MULTICULTURALISMO Y RACISMO

this article rethinks the role that racialization plays in latin america and relates racialization to multiculturalism. official multiculturalism does not necessarily lead to reducing racism, and may even remain as a set of rhetorical gestures. it is necessary to focus on racism and the concept of "race" as phenomena with their own history and social strength. the marginalization of the concept of "race" in discussions about inequality in latin america is examined here, and it is argued that it is necessary to see latin america as an integral part of the "black americas". i argue that the concept of "race" has been manifest in latin america more than has been commonly assumed. i propose that issues of "race" and racism are gaining more public space in colombia (and brazil). multiculturalism has to be understood as a battle ground in order to define its political effects.