Discursive representation and argumentative orientation in utterances uttered in a situation of controversial discourse modality: the images of machismo and misogyny

Abstract

Assuming that all discourse is ideological and marked by argumentation, this study aims to analyze the manifestations of machismo and misogyny in utterances involving a controversy stemming from a statement made by the Brazilian singer Zé Neto. On May 12, 2022, during a concert in the city of Sorriso, in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, the singer, part of the sertanejo duo with Cristiano, delivered a speech in support of the then-president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, and against the Rouanet Law. From his speech, we highlight the following excerpt: "We don't need to tattoo our 'toba' to show whether we're doing well or not; we simply come here and sing." This directly references a tattoo that the Brazilian singer Anitta has on her body. This episode triggered a discussion on social media characterized by misogynistic statements, which is the focus of our analysis. From a theoretical perspective, our study is primarily grounded in the works of Amossy (2017, 2018, 2020), Cavalcante et al (2020), Adam (2011), and Chapanski (2020). The results indicate a persistently prevalent discourse of sexism and misogyny, which must be addressed, along with any form of hate speech, as it places women in a situation of severe social vulnerability.