The Misuse of Words as Structural Erasure in Liberation Movements
Have you ever heard the word quilombo? In South America, especially in Brazil, it is often misused to mean "chaos" or "mess." But in reality, quilombo refers to communities of formerly enslaved people who escaped and built free, self-sustained societies. This erasure of meaning distorts the history of resistance movements in the region. Even as someone from South America, or Abya Yala in the Kuna indigenous language, the revolts and liberation stories of enslaved peoples are rarely taught. Instead, global discussions on slavery often focus on the U.S., overshadowing the vital history of resistance in countries like Brazil.
Brazil's History of Resistance
Brazil has the largest Afro-descendant population in South America, with 10.7% of its population identifying as Afro-Brazilian, according to the 2022 census. These are the descendants of Africans who survived and resisted slavery. One of the most famous quilombos what Quilombo dos Palmaresfounded in the late 16th century in Brazil's northeast mountains. This community became a symbol of resistance and was the birthplace of the martial art Capoeira, a cultural fusion of fighting and dance used for self-defense and expression.
The 1984 film Quilombo, directed by Carlos Diegues with a soundtrack by the legendary Gilberto Gil, offers a fictionalized account of this history. The film follows the story of Abiola, who revolts against slavery in 1650 during the Dutch-Portuguese War. Abiola eventually escapes to Quilombo dos Palmares and rises as the community's leader, taking the name Ganga Zumba. While the movie offers a powerful portrayal of resistance, it includes graphic scenes of torture, war, and explicit racism, reflecting the brutal realities faced by those who sought freedom.
Image: AAIHS
Reclaiming Erased Histories: Why Words Matter in Liberation Movements
The historical misuse of words like quilombo represents a deeper structural erasure of liberation movements in South America. Reclaiming these stories is essential for understanding the full scope of resistance to slavery beyond the often U.S.-centered narrative. Films like Quilombo help bring these histories to life, reminding us of the resilience of those who fought for autonomy and the importance of preserving the true meaning behind these symbols of liberation.
Image: Letterboxd