Brazilcore and the visibility of Brazilian culture
After all, what is “brazilcore”?
Not long ago, the whole world was painted green and yellow. Partly because of the great expectation of appreciating the art of playing football promoted by the Brazilian team in World Cups. However, the fever of the Brazilian aesthetic, this time, was not the fault of any Brazilian athlete, but of the global fashion influencers and their famous trends in social networks.
According to the Cambridge dictionary, the word “core” can mean “nucleus” or “essence”. That is, “brazilcore” basically consists of promoting the Brazilian essence through the dissemination of national symbols in clothing and accessories. In the photos and videos that went viral, fashionistas wore clothes from the CBF itself to small details such as prints of a hyacinth macaw, usually with the presence of popular country music in the background.
A critique of the popularization of brazilcore
Long before the term “brazilcore” was created, the Brazilian aesthetic and the use of team shirts were already something quite valued in environments that tend, unfairly, to have their voices silenced: the Brazilian peripheries. The most famous sport in the world has always been fully present in the national territory and, in the streets, where countless players have come from, it is the materialization of the dream, a sign of hope for those who one day dare to represent the greatest teams in the world. But if green and yellow have been part of these boys and girls' daily lives since forever, why did they only become worthy of attention and popularization when seen in a certain fashionista pattern? Or even, why was there a need for the flag to be adhered to by foreign personalities in order to obtain the acceptance of Brazilians themselves?
There is no beginning, middle and end when it comes to catwalks. Fashion is versatile, it comes and goes at all times. Trends come and go so organically that people barely notice. In today's globalized world, being successful means adapting even to what you don't like, even if that means re-signifying, in a short period of time, the use of hopscotch. After all, if even US it girls are using it now, it must be good, right?
The export of Brazilian culture
There is no reason to be against the brazilcore fever. After times of rivalry, he was the one who brought the Brazilians together in favor of the flag, of the same crowd. In addition, it provided a golden opportunity for small companies, mainly in the clothing sector, to have their products appreciated by an ever-increasing public.
It is no exaggeration to say that Brazil is one of the countries with the most cultural riches in the world. It is necessary to explore it and make it increasingly visible. What an honor to have Brazilian products being recognized worldwide, artists who came from the most neglected places dominating the top of music charts, athletes becoming the biggest names in their respective sports. What a good feeling it is to realize that the Brazilian shirt is being well regarded. There is nothing wrong with appreciating such recognition, however, it is crucial that it is not forgotten where it all began.
The periphery was the forerunner of brazilcore. It is up to both those who follow the trend and those who work in the field to emphasize this audience that has always used and will continue to use aesthetics.
By: Fernanda de Sá Pires on 02/28/2023.
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