White (Imagi)nation: Repression, Resistance, Reemergence and the Role of Identidad Marrón in the Struggle for the Recognition of Indigenous, Brown and Black Identities in Argentina

This thesis departs from a paradox surrounding Argentine race relations wherein the nation houses Indigenous, brown and black identities, yet solely perceives itself as white and structurally denies racism. Through a constructivist and critical lens it explores how Indigenous, brown and black identities were repressed by and resisted the construction of ‘White Argentina’, and how Identidad Marrón as an embodiment of these identities is challenging the white national archetype. After identifying a knowledge gap regarding brown identities, it is argued that since its foundation and despite its hegemony the white nation and its whitening policies have been in continuous negotiation with non-white identities, whose resistance through violent means, such as malones – raids primarily carried out by Mapuche people, and art, writing and poetry were constructed as a threat. At present, Identidad Marrón and its antiracist discourses (re)emerged as a challenge to ‘White Argentina’ through two...Show moreThis thesis departs from a paradox surrounding Argentine race relations wherein the nation houses Indigenous, brown and black identities, yet solely perceives itself as white and structurally denies racism. Through a constructivist and critical lens it explores how Indigenous, brown and black identities were repressed by and resisted the construction of ‘White Argentina’, and how Identidad Marrón as an embodiment of these identities is challenging the white national archetype. After identifying a knowledge gap regarding brown identities, it is argued that since its foundation and despite its hegemony the white nation and its whitening policies have been in continuous negotiation with non-white identities, whose resistance through violent means, such as malones – raids primarily carried out by Mapuche people, and art, writing and poetry were constructed as a threat. At present, Identidad Marrón and its antiracist discourses (re)emerged as a challenge to ‘White Argentina’ through two modes of resistance: writing disseminated through protest and art. The interrelation between the antiracist movement and Argentina's nation-building process is analyzed through Primary Source Analysis and Critical Discourse Analysis. Finally, studying social movements akin to Identidad Marrón and their link to nation-building endavours in Latin America and beyond and thereby creating a body of research and societal narratives that counter racialized representations of people of colour can inspire change by giving recognition to marginalized identities, such as marrones, questioning exclusionary foundational myths and dismantling structural and systemic racism to lead the way into an increasingly inclusive future.Show less

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White (Imagi)nation: Repression, Resistance, Reemergence and the Role of Identidad Marrón in the Struggle for the Recognition of Indigenous, Brown and Black Identities in Argentina