DOLCE FARMEME: the rhetoric of political play

Resumo

Abstract  This article aims to discuss how political play can serve as a rhetorical strategy, presented in defense of reactionary positions publicly expressed by political actors from the conservative field. The argument is divided into three stages: in the first one, the assumption that play could represent a repertoire typically used by repressed groups is confronted. Next, the article reviews the debate from critical humor studies regarding racist and misogynistic jokes. Finally, play is proposed as an additional thesis to the rhetoric of reaction, as formulated by Hirschman.

Keywords:
Political play; Humor and politics; Reactionary rhetoric; Far-right; Bolsonaro