Regionalist Expressions in Brazilian National Identity

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Introduction
National identity is defined as the depiction of a given country as a whole in terms of its prevalent culture, languages, traditions, and politics. Among the most pronounced and authentic national identities around the globe is the Brazilian national identity. A range of research studies have been conducted to explore different characteristics attributed to this identity. Citing McCann (2004, p. 41), following the declaration of Brazil as an independent country in the year 1822, the nation has undergone a myriad of changes, which have been spurred by economic, cultural, alongside social transformations. McCann (2004, p. 41) added to this context indicating that at the core of these transformations has been the different forms of regionalist expressions such as the Brazilian popular music, soccer, and carnival among others. The present study is centered on these regionalist expressions and the manner in which they have been embraced as key components of the Brazilian national identity. To realize this objective, it will necessitate taking each expression individually, exploring how it existed in the past, and how it has been integrated as part of national identity.
Popular Music
Inferring from the research conducted by McCann (2004, p. 45), the popular music of Brazil encompasses a range of regional music styles, which have been influenced by Amerindian, African and European forms. However, the researcher was quick to clarify that of all the renowned music styles prevalent in Brazil, Samba is undoubtedly the most famous. According to McCann (2004, p. 48), for Brazilians living abroad or in their home country, Samba has become a symbol of their identity. As it is known worldly, Samba represents an urban form of music wh...

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...ing aside a national holiday to celebrate it. For Carnivals, everything comes to a standstill throughout the country in order to celebrate the event, which is held once per year. With regard to soccer, a different way of playing where Samba dance moves are incorporated has prevailed. Therefore, Brazilian national identity is unique and exists distinctively from other world identities.

Works Cited

McCann, B., 2004. Samba and National Identity. In: B. McCann, ed. 2005. Hello, Hello Brazil. Popular Music in the Making of Modern Brazil. Durham: Duke University Press.
Perrone, C.A., 2001. Myth, Melopeia, and Mimesis: Black Orpheus, Orfeu, and Internationalization in Brazilian Popular Music. In: Brazilian Popular Music and Globalization. Gainesville: Univ. Press of Florida.
Treece, D., 2013. Brazilian Jive: The Bossa Nova Revolution. London, UK: Reaktion Books Ltd.

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