Gender tensions: The humorous character of Dilma Bolada | Intellect Skip to content
1981
  1. Home
  2. A-Z Publications
  3. International Journal of Media & Cultural Politics
  4. Volume 17, Issue 3
  5. Article
Volume 17, Issue 3
  • ISSN: 1740-8296
  • E-ISSN: 2040-0918

Abstract

This article investigates tensions related to stereotypes of women in politics expressed in the fictional and humorous character Dilma Bolada on Facebook. We observe the personal traits associated with gender stereotypes related to this character that is inspired by the first female president of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff. We analyse posts during the period leading up her impeachment (2015–16), which would result in her eventual removal from office. By assuming behaviours culturally recognized as masculine, Dilma Bolada contradicts socially established stereotypes for women. Yet, she also displays traits that reinforce feminine stereotypes. This combination of masculine and feminine representations, permeated by humorous language, allowed Dilma Bolada to subvert traditional gender roles and become popular. We believe that the relaxation triggered by humour transformed Rousseff’s hard temper into a positive image.

Funding
This study was supported by the:
  • The Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Brasil (CAPES) (Award 8881.133355/2016-01)
© 2021 Intellect Ltd
Loading

Article metrics loading...

/content/journals/10.1386/macp_00052_1
2021-09-01
2024-05-03
Loading full text...

Full text loading...

References

  1. Alberti, V.. ( 1999), O riso e o risível na história do pensamento, Rio de Janeiro:: Jorge Zahar, Fundação Getúlio Vargas;.
     [Google Scholar]
  2. Almeida, R.. ( 2016), À sombra do poder: bastidores da crise que derrubou Dilma Rousseff, São Paulo:: LeYa;.
     [Google Scholar]
  3. Antunes, A.. ( 2014;), ‘ Meet Dilma Bolada, Facebook’s most influential fictional character. ’, Forbes, 28 April, https://www.forbes.com/sites/andersonantunes/2014/04/28/meet-dilma-bolada-facebooks-most-influential-fictional-character/#1d08da3a464d. Accessed 6 June 2016.
     [Google Scholar]
  4. Bakhtin, M.. ( 1999), A cultura popular na Idade Média e no Renascimento: O contexto de François Rabelais, São Paulo:: Hucitec;.
     [Google Scholar]
  5. Barbosa, C.,, Monte, I., and Liesenberg, S.. ( 2013;), ‘ A energização do riso e do humor em conteúdos apropriados e compartilhados na web: O restauro do “Cristo de Borja”. ’, in A. Primo. (ed.), A internet em rede, Porto Alegre:: Sulina;, pp. 71–89.
     [Google Scholar]
  6. Bauer, N.. ( 2013;), ‘ Rethinking stereotype reliance. ’, Politics and Life Sciences, 32:1, pp. 22–42.
     [Google Scholar]
  7. Beard, M.. ( 2018), Mulheres e poder: Um manifesto, São Paulo:: Planeta do Brasil;.
     [Google Scholar]
  8. Beaudoux, V.. ( 2017), Dancing Backwards in High Heels: Women, Leadership and Power, The Hague:: Netherland Institute for Multiparty Democracy;.
     [Google Scholar]
  9. Behling, L.. ( 2001), The Masculine Woman in America, 1890–1935, Urbana and Chicago, IL:: University of Illinois Press;.
     [Google Scholar]
  10. Bergson, H.. ( 1983), O riso: Ensaio sobre a significação do cômico, Rio de Janeiro:: Guanabara;.
     [Google Scholar]
  11. Bevins, V.. ( 2013;), ‘ After Twitter parody goes viral, Brazil leader meets her doppelganger. ’, Los Angeles Times, 25 October, https://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-ff-brazil-rousseff-parody-20131025-story.html. Accessed 6 June 2016.
     [Google Scholar]
  12. Biroli, F.. ( 2011;), ‘ Mídia, tipificação e exercícios de poder: A reprodução dos estereótipos no discurso jornalístico. ’, Revista Brasileira de Ciência Política, 6, pp. 71–98.
     [Google Scholar]
  13. Biroli, F.. ( 2016;), ‘ Political violence against women in Brazil: Expressions and definitions. ’, Revista Direito & Práxis, 7:15, pp. 557–89.
     [Google Scholar]
  14. Biroli, F., and Mota, F.. ( 2014;), ‘ O gênero na política: A construção do “feminino” nas eleições presidenciais de 2010. ’, Cadernos Pagu, 43, pp. 197–231, https://doi.org/10.1590/0104-8333201400430197. Accessed 20 January 2022.
     [Google Scholar]
  15. ‘bolado’ ( 2008), Dicionário Informal, http://www.dicionarioinformal.com.br/bolado/. Accessed 2 May 2016.
     [Google Scholar]
  16. Bourdieu, P.. ( 2010), A dominação masculina, Rio de Janeiro:: Bertrand Brasil;.
     [Google Scholar]
  17. Bueno, S., and Lima, R.. (eds) ( 2020;), ‘ Anuário Brasileiro de Segurança Pública. ’, Fórum Brasileiro de Segurança Pública, https://forumseguranca.org.br/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/anuario-14-2020-v1-interativo.pdf. Accessed 20 September 2021.
     [Google Scholar]
  18. Carlomagno, M., and Cervi E.. ( 2013;), ‘ Fazendo Humor e Construindo a Opinião Pública: Dilma Bolada e a Agenda Presidencial no Facebook. ’, XII Congresso Brasileiro de Comunicação Política e Marketing Eleitoral, Juiz de Fora, 17–18 October.
     [Google Scholar]
  19. Carneiro, A.. ( 2019;), ‘ A “Bolada” das Redes: Um estudo sobre entrelaces de gênero, humor e mídia em Dilma Bolada. ’, doctoral thesis, Salvador:: Universidade Federal da Bahia;.
     [Google Scholar]
  20. Castells, M.. ( 2011), A sociedade em rede: A era da informação: economia, sociedade e cultura, São Paulo:: Paz e Terra;.
     [Google Scholar]
  21. Chagas, V.,, Freire, F.,, Rios, D., and Magalhães, D.. ( 2017;), ‘ A política dos memes e os memes da política: Proposta metodológica de análise de conteúdo sobre memes dos debates nas Eleições 2014. ’, Intexto, 38, pp. 173–96.
     [Google Scholar]
  22. Chiaro, D., and Baccolini, R.. ( 2014), Gender and Humor. Interdisciplinary and International Perspectives, New York and London:: Routledge;.
     [Google Scholar]
  23. Columbus, C.. ( 2001), Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, UK:: Warner Bros. Pictures;.
     [Google Scholar]
  24. Coutinho, F.. ( 2015;), ‘ Agência contratada pelo PT paga R$ 20 mil de salário a criador de Dilma Bolada. ’, Revista Época, 21 August, https://epoca.globo.com/tempo/noticia/2015/08/agencia-contratada-pelo-pt-paga-r-20-mil-de-salario-dilma-bolada.html. Accessed 10 October 2019.
     [Google Scholar]
  25. Crescêncio, C., and Pires, M.. ( 2018;), ‘ O humor das mulheres e as mulheres no humor: Feminismos, riso e arte. ’, Revista Ártemis, XXVI:1, pp. 1–5.
     [Google Scholar]
  26. Daniels, J.. ( 2009;), ‘ Rethinking cyberfeminism(s): Race, gender and embodiment. ’, Women’s Studies Quarterly, 37:1&2, pp. 101–24.
     [Google Scholar]
  27. Dantas, F.. ( 2019;), ‘ Dilma Rousseff: Uma mulher fora do lugar: As narrativas da mídia sobre a primeira Presidenta do Brasil. ’, doctoral thesis, Salvador:: Universidade Federal da Bahia;.
     [Google Scholar]
  28. Davis, J.. ( 2014;), ‘ Traditional comic conflicts in farce and roles for women. ’, in D. Chiaro, and R. Baccolini. (eds), Gender and Humor: Interdisciplinary and International Perspectives, New York and London:: Routledge;, pp. 30–52.
     [Google Scholar]
  29. Dawkins, R.. ( 1976), The Selfish Gene, Oxford:: Oxford University Press;.
     [Google Scholar]
  30. Del Negro, G.. ( 2014;), ‘ Petite flower, giver goddess, and duchess of discipline: Sexual nonconformity, play, and camp humor in the performance of Judy Tenuta. ’, in D. Chiaro, and R. Baccolini. (eds), Gender and Humor: Interdisciplinary and International Perspectives, New York and London:: Routledge;, pp. 288–97.
     [Google Scholar]
  31. Dolan, K.. ( 2014), When Does Gender Matter? Women Candidates & Gender Stereotypes in American Elections, New York:: Oxford University Press;.
     [Google Scholar]
  32. Dória, M.. ( 2018), in-person interview with A. Carneiro, Salvador, 21 August.
  33. dos Santos, P., and Jalalzai, F.. ( 2021), Women’s Empowerment and Disempowerment in Brazil: The Rise and Fall of President Dilma Rousseff, Philadelphia, PA:: Temple University Press;.
     [Google Scholar]
  34. Ermida, I.. ( 2002;), ‘ Humor, linguagem e narrativa: Para uma análise do discurso literário humorístico. ’, doctoral thesis, Braga:: Universidade do Minho;.
     [Google Scholar]
  35. Freud, S.. ( 1978), O chiste e sua relação com o inconsciente, Rio de Janeiro:: Delta;.
     [Google Scholar]
  36. Gajjala, R.. ( 1999;), ‘ Internet constructs of identity and ignorance: “Third world” contexts and cyberfeminism. ’, Works and Days, 17&18, pp. 117–37.
     [Google Scholar]
  37. Gajjala, R.. ( 2003;), ‘ South Asian digital diasporas and cyberfeminist webs: Negotiating globalization, nation, gender, and information technology design. ’, Contemporary South Asia, 12:1, pp. 41–56.
     [Google Scholar]
  38. Gambarato, R., and Komesu, F.. ( 2018;), ‘ What are you laughing at? Former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff’s internet memes across spreadable media context. ’, Journal of Creative Communication, 13:2, pp. 85–103.
     [Google Scholar]
  39. Genovese, M., and Steckenrider, J.. ( 2013), Women as Political Leaders: Studies in Gender and Governing, New York:: Routledge;.
     [Google Scholar]
  40. Gil, N.. ( 2018), in-person interview with A. Carneiro, Salvador, 29 August.
  41. Hutcheon, L.. ( 1985), Uma teoria da paródia, Lisboa:: Edições 70;.
     [Google Scholar]
  42. Inter-Parliamentary Union ( 2021;), ‘ Monthly ranking of women in national parliaments. ’, https://data.ipu.org/women-ranking?month=9&year=2021. Accessed 1 September 2021.
  43. Jalalzai, F.. ( 2016), Women Presidents of Latin America: Beyond Family Ties?, New York:: Routledge;.
     [Google Scholar]
  44. Jamieson, K.. ( 1995), Beyond the Double Bind: Women and Leadership, New York:: Oxford University Press;.
     [Google Scholar]
  45. Jenkins, H.. ( 2009), Cultura da Convergência, São Paulo:: Aleph;.
     [Google Scholar]
  46. Kahn, K.. ( 1996), The Political Consequences of Being a Woman, New York:: Columbia University Press;.
     [Google Scholar]
  47. Kahn, K., and Gordon, A.. ( 1997;), ‘ How women campaign for the US Senate. ’, in P. Norris. (ed.), Women, Media and Politics, New York:: Oxford University Press;, pp. 59–76.
     [Google Scholar]
  48. Kahn, R., and Kellner, D.. ( 2004;), ‘ New media and internet activism: From the “Battle of Seattle” to blogging. ’, New Media & Society, 6, pp. 87–95.
     [Google Scholar]
  49. Knobel, M., and Lankshear, C.. ( 2007), A New Literacies Sampler, New York:: Peter Lang;.
     [Google Scholar]
  50. Krook, M.. ( 2020), Violence against Women in Politics, New York:: Oxford University Press;.
     [Google Scholar]
  51. Lagarde, M.. ( 2018), Género y Feminismo: Desarrollo humano y democracia, Ciudad de México:: siglo xxi editores;.
     [Google Scholar]
  52. Lamas, M.. (ed.) ( 2013), El Género: La construcción cultural de la diferencia sexual, México:: Programa Universitario de Estudos de Género;.
     [Google Scholar]
  53. Lemos, A.. ( 2005;), ‘ Ciber-cultura-Remix’, Seminário ‘Sentidos e Processos. ’, São Paulo:: Itaú Cultural;.
     [Google Scholar]
  54. Lemos, A.. ( 2010;), ‘ Os sentidos da tecnologia: Cibercultura e ciberdemocracia. ’, in A. Lemos, and P. Lévy. (eds), O futuro da internet: Em direção a uma ciberdemocracia, São Paulo:: Paulus;, pp. 21–31.
     [Google Scholar]
  55. Lévy, P.. ( 1998), A inteligência coletiva: Por uma antropologia do ciberespaço, São Paulo:: Edições Loyola;.
     [Google Scholar]
  56. Linhares, J.. ( 2016;), ‘ Marcela Temer: Bela, recatada e “do lar”. ’, Revista Veja, 18 April, https://veja.abril.com.br/brasil/marcela-temer-bela-recatada-e-do-lar/. Accessed 19 April 2016.
     [Google Scholar]
  57. Lipovetsky, G.. ( 2000), A terceira mulher: Permanência e revolução do feminino, São Paulo:: Companhia das Letras;.
     [Google Scholar]
  58. Lipovetsky, G.. ( 2005), A era do vazio, Barueri:: Manole;.
     [Google Scholar]
  59. Martin, R.. ( 2014;), ‘ Humor and gender: An overview of psychological research. ’, in D. Chiaro, and R. Baccolini. (eds), Gender and Humor: Interdisciplinary and International Perspectives, New York and London:: Routledge;, pp. 123–46.
     [Google Scholar]
  60. Matos, C.. ( 2017;), ‘ New Brazilian feminisms and online networks: Cyberfeminism, protest and the female “Arab Spring”. ’, International Sociology, 32:3, pp. 417–34.
     [Google Scholar]
  61. Miguel, L., and Biroli, F.. ( 2010;), ‘ Práticas de gênero e carreiras políticas: Vertentes explicativas. ’, Revista Estudos Feministas, 18:3, pp. 653–79, https://doi.org/10.1590/S0104-026X2010000300003. Accessed 20 January 2022.
     [Google Scholar]
  62. Miguel, L., and Biroli, F.. ( 2014), Feminismo e Política: Uma introdução, São Paulo:: Boitempo;.
     [Google Scholar]
  63. Monteiro, J.. ( 2015), in-person interview with A. Carneiro, Rio de Janeiro, 12 December.
  64. Monteiro, J.. ( 2016a;), ‘ Dilma Bolada. ’, Facebook, 23 March, https://www.facebook.com/DilmaBolada/photos/a.107280846077248/812904878848171/?type=3&theater. Accessed 24 March 2016.
     [Google Scholar]
  65. Monteiro, J.. ( 2016b;), ‘ Dilma Bolada. ’, Facebook, 25 May, https://www.facebook.com/DilmaBolada/photos/a.107280846077248/854007184737940/?type=3&theater. Accessed 26 May 2016.
     [Google Scholar]
  66. Murray, R.. ( 2010), Cracking the Highest Glass Ceiling: A Global Comparison of Women’s Campaigns for Executive Office, Santa Barbara, CA, Denver, CO and Oxford:: ABC-CLIO;.
     [Google Scholar]
  67. Norris, P.. ( 1997), Women, Media and Politics, New York:: Oxford University Press;.
     [Google Scholar]
  68. Nossa, L.. ( 2009;), ‘ Sou uma mulher dura cercada de homens meigos, diz Dilma. ’, Política Estadão, 10 March, http://politica.estadao.com.br/noticias/geral,sou-uma-mulher-dura-cercada-de-homens-meigos-diz-dilma,336414. Accessed 1 October 2017.
     [Google Scholar]
  69. Panke, L.,, Iasulaitis, S., and Nebot, C.. ( 2015;), ‘ Género y Campañas Electorales en América Latina: Un análisis del discurso femenino en la propaganda televisiva. ’, Razón y Palabra, 91, September–November, pp. 445–74.
     [Google Scholar]
  70. Pateman, C.. ( 1993), O contrato sexual, Rio de Janeiro:: Paz e Terra;.
     [Google Scholar]
  71. Paxton, P., and Hughes, M.. ( 2017), Women, Politics, and Power: A Global Perspective, Los Angeles, CA:: Sage;.
     [Google Scholar]
  72. Pompper, D.. ( 2017), Rhetoric of Femininity: Female Body Image, Media, and Gender Role Stress/Conflict, Lanham, MD:: Lexington Books;.
     [Google Scholar]
  73. Recuero, R.. ( 2014), Redes sociais na internet, Porto Alegre:: Sulina;.
     [Google Scholar]
  74. Ross, G.. ( 2012), The Hunger Games, USA:: Lionsgate;.
     [Google Scholar]
  75. Rubim, L., and Argolo, F.. ( 2018), O Golpe na perspectiva de gênero, Salvador:: Edufba;.
     [Google Scholar]
  76. Saliba, E.. ( 2017;), ‘ História cultural do humor: Balanço provisório e perspectivas de pesquisas. ’, Revista História, 176, pp. 1–39.
     [Google Scholar]
  77. Shifman, L.. ( 2013;), ‘ Memes in a digital world: Reconciling with a conceptual troublemaker. ’, Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 18:3, pp. 362–77.
     [Google Scholar]
  78. Singer, A.. ( 2016;), ‘ Por uma frente ampla, democrática e republicana. ’, in I. Jinkings,, K. Doria, and M. Cleto. (eds), Por que gritamos golpe? Para entender o impeachment e a crise política, São Paulo:: Boitempo;.
     [Google Scholar]
  79. Solnit, R.. ( 2014), Men Explain Things to Me, Chicago, IL:: Haymarket Books;.
     [Google Scholar]
  80. Tiburi, M.. ( 2018;), ‘ A máquina misógina e o fator Dilma Rousseff na política brasileira. ’, in L. Rubim, and F. Argolo. (eds), O Golpe na perspectiva de gênero, Salvador:: Edufba;.
     [Google Scholar]
  81. Tsakona, V., and Popa, D.. ( 2011), Studies in Political Humour: In Between Political Critique and Public Entertainment, Amsterdam and Philadelphia, PA:: John Benjamins Publishing Company;.
     [Google Scholar]
  82. Watts, J.. ( 2016;), ‘ Dilma Bolada: Brazilian president’s digital alter ego is more popular than she is. ’, The Guardian, 9 May, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/09/dilma-bolada-brazil-president-facebook-twitter. Accessed 6 June 2016.
     [Google Scholar]
  83. Wink, G.. ( 2018;), ‘ Humor golpista: Memes sobre Dilma Rousseff durante o “impeachment”. ’, Veredas: Revista da Associação Internacional de Lusitanistas, 27, September, pp. 123–40.
     [Google Scholar]
  84. Carneiro, Adriana, and Jalalzai, Farida. ( 2021;), ‘ Gender tensions: The humorous character of Dilma Bolada. ’, International Journal of Media & Cultural Politics, 17:3, pp. 263–89, https://doi.org/10.1386/macp_00052_1
     [Google Scholar]
http://instance.metastore.ingenta.com/content/journals/10.1386/macp_00052_1
Loading
Gender tensions: The humorous character of Dilma Bolada
International Journal of Media & Cultural Politics 17, 263 (2021); https://doi.org/10.1386/macp_00052_1
/content/journals/10.1386/macp_00052_1
/content/journals/10.1386/macp_00052_1
Loading

Data & Media loading...

  • Article Type: Article
Keyword(s): Dilma Rousseff; female president; impeachment; political communication; political humour; social media

Most Cited Most Cited RSS feed

This is a required field
Please enter a valid email address
Approval was a success
Invalid data
An error occurred
Approval was partially successful, following selected items could not be processed due to error