Paper short abstract:

This paper deals about self-representation in favelas of Rio de Janeiro. Through the analysis of the photographic and discursive production of Olhares do Morro, I reflected about themes such as: social inclusion, the movement of visual inclusion, self-representation, stigma, social representations, visual representations, social changes.

Paper long abstract:

This paper will explore the relationship between anthropology, images and self-representation through the analysis of the photographic and discursive production of the non-governmental organization Olhares do Morro that teaches the photographic technique to young favela inhabitants. I reflect about the possibilities and limits of photographic self-representations of subaltern groups and themes such as: social inclusion, the movement of visual inclusion, self-representation, stigma, social representations, visual representations, social changes etc. I.e., as I believe that images have an enormous importance in modern society, and that photos are appreciated because they give information, here I analyze this particular form of representation that is increasing in the popular areas of Rio de Janeiro: the photo self-representation created by those who live in the favelas. As an example, I take this organization established in 2001 in the Santa Marta favela that aim to develop an representation of the favelas where that violence is not the single focus. They bet on the construction of a representation where the daily life of the favela inhabitants is targeted by the local residents, transforming the way people look to their neighborhood. To comprehend what these photos are and how they differ from those hitherto produced, beyond see how they turns external (and internal) images of the favelas are important issues that must be reflected. Here, I analyze the photographs produced by the group, thinking about the relationship between images and identity, and how they can contribute to transform a social stigma.