Race and Politics: Brazilian Criticisms of Black Activism

Abstract

Antônio Risério and Francisco Bosco have leveled strong criticisms at the political strategies of black activists. Risério accuses them of authoritarianism and fascism. In this article, I present and discuss three fundamental points about the so-called left-wing identity activism, especially black or anti-racist activism, as addressed by the mentioned authors: the particularistic nature of identity politics; criticisms of authoritarianism, and criticisms linked to the victimhood rhetoric of black activism. In contrast, I provide a set of reasons to argue that the adopted concept of identity politics involves an opposition between universalism and identity that can be questioned; in many cases, there is confusion between universalism and a white perspective of society; criticisms of irrationality and authoritarianism in activism, especially by Risério, involve positions of intellectual arrogance, ignorance, and racial insensitivity, as well as dehumanizing images of key political actors. I provide a set of reasons that show why this kind of criticism should not be taken seriously.