Comunidades russas no Brasil : das (in)visibilidades da tradição às interações midiáticas contemporâneas

Abstract

This thesis explores the dynamics of Russian communities in Brazil, specifically in Campina das Missões, Rio Grande do Sul, and Primavera do Leste, Mato Grosso, observing their interaction with the media and how it has impacted their cultural traditions and identities. It emphasizes that tradition and identity are not fixed but constantly changing due to globalization and media influences, allowing these communities new forms of interaction and sharing of their cultural practices, particularly the dissemination of information about Russian culture through online platforms, such as social media, which have become a means of redefinition and valorization of their traditions. Within these new dynamics, there is a complex process of cultural identity in these communities, facing internal conflicts between the more traditional members who value ancient practices and others who seek to adapt to cultural changes and incorporate elements from other cultures. The media are seen as important tools to project and propagate their cultural expressions, making them more visible to other communities and individuals interested in learning about Russian culture, thus making media interaction relevant in the construction of contemporary identities and traditions. In other words, media play a central role in the recognition and visibility of cultural identities, expanding possibilities for connection with the globalized world. To examine these issues, this study adopts the procedures of netnography, which involves participant observation and online data collection through media platforms and other relevant sources. The research is comparative, seeking to analyze the differences and similarities between the Russian communities in each locality, consolidated through a dialogue with various authors addressing postmodernity and its influences on cultural and identity transformations, highlighting the importance of media and consumer culture in contemporary society. Thus, the thesis proposes a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between tradition, identity, and media in Russian communities in Brazil, aiming to understand how media interactions have impacted their cultural and identity dynamics, considering the constant negotiation between preserving traditions and incorporating new cultural practices influenced by globalization and interactive media. The results obtained so far indicate that the Russian communities of Campina das Missões, RS, and Primavera do Leste, MT, highlight the importance of media in the construction of their identity and visibility. While the Campina das Missões community is more open to social relations and media interactions, redefining its traditions through the use of media and sharing its cultural practices, the Primavera do Leste community seeks to remain more secluded, preserving its religiosity and traditions, with limited access to media. Both groups have adapted to technological changes and innovations, influencing their cultural practices and identities.