REDE DE INTRIGAS: AN ANALYSIS OF REACTIONARY MEDIA DISCOURSE IN THE LIGHT OF ARGUMENTATION THEORY

Abstract

In a Brazilian scenario of democratic crisis and intense political polarization, it is necessary to analyse the impact of the power of persuasive media discourses, which manipulate and influence society's political manifestations. During the 2018 and 2022 elections, the Brazilian population found itself in the midst of a process of disseminating false information that sought to pass itself off as true in order to attract and persuade specific audiences. In this sense, Chaïm Perelman's Theory of Argumentation exemplifies the importance of rhetoric in the public's adherence to the theses presented. The speaker adapts his message to the audience to ensure a convincing and persuasive speech, generating political adherence and turning viewers into voters. This article is the result of discussions at the Philosophy, Law and Audiovisual Research Laboratory (Lapefida/UNEB/CNPq). In order to exemplify the scenario experienced by Brazilians, the film Network of Intrigues (1976) will be used as the object of study, in which the character Howard Beale constructs a reactionary narrative that resonates with viewers. It is then understood how the media can manipulate an inflammatory discourse to influence a historically discontented population that has experienced extremist policies, manifested in different discourses.