Folie, mediation and mega events: short study on 2010 Carnival representations on Rio de Janeiro print media

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the discussion on the vocation of Rio de Janeiro to host mega events, especially taking into account the media treatment of urban violence in these periods. Besides the opportunity of congregating, such events represent an important source of incomings and businesses. Recently they have also been used to strengthening public safety policies. To better understand this situation, we turn to theorists such as Bauman and Maffesoli, attentive to issues of violence and urban gatherings. The analysis of Rio de Janeiro’s 2010 Carnival coverage shows a tendency to prioritize the scheduling of the mega event instead of the matters addressed in daily newspapers. This strategy seems to reinforce the idea that the city is prepared for future mega events.