Brazil and Italy, diasporic nations 150 years of crossed paths

Abstract

This essay examines the construction of the memory of Italian immigration to Brazil and the subsequent return of Italo-Brazilians to their country of origin over the past 150 years. The movements between the two countries are depicted across three historical scenarios: the great immigration of the 19th century and the arrival in Brazil during the decline of the empire and slavery; the Brazilian military dictatorship (1964-1985), which led to the exile of Brazilians and Italo-Brazilians in Italy; and contemporary Brazilian emigration to Italy, primarily driven by the recognition of Italian citizenship by descent. The argument is guided by literature review and the author's family and personal memories in researching and advocating for exiles and refugees. The first part of the text questions the socio-economic understanding of Italian immigration from the political perspective of exile. The second part discusses the reception and integration of Italians into Brazilian society amidst the context of racial whitening, despite the linguistic suppressions of the Estado Novo (1937-1945). The third part draws attention to the cultural and political implications of the presence of (Italo)Brazilians recognized as exiles in Italy during the 1970s. The fourth part addresses the current tension between jus sanguinis and jus solis principles, involving descendants of Italians and Italians without citizenship, as well as social movements and political parties. The fifth part suggests an ethnic revival and the establishment of the memory of Italian immigration in contemporary Brazil. Lastly, it questions the recognition of this memory at the expense of non-white and non-European memories.