The Colonization of Brazil and its Influence on Music Therapy Practice in the 21st Century

Abstract

Based on academic studies, the author presents her view on how the history of Brazil, which was a colony of Portugal, affects the social, economic, and cultural structure of the country in the 21st century. She presents racism and sexism as two structural axes of Brazilian society, permeated by prejudice and social tensions. She discusses how sexism and racism are the result of violence in Brazil’s historical process. She argues how social movements and the government have been working on these issues through different actions, the creation of laws and programs that promote greater equity in a society marked by social inequality. When discussing music therapy, the author emphasizes the participation of Brazilian music therapists in cultural work and its impact not only on the health of users, but also on Brazilian society as a whole. The author discusses how ancestry is worked on and reinterpreted, both in the music therapy process and in Brazilian celebrations such as Carnival.

Editorial Comment

Have we ever found ourselves in a situation where a patient feels embarrassed to talk to us about their experiences with music? What if racism were the reason for this?The author invites us to think about how skin color, gender, or social class are factors that could influence how we listen. The work of the great Brazilian educator Paulo Freire is offered as a key to addressing these questions.