Historian Mary Del Priore faces threats over new book on Brazilian identity

Historian Mary Del Priore and co-organizer Gian Melo have faced significant online attacks and threats of physical violence following the announcement of their new book, ‘História das mestiçagens no Brasil’. The work, published by Fundação Editora da Unesp, provides a historical analysis of Brazil's formation, arguing that miscegenation is a complex process involving family arrangements and social structures dating back to the 16th century, rather than being solely the result of conflict.

The hostility escalated to the point where security was reinforced for a book signing at the 28th São Paulo International Book Biennial to protect the authors. Del Priore has described the situation as an attempt to silence historical research that challenges contemporary identity-based ideological frameworks. She noted that the academic environment has become increasingly difficult, with some researchers remaining silent due to fear of professional retaliation or ideological persecution.