Hidden Intolerance: A Legal and Sociocultural Analysis of Religious Racism in Contemporary Brazil

Abstract

The article analyzes religious racism in Brazil, highlighting its complexity and depth. It begins by defining racism as a systematic form of racial discrimination based on race, distinguishing it from prejudice and discrimination. It then explores the history of religious racism in the country, focusing on African-derived religions that have faced persecution and marginalization over the centuries. The ideology of whitening and eugenics policies exacerbated this marginalization. The article presents various conceptual perspectives on religious racism, emphasizing its relationship with intolerance, ethnocentrism, and discrimination. It underscores the importance of protecting the diversity of beliefs and religious practices, as well as ensuring the dignity and humanity of members of non-dominant religious groups. Regarding legal aspects, the work mentions federal and state legislations aimed at combating religious racism. However, it notes that the effective enforcement of the law still faces challenges due to restrictive interpretations. The article discusses the sociocultural dynamics of religious racism, highlighting the profound impacts on affected communities, including physical violence, persecution, marginalization, and violent attacks by neo-Pentecostal religious groups. It emphasizes that these challenges are rooted in deep historical, social, and cultural issues in Brazilian society. Current challenges related to religious racism in Brazil are pointed out, such as the persistence of epistemic racism, competition in the religious market, and the hostility faced by African-derived religions. These challenges are interconnected with historical and cultural issues that need to be addressed. The article concludes by emphasizing the urgent need to promote greater understanding and respect for religious diversity in Brazil, overcoming historical prejudices and building a fairer, more inclusive, and harmonious society. It underscores the importance of raising awareness in society and the legal system about the violence faced by African-derived and indigenous religions, as well as the broader interpretation of the law to effectively address religious racism. In summary, the article provides a comprehensive and detailed analysis of religious racism in Brazil, addressing historical, legal, sociocultural, and current challenges, with an emphasis on the need to combat this form of discrimination and promote equal rights for all religious groups.