Discurso, imaginário social e estereótipos: a construção e perpetuação da imagem brasileira pelo cinema estadunidense

Abstract

This research aims to analyze how American cinema contributes to the construction and perpetuation of cultural stereotypes about Brazil, focusing on representations that shape the social imaginary and global perception of the country. Recognizing that the United States film industry exerts significant influence in crafting cultural narratives, this study explores the impact of films that associate Brazil with characteristics such as exoticism and informality, reinforcing reductionist and simplistic views that affect national identity. In this context, the research presents an analysis of two emblematic cases, “Saludos, Amigos!”(1942) and “Rio” (2011), examining how these films reproduce stereotypical patterns and engage with the cultural power dynamics between Brazil and the United States. Furthermore, the study investigates how these representations influence the Brazilian social imaginary, drawing on concepts such as representation, symbols and habitus, echo chamber, image depletion, and the Copenhagen School, in order to understand the relationship between media discourse and identity formation. Additionally, the research highlights how cinema functions as a tool of soft power, influencing global perceptions of Brazil and reinforcing cultural inequalities. The methodology includes bibliographic and documentary analysis, involving a review of books, articles, and case studies, as well as an examination of characters, narratives, and dialogues in the selected films. This approach allows for a critical discussion on the importance of deconstructing these stereotypical narratives and promoting a broader and more nuanced understanding of Brazilian cultural diversity in the global context