Even in death, unsilenced: Afro-Brazilian art as identity fortification instruments among medicine students

ABSTRACT

Plagued by violence and racial discrimination, the black population experiences the worst levels of vulnerability as to violence and health indicators. The National Policy for Comprehensive Health of the Black Population recognizes racism as central to the production of inequities, but is not able to overcome the influence of eugenic theories in the health field. Even though a significant part of health professionals, black women continue to face the inexpressive production of knowledge about their own health. Questioning this excluding reality, this experience report aims at exploring the use of the stencil technique as an instrument of resistance for identity construction and demarcation of territory by medical students affected by marginalization processes. Using materials common to the daily lives of health professionals, it was possible to portray different images that are relevant to the struggle of minorities and the personal identity of the participants. Based on the black culture, this workshop served as a center for teaching and social mobilization, enabling for the creation of both resistance and self-affirmation tools.

KEYWORDS:
Social construction of ethnic identity; Health of ethnic minorities; Art