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Explore the lack of diversity in Brazilian media, including television, radio, news outlets, and magazines, and the impact it has on the representation of various ethnicities and marginalized groups.
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Brazil Allys Becerra Patricia Belfort Andrea Cambo Leslie Barney
Diversity &Stereotyping Contributed by Patricia Belfort
Demographics • White Population: 47.7% • Mulatto (mixed white and black): 43.1% • Black: 7.6% • In essence, Brazil is basically half brow-skinned and half white-skinned. • After Nigeria, Brazil has the 2nd highest black population in the world.
Television Monopoly • The stories that Brazil is told through television, are controlled by four Conglomerates • These Conglomerates control 80% of the 330 stations • The four major broadcast companies • All owned by white men based in either Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo • Control 83.3% of the ratings share • Generate 97.2% of advertising revenues • Subscription TV services • Public, community and state TV channels are available only for those who pay
Rating Share of Media Networks • Because The top 3 Networks control so many stations, the majority of Brazilians tune in to their worldviews • The way diversity is handled in these networks, literally affects the way the vast majority of Brazilians will think about their world Below: Viewing Shares for 2013-2014 Season
Radio Controls • Radio programming is also homogeneous • Difficult finding any local news or local independent music on the major broadcast stations • Low-power community FM stations are marginalized • About 4,500 of them are licensed to broadcast • They can do so only under rigorous financial restrictions • Community radio stations aren’t allowed to run ads, even for community-based businesses • Another 20,000 community stations are still waiting to have their broadcast applications approved • Broadcast Application Approval process can take as long as 10 years
Reform Advocacy • Media reform advocates fighting to bring more diverse voices to Brazilian media • Addressing these issues before Congress has been difficult • One-third of congressional members are direct or indirect owners of radio and TV stations. • Those who are not often remain silent thanks to the very real fear that the media will retaliate if they advocate for reforms. • Civil society organizations drafted a proposal • Proposal needs over 1.3 million signatures from Brazilian citizens.
Diversity in News Media • Majority of journalists are unmarried white women under 30 years of age • Women represent 64%. • The survey data also reveals data the low presence of black men • Pretos account for 5% of journalists and pardos, 18% • A total of only 23% of blacks
The All-White Cast of a Popular Novela This racially homogenous casting is not uncommon in Brazilian television and movies
Diversity in Magazines • A year of covers from the two most popular parenting magazines in Brazil • All children are white
Portrayals of Black People in Media In novelas, blacks enact, almost always, subordinate roles or characters that don’t have prominence in the plot. Knowing of the limitations of opportunities present in this business.. • Black women portrayed in domestic or sexualized roles • Most appearances of black people do not involve speaking roles • Popular archetypes are the black mammy or the sexy mulatta • Black men portrayed in violent or sexually aggressive roles
Example of Black Stereotypes Sexo e as Negas is broadcast on TV channel Globo, one of Brazil's largest media networks. 'Sexo e as Negas,' which translates to Sex and the Negresses. The show is about a group of black domestic workers who will experience dilemmas and obstacles to achieve their true goal which is the conquest of a sexual partner. • There is a saying in Brazil, “White women are for marrying, Mulattas for Sex, and Blacks for Work” • Many Telenovela portrayals in Brazil reflect this stereotype
Race in Cinema • Minute 37-39:50 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gh7c46U5hhY
Gay Diversity • Globo (#1 Network in Brazil) censored Simpson scene where Homer Simpson kisses his long-time friend Moe • Globo’s main competitor, Record, also censors gay displays of affection. • Record’s owner, Edir Macedo, is one of Brazil’s biggest anti-gay activists. • Brazil’s third-largest TV network, SBT, recently aired a kiss between a lesbian couple in one of its novelas. • Most viewers missed the moment because of SBT’s small market share • Fearing the controversy could cost them more viewers, SBT decided to avoid homosexual themes
Stereotypes of Homosexuality • Gay men are often portrayed as overly effeminate • On telenovelas, most have cliché jobs like hairdressers, interior decorators, or fashion designers • In February 2014, for the 1st time, a gay kiss was broadcasted on a major network during primetime • On air since May 2013, Amor à Vida-which had a storyline focused on a gay couple-was the channel’s most-watched novela of the season. • The next novela das nove – 9pm soap, Em Família, will also have a central gay storyline.
Bibliography Afolabi, Niyi. Afro-Brazilians: Cultural Production in a Racial Democracy. Rochester: U of Rochester, 2009. 8-11. Print. Antunes, Anderson. "A Kiss Is Just A Kiss? Not If It's A Gay Kiss (On Brazilian TV)." Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 7 July 2011. Web. 2 Apr. 2015. "Brazil: The World Factbook." Central Intelligence Agency. Central Intelligence Agency, 23 June 2014. Web. 2 Apr. 2015. Burton, Nsenga. "Brazil: Controversy Over TV Show 'Sexo E as Negas'" The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 21 Jan. 2015. Web. 2 Apr. 2015. Filho, Ivan. "Brazilian Reformers Launch Campaign for Better Media." Free Press. 3 May 2013. Web. 2 Apr. 2015. Pease, Bob. A Man's World?: Changing Men's Practices in a Globalized World. London: Zed ;, 2001. 25. Print. Porto, Mauro P. Media Power and Democratization in Brazil: TV Globo and the Dilemmas of Political Accountability. New York: Routledge, 2012. 141. Print. "Study Shows Black Women Are a Minority in Brazilian Journalism." Black Women of Brazil. Wordpress, 28 Apr. 2013. Web. 2 Apr. 2015. Tufte, Thomas. Living with the Rubbish Queen: Telenovelas, Culture and Modernity in Brazil. Luton: U of Luton, 2000. 201. Print.
Free Speech, Censorship, and JournalismContributed by Andrea Cambo
Freedom of Speech Freedom of expression, as a whole, is protected under Article IX in the Constitution of Brazil. Section 5 of the Brazilian Constitution lists freedom of speech as a constitutional right to its citizens. Article 5 was approved along with the entirely re-written Brazilian Constitution in 1988.
Freedom of Speech “Article 5: All are equal before the law, without distinction whatsoever, guaranteeing Brazilians and foreigners residing in the country the inviolable right to life, liberty, equality, security and property, as follows: IV – the expression of thought is free, anonymity being forbidden; V – the right of reply is ensured, in proportion to the offense, as well as compensation for property or moral damages or for damages to the image; IX – the expression of intellectual, artistic, scientific, and communications activities is free, independently of censorship or license; X – the privacy, private life, honour and image of persons are inviolable, and the right to compensation for property or moral damages resulting from their violation is ensured;”
Freedom of Speech Although their Constitution grants freedom of speech, it is not absolute and there are restrictions. Moral Harassment - When the individual has shaken their dignity through continuous and repetitive depreciation of their self-esteem, sets up moral harassment. May be punishable by fine. Hate Speech - any speech, gesture or conduct, writing, or display which is forbidden because it may incite violence or intimidate. May be punishable by arrest. Bullying - use superior strength or influence to intimidate. May be punishable by fine.
Freedom of Speech Free speech that involves any of these elements is considered a crime. All may be punishable by arrest. Defamation - Offending reputation Injury - Offending dignity or decorum Slander - Creating false statements Threat - Threatening by work, writing or other symbolic medium
Censorship A large amount of censorship ended during democratization in 1974 but forms of censorship still exists in Brazil. For example, journalists are not allowed to hide behind anonymity. It is also common for government officials to use privacy laws to censor negative information about them.
Censorship Brazil prohibits and censors websites that are considered racist such as neo-Nazi sites. The country prohibits electoral campaigns from using Orkut (Brazilian Facebook), YouTube, email, and SMS to distribute political messages. Due to an electoral law, journalists and bloggers are not allowed to make accusations against political candidates three months prior to elections or they may face arrest or being fined.
Censorship In 2010, Google reported that Brazil had the most governmental requests to take down content on the Internet. Generally, Internet users have the right to practice their freedom of expression in Brazil but there have been cases where consequences follow.
Censorship For example, in September 2012, a court ordered an arrest for Google’s most senior executive in Brazil. The company did not take down a YouTube video attacking a local mayoral candidate. Google is appealing the case and has hope that this arrest will be overturned due to a similar case some time ago in which Google was also involved. The judge for the similar case said, “Google is not the intellectual author of the video, it did not post the file, and for that reason it cannot be punished for its propagation.”
Journalism A recent report from the Committee to Protect Journalists notes that Brazil is the 11th deadliest country in the world for journalists. Meanwhile, war-torn Afghanistan ranks 12th on the same report. Most of these murders go unsolved or the hired murders stand trial when, many times, there is a higher-up that orchestrated everything.
Journalism 2013 Protests https://youtu.be/A1DZ3PZrLOc
Journalism In June 2013, a series of protests erupted in multiple cities of Brazil which was initiated by a local group named the Free Fare Movement. It was initially organized to protest against increases in bus, train, and metro tickets but when on to include issues about police brutality and political corruption that even had the people asking the President to step down. Because it was very dangerous for media to document the protests, many gave up; this led to the birth of the Midia (Media) NINJA.
Journalism Midia NINJA https://youtu.be/sLe51RCAPlo
Journalism Midia NINJA is a collective of independent street journalists that covered the protests from the inside. NINJA stands for Independent Narratives, Journalism and Action in Portuguese. The amateur journalists mainly used cellphones to film their recordings and posted them on social media including Twitter and Facebook.
Journalism The appeal to this group was how close the reporters were to the action and the rawness of their recordings. They were not just filming the protests; they took part in them! Citizen journalists are rapidly growing in Brazil due to the Midia NINJA and growing power of social media. Social media is now being used to bring awareness to many social issues within Brazil such as campaigns regarding indigenous rights, sanitation and water, and the reduction of political corruption.
Freedom of Speech, Censorship, and Journalism Most recently, Brazil announced an Internet “Bill of Rights”. The new law, called Marco Civil, plans to improve Internet freedom in the country. The law will address three areas: Net neutrality Freedom of expression User privacy
Bibliography (Andrea Cambo) • Freedomhouse.org • Niemenlab.org • Csmonitor.com • Riogringa.com • Nytimes.com • Indexoncensorship.org • Youtube.com • Theguardian.com
Pop Culture & Story Telling in Media Dances+Music: Samba Bossa Nova
Pop Culture Samba: Samba is a word that stands for energized dance and rhythm. Samba is usually the main focus during carnival since it is such an upbeat fast paced dance style. It combines the rhythmic patterns and feels originating in former African slave communities. Samba is mostly popular in the parts of the city inhabited by poor people However, in other cities in the world such as New York, Samba is enjoyed by both the rich and the poor Samba festivals take place in Brazil and are usually performed by people who have flexible bodies and can make fast paced movements
Pop Culture Bossa Nova: Slow and relaxed style much like jazz A sub-genre derived from samba and has strong American jazz influences Bossa Nova means “New trend” Developed and popularized in the 1950’s and 60’s Most commonly performed on the nylon-string classical guitar, played with fingers instead of a pick Typical instruments heard in Bossa Nova are the guitar, piano, electronic organ, acoustic bass and drums A mixture of sophisticated melody, harmony, and rhythm with some elaborate lyrics
Pop Culture Telenovelas: Brazilian Telenovelas have a realistic approach to them and talk about controversial subjects One of the reasons viewers in Brazil take such a liking to these novelas is because they make them a realistic deception of the middle and working class The most expensively produced Telenovelas in Latin America There is no black-and-white cut between "good" and "evil" characters, with the protagonists often displaying weaknesses like promiscuity, drinking, drug abuse, stupidity and excessive ambition Some of the novelas also touch on social issues Brazilian telenovelas rely much less on individual stars than other Latin American works. A Brazilian telenovela may have a permanent cast of more than 40 actors, of which some seven or eight are considered "central" to the show.
Pop Culture Most famous Telenovelas in Brazil: The Clone:The story is about a young man who has been secretly cloned by his grandfather and eventually falls in love with a moroccan girl from a rigorous family. (This Telenovela was shown here in the US through Telemundo) Terra Nostra:This Telenovela is about showing the Italian immigration in America Especially the romance of Giuliana and Matteo, two Italian immigrants who were trying to better life on Brazilian soil. O Salvador da Pátria:The telenovela revolved around an extramarital case in which the most powerful man in the region, a Federal Congressman, was involved.
Pop Culture Most Famous Brazilian Reality Show: Big Brother Brasil Brazilian version of the big brother reality show which was based on the Dutch television series of the “same name” The show is based on a group of randomly selected strangers, who become housemates, living together twenty-four hours a day in the "Big Brother" house, isolated from the outside world The housemates compete for the chance to win the grand prize by avoiding weekly eviction, until the last housemate remains at the end of the season that can claim the grand prize.
Pop Culture Telenovelas + Shows
Pop Culture Famous runway models in Brazil Adriana Lima Gisele Bundchen Alessandra Ambrosio These models have all been Victoria’s secret “angels” and have been part of the face of the company for the past decade
Pop Culture Models Representing Brazil World-Wide
Storytelling in the media A new and approach Brazil has taken to story telling is Video games Superinteressante, a magazine from the youth department is trying to make significant strides in the production of newsgames new way to deliver information on news and current events. The reason they are able to do this in video games is they create roles that will make the youth able to receive answers on subjects like the mafia, sex ed, politics, philosophers
StoryTelling in the media News vs Novelas The most progressive storyteller in Brazil are Novelas Unfortunately, most of Brazil is against men or women of “color” and in fact try to deny being their own color Since there is a divide, most news stories may sometimes not report important issues that involve those of “color”
Storytelling in media Print Journalism Storytelling in Media as far as print journalism is concerned is not towards showing any positive images on people of “color” Most of the images shown in magazines or any print articles will portray people of color as criminal, lower working class or in a bad situation The news is mostly saturated with additional unfair visual refrences to black or brown people
Storytelling in the Media Only 54 percent of Brazil’s population is white, yet 88 percent of the coverage in the news involves white people 39 percent of Brazil’s population is mixed, but only 4 percent appear in the news samples 6 percent of Brazil’s population is black and 8 percent of that are featured
Pop Culture + Storytelling in media (Links) Samba Dancing Brazilian Models - (Victoria Secret The Clone (Preview) Allys Becerra