Why are you still not partying? Politics of transgression and COVID-19 in Brazil

ABSTRACT

This brief exploration focuses on a perhaps more elusive and implicit kind of shock incited by the COVID-19 pandemic. I’ll explore the politics of transgressing the norms, laws and restrictions put into effect by governments attempting to contain the novel coronavirus’ spreading, with the discussion focusing on the nightlife that emerged not besides, but because of the pandemic, and the affective dimension it entails. To accomplish this, I locate myself where some of the most obscene scenes, numbers and failures that bear the hallmark of COVID-19 have been appearing, Brazil. This way, I underline the enduring effects of colonialism and racism in the Brazilian case when it comes to obtaining enjoyment and the right to transgress.

KEYWORDS:

• Transgression
• Brazil
• COVID-19
• racism
• enjoyment

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. Brazilian funk is a musical genre and movement that emerged in Rio de Janeiro’s peripheral communities and favelas, mixing rhythms of hip-hop, funk, rap, and Afro-religious music. Very popular among working classes in Brazil, composed mostly of Black people, its songs became a space for social critique, denouncing police violence and oppression and everyday life alongside crime and death. Baile funk is the name of the community parties where Brazilian funk is played.

Additional information

Funding

This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – Brasil (CAPES) – Finance Code 001.

Notes on contributors

Mateus S. Borges

Mateus S. Borges is a Master’s student of International Relations at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His research focuses on Lacanian psychoanalysis, post/anticolonial theories, and Iranian politics.