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BECAUSE WE ARE AGAINST THE INFAMOUS NICKNAME
FROM ALEIJADINHO GIVEN TO OUR
GENIUS OF BAROQUE
"ANTONIO FRANCISCO LISBON"

The reasons why people support with ironic and cynical pleasure and spread with astonishing speed a derogatory nickname or nickname often referring to a fragile person. The spread of derogatory nicknames or nicknames, especially those directed at fragile people, reveals disturbing aspects of human nature, especially the ironic and cynical pleasure that emerges from such practices.

The tendency to support and disseminate such labels is driven by social, psychological, and cultural factors that, although reprehensible, find fertile ground in social settings. First, cynical pleasure comes from a sense of superiority. By labeling someone with a derogatory nickname, individuals engage in a power dynamic that places the target person in a vulnerable position. This power exercised ironically allows participants to feel in control, fueling a pleasure derived from the dehumanization of the other. This attitude is rooted in a sense of security provided by conformity to the group, which makes it less likely that those who propagate the nickname will face repercussions for their actions.

Another reason why these nicknames spread so quickly is the appeal of cruel comedy. Often, the victim's fragility is seen as fertile ground for easy jokes and quick laughs. Irony and cynicism, in this context, create a curtain of humor that masks the seriousness of the aggressive behavior. The superficiality of collective laughter tends to overshadow empathy, making humiliation socially acceptable, and even encouraged, as a form of entertainment. In addition, there is a dynamic of social validation that reinforces the speed of propagation. Joining in the collective mockery is a way of belonging to the group, of aligning oneself with the values — even negative ones — shared by the majority. In this way, the act of spreading a derogatory nickname ends up being a manifestation of social conformity, in which the individual, by laughing or supporting the situation, tries to ensure his acceptance or status within a group hierarchy.

Digital culture, in turn, intensifies this process. Social networks and messaging apps allow nicknames to spread instantly, often without proper critical filtering. The speed with which these derogatory jokes circulate online reflects the ease with which cynical behaviors are normalized, especially when the victim is not present to defend themselves, amplifying the cruelty of the act. In short, the ironic and cynical pleasure in supporting and spreading derogatory nicknames reveals the darker side of human interactions. The quest for superiority, cruel humor, and social pressure combine to create an environment where fragility is exploited and empathy is suppressed.

This behavior, although often disguised as "joke", perpetuates a culture of disrespect and exclusion, whose rapid spread is only possible thanks to collective complacency in the face of the suffering of others. Combating the practice of spreading derogatory nicknames is crucial to building a more just, empathetic and civilized society. The social importance of this fight lies in the promotion of fundamental values such as respect, human dignity and healthy coexistence. When a person is labeled in a pejorative way, this not only harms their self-esteem and well-being, but also compromises the social fabric, which should be based on respectful and supportive interactions.


Social importance of combating these practices:

1. Promoting mutual respect: Combating these behaviors is essential to creating a culture of mutual respect, in which each individual is valued for their intrinsic qualities and not depreciated for their weaknesses. Respecting others, regardless of their vulnerabilities, strengthens social bonds and prevents the fragmentation of communities.

2. Strengthening good customs: Social practices that promote dignity and ethics strengthen good customs. In an environment where mockery and degradation are accepted, norms of civility and empathy are eroded, resulting in coexistence marked by distrust and hostility. Combating these practices helps restore balance and a sense of belonging to a group that values high standards.

3. Protecting mental health: The psychological pressure experienced by those who are the target of derogatory nicknames can be devastating. By eliminating these practices, we contribute to a healthier environment from an emotional and mental point of view, where bullying, exclusion and humiliation are no longer a part of life, and are replaced by support and understanding.

4. Social cohesion and peaceful coexistence: Eradicating this type of behavior is essential for peaceful coexistence. The more respect and empathy prevail, the less room there is for conflict and social tension. Social harmony depends directly on how people treat each other, and this includes combating practices that dehumanize the most vulnerable.


Is it possible to create an ethical concept of sufficient relevance to eradicate this practice?

- Yes, it is possible to create a robust ethical concept that can be incorporated into social and cultural norms in order to discourage defamation, humiliation and the dissemination of derogatory nicknames. However, for this concept to gain sufficient relevance, a collective effort is needed that involves:

1. Ethical education from an early age: Building a more refined ethical awareness must begin in schools and in the family environment. Teaching values such as respect, empathy and human dignity must be integrated into the curriculum and social dynamics from childhood.

2. Responsibility of media and social networks: Digital communication platforms, which often amplify the spread of derogatory nicknames, need to adopt stronger policies against bullying and defamation. At the same time, awareness campaigns should be widely promoted to encourage positive and inclusive behaviors.

3. Ethical leadership: Opinion leaders, public figures and influencers play an important role in shaping social norms. If these leaders adopt and promote a discourse of respect and dignity, this can help to spread a more positive ethical concept, generating influence over a large number of people. How long would it take to eradicate this practice? Eradicating such culturally ingrained behaviors, such as the practice of derogatory nicknames for weaker people, is a long-term challenge.

While it is difficult to predict precisely how long it will take, significant cultural changes like this tend to take decades. The fight against racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination exemplifies how social transformation requires time, perseverance and, often, the succession of generations.

The eradication process involves three main steps:

1. Awareness: Society must first recognize the problem and understand its consequences. This process can take years or even decades, depending on the strength of awareness campaigns.

2. Behavioral change: As awareness grows, a gradual change in behavior is expected. More inclusive and respectful social norms will begin to prevail. This stage can also take decades, especially since cultural changes often face initial resistance.

3. Sustaining the changes: Finally, the changed behavior must become an integral part of the culture, and be sustained by future generations. This is the longest stage, and can only be consolidated if the new norms are widely accepted and practiced. Therefore, while creating an ethical concept to combat this practice is possible and feasible, its effective application throughout society would probably take one to two generations to become a new standard.

Jose Fontes Neto

We defend the idea that a historical reparation will be necessary to reposition his birth name alongside the myth. Hence our phrase:
 

antonio francisco lisbon

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Jose Fontes Neto


 

The request for historical reparations regarding the infamous nickname "Aleijadinho", cruelly attributed to the Baroque genius Antônio Francisco Lisboa, could be a symbolic and pedagogical milestone in the fight against the perpetuation of dehumanizing and derogatory practices, directly contributing to the dissemination of good practices of coexistence. This initiative would bring to the surface in-depth discussions about the impact of language, the importance of respect for human dignity and the historical repercussions of stigmatization in contemporary society.

Potential contributions of historical reparations:

1. Recognition of historical injustice: Redressing a nickname like "Aleijadinho" would mean a public and institutional recognition of the error committed by society in dehumanizing one of Brazil's greatest artists. This would serve as an example of self-reflection and historical responsibility, encouraging current generations to rethink the use of terms and behaviors that may devalue others, regardless of their circumstances.

2. Education about the impact of language: A reparations campaign would be an opportunity to educate the public about the power of language. Words carry meaning and can shape perceptions, reinforce stigmas, and perpetuate prejudices. In the case of Antônio Francisco Lisboa, his nickname reduced his identity and artistic genius to his physical condition, overshadowing his talent and legacy. Publicly acknowledging this would open up a space for discussion about the importance of adopting respectful and dignified language in all interactions.

3. Reflection on inclusion and respect: The story of "Aleijadinho" can also serve as a point of reflection on the treatment given to people with disabilities and other marginalized social conditions. Combating the practice of labeling individuals based on their physical limitations or personal characteristics is an important step towards creating a more inclusive society. Historical reparations would promote debates on how prejudice is rooted in cultural structures and how it can be combated by valuing the diversity and uniqueness of each human being.

4. Example of collective behavior change: The case of Antônio Francisco Lisboa would be a clear example of how society can evolve by recognizing past mistakes and committing to more ethical practices in the present. By correcting a historical injustice, society could demonstrate its commitment to behavior change, showing that derogatory nicknames and humiliating practices should no longer be tolerated. This would create a symbolic precedent for combating other forms of social humiliation, reinforcing the need for respect and empathy.

5. Recovering the true identity and legacy: By removing the derogatory label and highlighting the name of Antônio Francisco Lisboa, without the pejorative connotation that was attributed to it, historical reparation would help to recover the true identity and legacy of this master of the Baroque. He would be remembered not as "the cripple" but as an extraordinary artist whose disability did not diminish his greatness, but rather enhanced it. This symbolic recovery reinforces the idea that people should not be defined by their limitations, but by their contributions and talents.

Changing behavior and disseminating good coexistence practices:

Historical reparations would play an important role in changing behavior by demonstrating that society is willing to learn from its mistakes and promote empathy in its interactions. This action could inspire other awareness-raising initiatives, educating about the harm caused by disrespectful practices and creating a new culture where coexistence is guided by respect for everyone's dignity.

As for the dissemination of good practices for coexistence, such a movement could inspire public policies aimed at respecting diversity, as well as educational initiatives that promote the value of inclusion and recognition of differences without stigmatization. By creating more empathetic dialogues and a critical view of the past, society would be setting a new standard for the future.

Time to consolidate these changes:

As with other historical processes of changing mentality, the effects of such a historical reparation may take a few decades to fully consolidate in social culture. However, the first steps — such as public debates, curricular changes and awareness campaigns — could have immediate impacts, contributing to the construction of a society that is more respectful and aware of the weight of words and behaviors.

Therefore, historical reparation in the case of "Aleijadinho" can serve as a powerful symbol of cultural transformation, reinforcing the importance of human dignity and creating a more inclusive, respectful society that is aware of its ethical responsibilities.

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