Digital alchemy as play

Francianne dos Santos Velho&s;s chapter considers the experiences of two Brazilian domestic workers, Janaina Costa (@elaesobaba) and Verônica Oliveira (@faxinaboa), who use Instagram to challenge the societal treatment of poor, Black women in domestic work. Velho explores how these women leverage contemporary media platforms to critique their marginalized roles while humorously cultivating an independent voice that attracts a politically aware community. By connecting Instagram posts to broader social contexts—ranging from kitchens and classrooms to the homes of the wealthy and the quilombo —Velho highlights how these workers actively counter negative representations in mainstream media. The chapter reveals the societal contradiction where domestic workers are seen as family members, yet never allowed to replace the parental ideal. Costa and Oliveira&s;s media use pushes against shame and stereotypes, asserting that domestic workers deserve education and respect and demonstrating how their struggle for dignity, justice, and recognition is both personal and collective.