Água pra quê(m): discurso e identidade na resistência à superexploração de água mineral em São Lourenço

Abstract

This thesis is the result of a research that aimed to investigate the process of resistance to the overexploitation of mineral waters in São Lourenço (Minas Gerais), in light of the decolonial option. In order to develop the proposed study, this research was oriented epistemologically by the Critical and Decolonial Discourse Analysis approach. To gather the empirical material, we used documentary research and the oral history interview conducted through a semistructured script with actors directly involved in the discussion on the overexploitation of the mineral waters in São Lourenço, members of the resistance groups to this overexploitation. For the data analysis we used categories of Critical Discourse Analysis, such as intertextuality, modality, cohesion, metaphor, representation of social actors, evaluation. Analyzes results indicate that behind the reproduction and legitimation of the discourse of sustainability or social responsibility by society there are actions that are harmful to the environment. This frequently reproduced and legitimized discourse covers capitalist intentions and socio -historically -culturally constructed relations that favor the predatory actions of transnational in third world or colonized countries, as in the specific relation between São Lourenço and Nestlé. Subalterns consider that nature, individual, and culture are in connection, but not as something to be dominated, but as a reality that exists concretely, even though the entire (colonial) neoliberal apparatus insists on denying it. From this perspective it is inferred that the identity of resistance and guardians of the subordinate actors identified in this study is considered an exercise of decolonization, since it claims its denied identity by repudiating the instrumental rationality imposed by Nestlé to the detriment of the relation between nature and society. Nevert heless, the power relations established among the social actors involved in the overexploration of mineral water in São Lourenço reflect the power of subjugation of the coloniality of power undermining attempts at resistance to its presence and imposing its neoliberal logic. It is possible to perceive that the subalterns are aware of their condition, perceive the "other", perceive the colonial difference, but their counter history is exterminated by neoliberalism (coloniality of power).