The Brazilian meme scene has always been one of the liveliest and most creative in the world, and 2022 is shaping up to be no different. From political satire to pop culture references, the memes that have emerged from Brazil this year have been both hilarious and insightful. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular memes of 2022 and explore what they say about Brazilian society today.
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The Rise of Political Memes
As Brazil heads into a presidential election in 2022, it’s no surprise that political memes have been some of the most popular this year. One meme that has gained a lot of traction is “Bolsomito,” a nickname for current president Jair Bolsonaro that has been used both affectionately and ironically. The meme often depicts Bolsonaro as a superhero or action hero, playing off his tough-guy image. “I think ‘Bolsomito’ is funny because it’s so over-the-top,” says Felipe, a Brazilian student. “It’s like we’re all in on the joke, even if we don’t support him.” Another popular political meme is “Lula Livre,” which translates to “Free Lula.” This meme references former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who was released from prison in 2019 after serving time for corruption. The phrase has been used both as a call for Lula’s supporters to take action and as a way to mock his detractors. “I think ‘Lula Livre’ is interesting because it shows how divided Brazil still is,” says Maria, a Brazilian journalist. “People have very strong opinions about Lula, and this meme reflects that.”
Memes as Social Commentary
While some memes are purely for entertainment, others serve as a way to comment on society and culture. One example of this is the “Casa dos Artistas” meme, which references a Brazilian reality show from the early 2000s. The meme shows a picture of the show’s contestants with the caption “The Brazilian elite in 2022,” poking fun at the fact that many of the country’s wealthiest and most powerful people come from privileged backgrounds. “I think the ‘Casa dos Artistas’ meme is funny, but it also has a serious message,” says Marcelo, a Brazilian comedian. “It’s saying that our society is still very unequal, and that the people in power often come from the same small group.” Another meme that has gained popularity for its social commentary is “Senhor do Bonfim,” which references a Catholic saint popular in Brazil. The meme shows an image of the saint with the caption “When you pray for a miracle, but the government is the devil,” reflecting frustration with Brazil’s political situation. “I think ‘Senhor do Bonfim’ is a really clever meme,” says Juliana, a Brazilian activist. “It shows that people are feeling hopeless and powerless, but they’re still trying to find humor in the situation.”
Pop Culture References
Of course, not all memes have a deeper meaning. Some are simply funny because of their pop culture references. One example of this is the “John Cena” meme, which shows the wrestler/actor with the caption “You can’t see me.” The meme has been used to make fun of situations where someone is trying to hide or avoid something. “I think the ‘John Cena’ meme is hilarious,” says Rafael, a Brazilian gamer. “It’s so random, but it works.” Another pop culture meme that has gained popularity in Brazil is “Among Us,” a multiplayer video game that has become a global phenomenon. The game involves players trying to identify “impostors” on a spaceship, and the memes often play off the game’s themes. “I love the ‘Among Us’ memes,” says Isabela, a Brazilian artist. “They’re so creative and funny, and they really capture the spirit of the game.”
The Future of Brazilian Memes
As Brazil continues to face political and social challenges, it’s likely that memes will remain an important form of expression for many Brazilians. Whether they are using humor to cope with difficult situations, commenting on society and culture, or simply making each other laugh, memes are a powerful tool for communication and connection. “I think memes are a really important part of Brazilian culture,” says Thiago, a Brazilian writer. “They allow us to express ourselves in a way that is both creative and relatable. I can’t wait to see what memes 2023 will bring!”
