A Kaleidoscope of Words and Senses to (Re)Think the Chagas Problem: Experiences in Argentina and Brazil

Abstract

In this chapter, we share reflections on our work using art to more robustly understand the Chagas problem. This work focuses on the analysis of 45 literary productions elaborated by 216 diverse participants in different workshops and courses developed from 2012 to 2018 in Argentina and Brazil. The workshops aimed to promote a reflexive approach to the problem of Chagas while avoiding preconceptions and stigmas. We analyzed the literary material produced with two main objectives: (1) to identify the conceptual dimensions from which the productions had been written, and (2) to characterize the characters and their roles depicted in the texts. We chose a qualitative methodological approach, applying systemic networks, word clouds, and content analysis. The Chagas problem’s complexity and the necessity of addressing it through all of its multidimensionality were deeply discussed during the workshops. Particular emphasis was put on socio-cultural and political dimensions—including the community and citizen responsibility that each of us have. However, in the literary productions, both of these dimensions remained as symbolic background behind the hegemonic biomedical and epidemiological dimensions. With respect to the characters in the texts, we found that active (decision-making) roles were mainly assigned to professionals traditionally recognized as “authorities in the field.” Facing the conflicts in the texts, the strategies proposed by those active characters were mostly positive but individual actions, centered on providing biomedical information to passive recipients. In contrast, passive characters were represented as ordinary people, without valuable knowledge about Chagas. Applying the Epistemologies of the South framework, we see that literary art is a powerful tool for recognizing the symbolic weight of rooted stereotypical hegemonic conceptions. Such work invites us to create and promote actions to address the complexity of Chagas from innovative and dialogic approaches.