I like formation theory, but it is apparently criticized from the point of view of systemic racism theory. Denise da Silva is not satisfied with it because, she says, it still treats race as a thing even though the intention is the opposite.
Faegin’s work looks good. He is one of my tribe: he says racism is systemic, not a more superficial blemish. Interestingly, his criticism of formation theory appears to resemble mine of a gesture I keep seeing made in Brazil.
That gesture is, when some raises the question of systemic racism, their interlocutor deflects to questions of racial classification. Faegin says formation theory focuses on racial meaning rather than material systems of oppression.
This is all from a very cursory investigation, in which I am trying to discover how much I need Faegin — he is working on the United States only, and much although not all of what he has to say are things I already know.
It is interesting to discover this, though. Part of getting objective enough to really push through my book involves losing my reaction to the Freyre apologists and their patriarchal ilk — and gaining perspective on my predilection for formation theory.
Axé.
coldhearted scientist وداد 