Coloniality as a relationship and blood cleansing: a brief study on the contributions of Santiago Castro-Gómez.

Abstract

In the present work, in the light of the reading of the philosopher Santiago Castro-Gómez,
we will try to elucidate his theory about the coloniality of power and the way in which such a
device codified the bodies according to the discourse of blood cleansing. So, first, we will
briefly develop two different types of theories about power: on the one hand, the theory of
the coloniality of power, presented by the Peruvian sociologist Aníbal Quijano; on the other
hand, the analytics of power, developed by Michel Foucault. Both theories, which seem
incommensurable, are put into dialogue by our philosopher. In the second part of our work,
we will prepare to present the practices and modus operandi corresponding to the
coloniality of power to manifest its uniqueness in comparison to other types of powers.
Likewise, we will show how a certain sector of the population, in an attempt to consolidate
their family and personal interests, used these practices to limit corporality. Third, and by
way of conclusion, we will make a brief sketch about the link between the coloniality of
power and the political practices of current Colombia.