A americanização cultural no Brasil na década de 1940: uma reflexão histórica

Abstract

The current academic study undertakes the task of investigating the influence exerted by the American government on Brazilian territory in the 1940. Bearing in mind that this specific period corresponds to a relevant milestone, in which the idealized model of civilization gradually passed from European influence to the social standards of behavior readily established by the United States of America. It is noted that this paradigm shift did not occur organically, but rather through a methodology organized by the United States government that actively disseminated the concept of the American way of life, especially in other nations on the American continent, using the most varied media vehicles, whether magazines such as Reader's Digest or even cultural products from the most varied niches, such as cinematographic productions, television programs, radio stations and even musical works. Thus, the study developed here actively focuses on the cultural issues related to this influence, which was widely evident during that period. It highlights the mechanisms used to shape so-called "cultural imperialism", a concept strongly connected to issues experienced in contemporary Brazil-US relations.