“O FILHO DO PEDREIRO VIROU DOUTOR”: ANÁLISE DE DISCURSO SOBRE MERITOCRACIA E RACISMO NO INSTAGRAM DA UFPR

Abstract

This study analyzes the comments on an official Instagram post by the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), published on November 23, 2024, celebrating the graduation of Adrian Castro (2024), a Black doctor who graduated through the quota system. A total of 145 comments were collected, organized, and analyzed based on Nancy Fraser's (2022) concept of recognition. Discourse analysis, used as the primary methodology, revealed a dichotomy between narratives supporting affirmative action policies and exclusionary discourses grounded in the myth of meritocracy. Approximately 40% of the comments acknowledged Castro’s (2024) journey, while 35% reflected racist and meritocratic discourses, and 25% were categorized as neutral or ambiguous. The results indicate that, despite the positive impact of affirmative actions, structural racism remains embedded in digital interactions, highlighting the need for deeper public debate and policies to mitigate inequalities. This study contributes to the understanding of discursive tensions surrounding racial inclusion and affirmative actions, providing insights for practices and policies that promote a more equitable society.