Sex, Soccer and Samba: Portraits of Brazil in US Sitcoms
Louise Elali

Abstract
In a contemporary world dominated by communication and information, it is hard to deny that, for a nation, the way it is portrayed in the media influences how the international community perceives it. Considering television as the primary source of information and entertainment in a large part of the world, this study examines how Brazil is seen through the lenses of US-produced sitcoms. Episodes featuring an allusion to the country are classified by type of content (image, dialogue, soundtrack or storyline), text (the exact word or image that refers to Brazil), context (what ideas are associated to the reference), and subtext (the value connected to that reference). The study finds that, although sitcoms portray Brazil in a mostly positive light, many of the stereotypes traditionally associated with the country are still being disseminated.

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