Necropolítica

Ratos de Porão's song 'Necropolítica' delves into the grim and unsettling concept of necropolitics, a term coined by philosopher Achille Mbembe. Necropolitics refers to the power and capacity of a government or authority to dictate who gets to live and who must die. The lyrics of the song are a stark and raw commentary on the brutal realities of this power dynamic, highlighting the dehumanizing and often racially charged mechanisms that underpin it.

The repeated lines 'Poder decidir quem deve viver, Poder decidir quem deve morrer' (Power to decide who should live, Power to decide who should die) emphasize the absolute and terrifying control that certain entities hold over life and death. This refrain underscores the arbitrary and often unjust nature of such decisions, reflecting a world where human lives are treated as disposable commodities. The phrases 'Mortes massificadas' (Mass deaths) and 'Vidas descartáveis' (Disposable lives) further illustrate the large-scale and impersonal nature of this violence.

The song also critiques the 'discurso de ordem' (discourse of order) that justifies such lethal power. This discourse often masks the true intentions behind policies and actions that result in widespread suffering and death. The mention of a 'Máquina racista' (Racist machine) points to the systemic and institutionalized racism that often drives these deadly policies, making certain groups more vulnerable to state-sanctioned violence. 'Necropolítica' is a powerful and provocative piece that forces listeners to confront the harsh realities of political power and its devastating impact on human lives.