President Lula commented on the performance of students from Ceará at ITA saying they 'are not just big head, it's intelligence'. The statement was made in an interview with Brasil 247, DCM and Revista Fórum outlets. The comment generated negative reactions on social media.
Lula's comment referenced a negative stereotype about northeastern Brazilians related to skull shape, a historical form of prejudice that can be considered xenophobia. This type of characterization emerged during migrations to the Southeast, when northeasterners received pejorative terms associated with head shape as a way to define them as lesser-quality citizens.
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Lula gave an interview to Brasil 247, DCM and Revista Fórum outlets
Lula estimated that about 40% of students approved at ITA are from Ceará
Lula mentioned the installation of an ITA unit in Fortaleza
The statement generated negative reactions on social media