift from white

supremacy to racial democracy(32). Then there was another shift from racial democracy to racial

conflict. First and foremost Brazilian racial distinctions can not be discussed without mention of

white supremacy(24). White supremacists were in power in the country of Brazil for over a

century, predominantly in the years of heavy slave trade. The shift from white supremacy to

racial democracy was an interesting one(40). Telles argues that Getulio Vargas along with the

FNB were what pushed Brazil away from racial supremacy to racial democracy. Getulio Vargas

helped push Brazil towards racial democracy, because he was a supporter of all races, and up

until his death went to great length to make sure everyone had a fair opportunity(36). Racial

democracy held the belief that those of the black race should have equal and fair opportunity.

Afonso Arinos laws also helped to further racial democracy because, it outlawed racism and

made it punishable by law(37).

 There then is a shift from racial democracy to racial conflict. Racial conflict came in a

way that the word conflict would not lead you to expect. Racial conflict was the mass movement

of the black population of Brazil pushing for equal representation and resources(48). For decades

they formed parties and brought their issues before the highest powers of Brazil. While things

did not get better quickly, several decades of work eventually led to success(62).

Telles uses many criteria and methodology is in his analysis of racial distinction in

Brazil. He does the best using the triple system of classification. This helps to identify how those

in control of these surveys and description viewed the definition of race(83). The methodology

behind his analysis involves various visual representations. Through the use of those graphs,

charts, and blank he successfully shows the definitive inequality that exists in Brazil, despite the

people's beliefs that racism had subsided(270).

While racial inequality is a problem through much of the world it is in a unique situation

in Brazil. This is perhaps most obviously demonstrated through Brazil's severe income

inequality(107). This income inequality is tied to racial inequality because those labeled as black

or brown do not have near the earning power of those that are white. Another factor that is

unique to Brazil is the power of the mulatto, which could also be described as no racial

purity(114). Most countries have held the belief from olden days that even a drop of "dirty

blood" associated you with that race entirely. However, in Brazil this is not the case, those that

are mullato have more earning ability and life expectancy than in other countries (114).

Class and race even hinder social mobility in Brazil. There are several ways this is

evident including the unemployment rate(113). The unemployment rate shows the employers

unwillingness to hire those of color versus those that are white. Another way that social mobility

is hindered is through education(124). Education in Brazil is far from equal, because those of
color have a much higher illiteracy rate and fewer years of schooling(127). Education is the key

component in achieving social mobility in the world. Uneducated people have far less of a

chance of getting business loans, holding positions of authority, or simply rising through the

ranks of a company(130). This effectively keeps those of color in a position of

subordination(130).

Affirmative action is a way that Brazil sought to promote racial equality and help rid the

country of the racial inequalities and inability to achieve social mobility previously mentioned.

Telles supports both sides of the types of affirmative action mentioned in this book(248). The

first being race blind affirmative action. The second form of affirmative action is race

conscious(253). It is mainly seen in highly segregated societies like the United States.Telles

supports both because, he does not care how racial equality is achieved as long as it is

achieved(248).

There have been consequences to the belief that Brazil is now in racial harmony. One

major consequence is the belief that racial prejudice no longer exists(270). The people of Brazil

wish to wash away the lines of race completely, but in doing so this would help prejudice to rear

its ugly head once again. Just because you acknowledge something is wrong does not inherently

fix the problem(270).You must continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments as they

are needed(270).

In conclusion, Brazil is indeed a unique country in its progression of racial equality. It

has acknowledged its errors and worked hard to fix them, unlike many of its neighbors to the

North like the United State(269). However, it must continue to work on this problem or all of the

progress will be undone(270).