CULTURE AND SYMBOLIC REPRESENTATIONS IN PUBLIC EDUCATION: CHALLENGES FOR LAW 10.639/2003 IN THE TOCANTINA AMAZON

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the historical and symbolic context of religions and the influence on the applicability of law 10.639/2003 in the school context of Tucuruí-PA. Methodology: The research was of the documentary type and a report of experience with bibliographic and image survey, in addition to reporting an experience of an extension project carried out in a public school in the municipality of Tucuruí-PA. The procedures for document and image evaluation of the selected documents were used. Results: 20 documents were found that help in the debate for compliance with the legislation. 7 symbolic images were cataloged, namely: hydroelectric power plant (1), railroad power plant (1), images representing Christian religions (5). No monuments of Afro-religions at strategic points in the city were found. The experience report showed a difficulty in complying with the legislation for the teaching of Afro-religions, showing a discriminatory context of these in the school. Conclusion: The historical context of the city of Tucuruí-PA shows an invisibility of Afro-religions that has moved towards discrimination. The images that reinforce and enhance Christian symbols, especially evangelical religions in the strategic places that represent the city, such as: on the municipal flag, in tourist spots and on the federal highway of main access to the city, draw attention because they are strategic points of passage for people. These findings show a potential indication for the difficulties encountered in complying with Law 10.639/2003, which determines the content of Afro-religions and racial issues that involve enslaved blacks in the teaching of Brazilian schools, shown in the experience report of the project "Building Identities with Commitment".