Abordagem de exu numa casa espírita umbandista de Juiz de Fora: um estudo de caso

Abstract

Ignorance, lack of knowledge, racism and a desire for power make Afro-Brazilian religions, such as Candomblé and Umbanda, constant targets of prejudice and disrespect. In the school setting this reality is clear, it is the reflection of a story that they try to extinguish, but that is also reflected all the time in the skin and the unconscious of the Brazilian people. Among Afro-Brazilian elements that cause more controversy, Exu is the main target for attack of Pentecostal and Neo-Pentecostal churches; it is the devil itself according to some theorists of the Catholic Church thus becoming another factor of social exclusion. This work aims to present and analyze the figure of Exu. In addition, it also aims to show how the aspect represented by Exu is present in the Brazilian collective unconscious, in everyday life and how it can contribute to the rescue of the self-esteem and of the empowerment of the black population, of its roots, of its contribution to cultural diversity and of its autonomy. Therefore, through cultural rescue we can help to transform our society, making it more fair and egalitarian.