Entre o repúdio e a apologia: usos do passado e memória do processo de independência brasileiro na Assembleia Nacional Constituinte de 1987-1988

Abstract

Constituent processes often use the past as a means to legitimize political projects. Given the importance of the Independence for the national identity, this article examines the recollection of Brazil’s emancipation process during the 1987-1988 Constituent Assembly. In the speeches made by members of the Constituent Assembly, certain memories of the Independence prevailed. The disapproval of Emperor Pedro because of the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly in 1823 and the imposition of the 1824 Constitution fueled the denunciation of authoritarianism in Brazilian history (especially in the Military Dictatorship of 1964-1985) and of President Sarney's interference in the Constituent Assembly. The worship of Tiradentes and Frei Caneca, in opposition to Pedro I, as martyrs and supposed pioneers of a democratic Constitutionalism was a rhetoric used to champion interests from Minas Gerais and Pernambuco and to celebrate its politicians. Despite this censure of the Independence led by Pedro I, members of the Constituent Assembly clearly embraced traditional symbols of Independence that praised the monarch, such as the “Cry of Ipiranga” and the date of September 7th.

Keywords

• memory
• Independence of Brazil
• Brazilian National Constituent Assembly of 1987-1988
• culture of history
• political symbols