Discurso de ódio contra o Nordeste no futebol brasileiro. Uma análise de casos de xenofobia entre 2014 e 2023

Abstract

From time to time, episodes of xenophobia against the Northeast in Brazilian football appear in the news and in sports debates. However, the few scientific investigations on the topic are still insufficient to comprehend it properly. Therefore, this study aims to contribute to the construction of knowledge regarding a relevant, but little researched, object. For our methodological strategy, we have collected media-reported cases of attacks against the region over a period of ten years (from 2014 to 2023). Through a communicational approach, but seeking references in other fields, we use content analysis to evaluate the results. We have identified six symbolic categories of xenophobia: 1) generalization and/or stereotyping; 2) offense against northeastern football; 3) offense against the Northeast and/or Northeastern people; 4) racism/religious intolerance; 5) political-electoral offense; and 6) repulsion. Finally, we analyze them based on concepts such as identity, stereotypes and hate speech, widely debated in the Social and Human Sciences.