Episode #06: My hair my crown

Brazil has long promoted the idea of a sort of “post-racial” society (i.e., a myth that suggests racial discrimination is a thing of the past). But the reality is far different. Racism, particularly against Black women, remains deeply entrenched in Brazilian society, and social media has become a key battleground where these prejudices play out.

This episode explores how Black Brazilian women are refusing to be silenced, using platforms like Facebook to create powerful counter-narratives and fight back against this pervasive discrimination. We talk about how narratives celebrating female Afro hairstyle are far more than just fashion statements.

They’re deeply political acts of resistance against Brazil’s long-standing, hegemonic “whitened” beauty standard, an ideal that has historically marginalised and excluded Black women. These online celebrations are reclaiming Black aesthetics as a vital and legitimate source of ethnic identity, challenging the very notion of what “beauty” means in Brazil.

More importantly, these narratives represent a powerful form of self-expression, showcasing Black women’s agency, resilience, and unwavering empowerment in the face of ongoing prejudice. Join us as we explore this inspiring story of online activism and cultural reclamation.

For additional information, read the full article available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/08263663.2020.1769448