UNDER THE SKIN: the pact of whiteness and censorship as a strategy of silencing and power maintenance

Abstract

This study aims to examine contemporary manifestations of the narcissistic pact of whiteness in Brazil, with an emphasis on the censorship of the book O avesso da pele by Jeferson Tenório (2020), which occurred in schools in some Brazilian states in 2024. The methodology is based on two axes: the concept of the narcissistic pact of whiteness, defined by Cida Bento (2022) and the analysis of the episode of censorship of Tenório's work. Additionally, analyses of excerpts from the book were carried out, relating them to issues of structuring and perpetuation of racism in Brazil. The theoretical foundation includes contributions from Jessé Souza (2017), Silvio Almeida (2019), Kabengele Munanga (2005) and Lélia Gonzalez (2020), providing a basis for understanding the complexities of racism in the Brazilian context. Discussions on the role of literature in anti-racist education were supported by Bárbara Carine Pinheiro (2020), Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2019) and Conceição Evaristo (2009), who highlighted the importance of diverse and representative narratives in the formation of a critical and inclusive consciousness. This article aims to contribute to the understanding of racial and social dynamics, promoting an inclusive and transformative dialogue in response to the call for the construction of new civilizing pacts, as proposed by Bento (2022).