Racismo recreativo : a representação estereotipada do negro em produção audiovisual, Mussum, o bêbado (1979-1989)

Abstract

This study investigates the character Mussum in the TV show Os Trapalhões (1977-1994), played by a black man characterized as subaltern, naughty and drunk, with exaggerated facial expressions and stereotyped jokes that reinforce prejudices. According to Carrico (2020), Mussum became popular, but his representation consolidated stereotypes, reflecting recreational racism that normalizes racial exclusion through humour. Objectives: The research aims to carry out a filmic analysis of racial stereotyping in Mussum, seeking to identify derogatory attributes of the character and question how humor contributes to the maintenance of an unequal racial order. Specific objectives include: identifying the stereotypes in the episodes, analyzing the persistence of these stereotypes and broadening the debate on recreational racism in the media. Methodological Framework: Adopting qualitative analysis, the study selected sketches from Os Trapalhões available on YouTube, allowing an accessible and varied sample for critical analysis of media representations of the character. Results: Analysis of the episodes “Os Mecânicos” and “Mussum Frango de Macumba” reveals that recreational racism underpins the humor, reinforcing derogatory stereotypes such as the association between Mussum and racist terms. These humorous representations sustain naturalized racial hierarchies. Final considerations: The study criticizes the persistence of negative stereotypes, such as the use of the image of being uncontrolled and naughty.