PSYCHOLOGY IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND FACING OF RACISM: THE EXPERIENCE OF THE BLACK STUDY GROUP

Abstract

That article proposes the reflection on the participation of Psychology in the processes of construction of ethnic-racial relations, with racism being understood as a project and historical practices of racial and economic domination in Brazil. Psychology, on the one hand, cooperated and still cooperates with domination in the context of ethnic-racial relations and, on the other hand, it works for the combat of racism. Studies, dialogues and reflections on this theme promote an expansion of understanding and critical awareness of history and give visibility to the matter that ethnic-racial relations are not a factor to be considered when approaching subjectivity. It is a notion that, if unknown, will imply in alienated readings and interventions with the subjects and groups with which psychologists will work. With this motivation, the Black Studies Group (GEP) was created by undergraduate students of Psychology at PUC Minas Coração Eucarístico. The text presents the group's history, goals, actions and products over its two years of existence. We seek to base and reflect on the racial issue in Brazil with attention to the importance of initiatives that can contribute to the Psychology Training. The bibliographic study of legal texts and theoretical articles that examine structural racism and that were discussed in the GEP, the construction of subjectivity of the Black subject, whiteness and whitening and decolonization of curricula in Psychology was used as a method. In addition, records and documents produced by the Black Studies Group were also used. The paper seeks to contribute to the advancement in the dialogue and the learning about Psychology and ethnic-racial relations and the expansion of critical education through the understanding that the racial phenomenon has multiple nuances and that accessing this knowledge is essential to face the structural racism that affects the whole. It is possible to perceive repercussions on the training of Psychology students and related disciplines for, as a rule, GEP participants have contact with scientific and other productions, of Psychology and beyond, which are outside most of the education plans of this science and profession, but that could integrate them. It is reiterated that the motivation of the GEP is, in line with the Federal Council of Psychology, to continue participating and contributing to the anti-racist struggle.