Maternity Stories Lived on TV: the Role Of

testemunho noprograma:1)há umesforçoemminimizarosconflitospessoaise temunha daexperiêncianarrada.Aanálisebuscadestacarao menosdoisusosdo mas dasimagensque ancoramomomentodopartoetornamtelespectadortes- pelos testemunhosnatelevisão,nãoapenasapartirdorelato dospersonagens, Vindas, exibidopelocanalfechado GNT. Oobjetivoédiscutiropapelassumido lity showbrasileirodedicadoamostraronascimentodebebês: oprogramaBoas dessa questão que opresenteartigoseestrutura,tomandocomorecorteumrea- lespectador, posicionando-ocomoparceiroecúmplicedoque évivido?Éemtorno Resumo: Abstract: Fernanda Silva num testemunho opapeldo dematernidadevividasnaTV: Histórias in aBrazilianrealityshow lived theroleoftestimonyMaternity stories onTV: gmail.com 1 Keywords: testimony;lifehistories;motherhood;realityshow. mony worksasaway ofconstructingthesubjects’authenticityandexperiences. conflictsandvalueis anefforttominimizepersonal theirovercoming;2)testi- The analysisseekstohighlightatleasttwousesoftestimonyintheshow:1)there the momentofbirthandmakeviewerawitnessnarratedexperience. only fromtheaccountofcharactersinstories,butimagesthatanchor GNT. The aimistodiscusstheroleassumedbytestimonyontelevision,not the birth of babies: the program Boas Vindas, displayed by the paid channel structured, focusingspecificallyonaBrazilianrealityshowdedicatedtoshowing thetic withitasapartnerandaccomplice?Itisonthisissuethatarticle Universidade Federal deMinasGerais. Gerais,MG,Brasil.E-mail:fernandamauricio@ De que formamostrarumaexperiêncianatelevisãosolidarizaote- How toshowanexperienceontelevisionmakestheviewersympa- 1 comun. mídiaconsumo,sãopaulo,comun. v. 14, 39,p. n. 107-126, jan/abr. 2017 reality show brasileiro Doi 10.18568/cmc.v14i39.1177

ARTICLE maternity stories lived on tv lived on stories maternity comun. mídia consumo, são paulo, v. 14, n. 39, p. 107-126, jan/apr. 2017 14, n. 39, p. v. comun. mídia consumo, são paulo, valorizar sua superação; 2) o testemunho funciona como forma de construção de como forma de construção testemunho funciona superação; 2) o sua valorizar experiências. dos sujeitos e das autenticidade show maternidade; reality histórias de vida; testemunho; Palavras-chave: 108

ARTIGO credits ofthesoundbitesorreporters,whatmakesithardertoidentify. at: 2 I ampregnant”. will alwayshavesomeonewithme,apersonthatisgoing tobemine. onds) bringsbackXuxa’s pregnancyannouncement inaTVshow: “I daughter inavideoclip.ThefirstTVreport(twominutes and25sec- ones”, alivereportfromthematernity clinic andahomagetoXuxa’s news reportsaboutthebirthofheiress ofthe“queen oftheyoung about tobeborn. decoration ofSasha’saroundthebabythatwas roomandotherdetails viewers intenselyfollowed Xuxa’s hergrowing belly, expectations, the motherhood storybegins.Throughouthernine monthsofpregnancy, Luciano Szafir,unknown totheaudience sincethen,andthenher ing amother. In1997, Xuxabeganarelationshipwiththebusinessman relationships andthe hope nurtured by thepresenteroffinallybecom- TV viewers,fansofXuxaornot,followed throughthepressherlove throughout media dedicated tocovercelebrities'lives.For manyyears, and made clear her intention of having a child, which was widespread as modeland presenter ofTVshows for children.Xuxawasnotmarried Xuxa Meneghel,whosehistorywereconsolidatedaroundperformances aboutthebirthofSasha,daughterfamousTVpresenter to talk In July 1998,JornalNacional dedicated about10minutes ofitsschedule Introduction comun. mídiaconsumo, sãopaulo, v. 14,n.39,p. 107-126 , jan/apr.2017 throughout thesenine months,thereporthadobjectiveofshowing off ofthereporterwithtestimonies thatthepresentergavetomedia images, directorXuxaandParque. ofPlaneta Mixingthetextin recordings ofthelastshow beforethebirth,allregisteredinJoséMário’s We arealreadymarried”.Beyondtheseexcerpts,thereport bringsthe her partnerLuciano Szafir].[Cut.Xuxalooksatthecameraandsays:] There is a person that helped me get this dream come true [referring to The commentsmadeonthisstudyhave assourcetheNewsreportspostedonYouTube, available https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Up0IkRgOjEI (acessoem:15out.2015).Theydo nothave Sasha’s birthmadefourdifferent entrancesonJornalNacional: Two 2 Inanotherinterview, Xuxatells:“[rubbingherbelly] fernanda silva 109

ARTIGO , th 3 […] to have her in my arms is, without a doubt, the strongest feeling I […] to have her in my arms is, without I got her in my arms, I started singing know, have ever had in my life. You in her hand, another one with to her, she… She took one of my fingers the other, its… [sigh] it is… I have no words to describe it. maternity stories lived on tv lived on stories maternity The second news report (three minutes and 48 seconds), made by the seconds), made by and 48 minutes news report (three The second was a live re- by Jornal Nacional The third appearance about Sasha . Acessed in: Oct. 15 available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Up0IkRgOjEI Testimony 2015. comun. mídia consumo, são paulo, v. 14, n. 39, p. 107-126, jan/apr. 2017 14, n. 39, p. v. comun. mídia consumo, são paulo, 3 - the mater birth: How spoke about the actual Canellas, reporter Marcelo fans keeping vigil in front of the Xuxa, her prepared to receive clinic nity staff, second moment, birth, the medical etc. In this hospital, the child’s of the unpredictability of narrative aimed at showing the construction speech: “a as it's clear on the reporter’s overcoming, the event and its The umbil- cesarean had to be rescheduled. The last-hour misfortune. well”. neck. But everything went around Sasha’s ical cord got wrapped go Szafir, preparing himself to dad, Luciano the The news report shows Xuxa, the and into the operating room. However, in the surgical floor to have her dream child, does not appear in the celebrity that was going her with a hospital do not see we do gown, preparation for birth. We through only know, We the surgery. not have access to her fears before with a member of the medical the reporter's speech and by a soundbite staff,tells doctor the soundbite, another In well". went "everything that all “She [Xuxa] was conscious what happened in the operating room: her chest, she placed Sasha on the time. And when the pediatrician This was started did”. crying, crying, crying. She cried more than Sasha birth, that only appear in the child’s the only testimony we have about to takebath. the arms of a nurse her first Roberto Kovalic and 43 seconds) made by the reporter port (one minute Szafir talked Luciano about his feel- clinic. straight from the maternity ings when her daughter was born: the emotion and joy of being a mother and, most of all, the achievement all, the achievement and, most of a mother and joy of being the emotion of a dream. 110

ARTIGO expectations regardingexpectations the birthofherdaughter. Inthatcase,therewas her vulnerabilities to theaudience, she didabout herfearsand nottalk request with the reporter'snarration.Xuxa,celebrity, didn’t reveal being born.We onlyknow herinfirstbath,filmedbythemother’s did nothearSashacryingandXuxa’s emotion,wedid notseethebaby narrated byhermother,weweredeprivedfromthemoment ofbirth.We the birthofbabies.Itisnecessary, however, tonoticesomedifferences. ture and relation totheaudience having asthecentral objective toshow this, realityshows, especially thoserelatedtolifestyle,basetheir struc- broadcast journalism works with reality does not comprise a theme like its existenceandsocial legitimacy. Ifforapartoftheaudience theway other, morerecently, thesubjectfound initsown formatsaspacefor letters ofreaderspublishedbytheJornaldoBrasil: was stronglycriticized, especially bytheaudience, aswecanseeinthe compilation ofimagesherupcoming show. finish, JornalNacional, byXuxa’s request, showed avideoclipwith around theemotionsthatbabyhadawaken intheir parents.To around fatherhood.Allthetestimonyandperformancerevolved comun. mídiaconsumo, sãopaulo, v. 14,n.39,p. 107-126 , jan/apr.2017 Although we have, as TV viewers, followed the path toSasha’s birth If ontheotherhandeventwasconsideredafutility, onthe At thetime,visibilitythatJornalNacional gavetothegirl’s birth The objectiveherewastoget,inthefather’s testimony, thefeelings I can’t take itanymore!Heeeeelp…(XUXA&XAXA,JulyI can’ttake 29 Sudan? else? [...]Whydidn’tonthehungerin anyonelendXuxaaVHStape have tobetreatedlikeademigod ifshewasconceived justlikeeveryone I can’tbeartohearaboutXuxa’s childanymore!!!Whydoesthis sion infacing herpregnancyastheeventofcentury. everyone andevenkissedbyadulatorseverywhere.Anundisclosed obses- cold weather)wasimposedtousassomethingbeadored,idolizedby all humblelady, whosebelly, extensively showing (sometimes, evenin [...] Itisalmostasubservientattitudeofjournalismworkingtothisnotat Maybe it wouldwake her up a littleand stop with this nonsense? fernanda silva th 1998). 111

ARTIGO maternity stories lived on tv lived on stories maternity In reality shows, as it is common on the genre, there are common the genre, there it is common on as shows, In reality study has as the objective to reflect upon this form of The following comun. mídia consumo, são paulo, v. 14, n. 39, p. 107-126, jan/apr. 2017 14, n. 39, p. v. comun. mídia consumo, são paulo, people that become celebrities when bringing to television the story of to television the when bringing become celebrities people that not book celebrities, common people do lives. Differently from their and child's birth (as Xuxa did), for their clinic the floor of the maternity that is the pain and suffering. And vulnerabilities, they do reveal their These shows shared with the audience. of these testimonies authenticity First, the nar- the testimony of two modalities: are structured around until the baby’s tone of the story of the parents rative in a confessional any that rejects the birth, of visual narrative the secondly, and, arrival the narrative, are enough to legitimize of the event: Images mediation story and, therefore, own the viewer into an eye witness of their turning happiness. an accomplice of their of the viewer. implications on summoning testimony on TV and their sympathetic an experience on television makes the viewer to show How the that question this around It is accomplice? and partner a it as with on dedicated on a reality show present article is structured, focusing a on GNT, broadcast Vindas, Boas TV show the births: baby’s showing with a schedule based on cook- paid channel which focus on lifestyle debate programs and interviews, TV series and reality shows, ing shows, The life of common people is present in a majority of in its majority. objective of sharing problems and the schedule of the channel with the to cook (Que Mar- common people learn how That way, solutions. their e Santa homes (Decora their Ajuda) ravilha!), renovate and organize meal (Socorro! children a balanced, healthy to feed their learn how a whole mediatic circus around the birth of a celebrity baby, but her a celebrity baby, the birth of around circus mediatic a whole viewers. private from the the world was kept arrival to get a Festa), throw parties (Fazendo Meu filho Come Mal), learn how to want to de Arroz). With this schedule, GNT seem to married (Chuva possible conflicts of minimizing capable that makes it assume a posture it is possible to live a happy, how personal life, showing of the viewer’s 112

ARTIGO ingly signuptoparticipate ontheshow andtelltheir lifestories. and quality oflife. ery Home andHealth, channel that is also focused on lifestyle, health Per Minute andIdidn’t know Iwaspregnant,shown inBrazilbyDiscov- focus is the birth of babies, as it is the case of shows such as One Born episodes. Itdialogues withatrendofthe internationalschedulewhose cast: theoneverballynarrated (throughthefamily’s interview)andthe gives onthetwotestimonydimensionsthroughout thebroad- juxtaposed The TVshow BoasVindas isontheir 8 ofreality as aneffect the testimony testimonies”: honest and real “Emotional, the privatelife. viewer lookingforquality oflifeandanaccomplicethechallenges building healthyrelationships.Thechannelis,thus,apartnerofthe referred toit,being placedinthemostintimatepartofpeople’s lives, balanced life.Apartoftheshows arefilmedintopeople’s homesoris comun. mídiaconsumo, sãopaulo, v. 14,n.39,p. 107-126 , jan/apr.2017 Dec. 16 at: 5 Available 4 the viewers: page oftheprogramonInternetanticipates apartofthispromise to The analysisofthisstudyisreferred to theepisodesof6thseason,broadcastinyear2014. Boas Vindas show, in its 30 minutes, the story of two families that will- In thisexcerpt,itispossibletoperceive theemphasisthatshow of achild.(ourhighlights) ate way, with honest testimonies of a family that is reborn with the arrival cameras. Thedaytolifeofamaternity clinic captured in anaffection- preparation forthelabor,birtharesomemomentsregistered bythe and sadnesslivedinaunique moment.Thearrivalatthematernity, the ponents, socialclassesandtraditions. clinics beforeandafterbirthwillbringstoriesoffamilies withdifferentcom- birth ofachild.Emocionalandrealtestimoniesrecordedinmaternity dayofsomanypeople’sThe seriesfollow themostimportant lives: th , 2015. http://gnt.globo.com/programas/boas-vindas/episodios.html#pag=5. Accessedin: 5 You willfollowtheapprehension,joy th season,eachonehaving13 fernanda silva 113 4 The

ARTIGO The re- 6 7 , the testimony narrated 8 […] to supply the visualization (hillarious, touching, inspirational) of “the […] to supply the visualization (hillarious, spontaneous” authentic” emotions of “real” people behavior and “the as actors, say- professionally that are not acting - that is, of individuals ing lines and taking on a script created by TV channels based decisions (FREIRE FILHO, 2011, p. 115). maternity stories lived on tv lived on stories maternity In the case of programs focused on lifestyle In the case of programs focused on Considering that other TV genre are also based on reality, in this in this reality, other TV genre are also based on Considering that Reporter Esso, a historic TV and radio show from show Reporter Esso, a historic TV and radio of It is interesting to remember the slogan In October, 2015, french and brazilian researchers gathered on the 2nd International Seminary that work as games offering prizes, what is at stakeDifferent from reality shows on lifestyle shows by the subjects creates a dimension on something that is happening in is happening that on something dimension a creates the subjects by process the of accomplice an is viewer the Therefore, broadcast. the comun. mídia consumo, são paulo, v. 14, n. 39, p. 107-126, jan/apr. 2017 14, n. 39, p. v. comun. mídia consumo, são paulo, 6 Brazil, was “eye witness for history”. 7 Identi- the theme “Eyewitness, Media, (UFBA) to discuss Studies Television of French-Brazilian on journalism, whether they were a problem or a was about testimonies of the discussion ty”. Part cut-out.. 8 growth body or home) which promotes an individual is the transformation in one's life (on their and/or the resolution of a problem. one told visually (what we see, what the camera shows). That way, each That way, shows). see, what the camera visually (what we one told testimony own their constitute they share this experience, when family, the when using the show, the other hand, of a kind. On that is one as an constitutes the viewer it strategy, as a communicative testimony that, in the national narrated experience, dimension “eyewitness” of the journalism. attributed to broadcast is frequently bibliography, 114 lation between testimony and journalism, we believe, is related to the and journalism, we believe, lation between testimony - The recon reality. effect of the to create narrative of the authentication is constituted in through a verbal or visual narrative struction of events why the testimony has been the and that is veracity, an evidence of its of many researches in journalism. object of analysis study, we seek to expand the discussions on the field of broadcast jour- on the field of broadcast to expand the discussions we seek study, with relation its and television on reality the about think to nalism our object genre that comprises the case of reality shows, It is testimony. (2011), even though the label real- Filho to Freire of analysis. According are they programs, of group heterogeneous very a to applied is show ity by a common promise: unified

ARTIGO the birth. Vindas seektoexplorethe difficulties facedbycouplesbeforeorduring Boas the couple. In episode 10, entitled “Not everything is a fairy tale”, difficulty thatoccurredalongthewayandimplicationsofto aboutsome the pregnancyannouncement.Sometimes,show talks they met,thebeginning oftheir relationshipupuntiltheir marriageand aboutthe generalscenario. talk specialists appeartocommentonthecasethatisbeing shown, notto the show resorttospecialists todealwiththetheme,andevenso, on thechildthatisabouttobeborn.Therearerare moments inwhich tions –father,mother,grandmother,uncle,godmother -,whichfocus are fromthechild’s relativespresented to theviewerinitsfamily func- pregnancy untilshehadabigscare").From this,thevoices thatappear many insecurities with her pregnancy", "Fernanda enjoyed calmly her queue forpossibleconflicts("becauseshe triedforsolong,Rosanahad and, sometimes,throughouttheshow toconductthenarrative,leaving year, morethanamillion babiesareborn");beforeandafterthebreak; sentencetointroducetheepisodecharacters("Every somewhat standard is restricted to specific moments: in the opening of the program, with a gether throughout the broadcast. The narrator’s voice rarely appears and legitimacy tothegenre,according towhat wearegoing todiscuss. lived byanyperson.Authenticity, therefore,isavaluethat attributes information supplied by specialists for the authenticity of experiences an exampleforothers.Stillaccording to author,thetestimonyreplaces because ofthat,canbeanexamplemorebroadquestions andbe play, thefeelingthatcanbetoldbysomeone wholivedasituationand, and, hence,hastheauthoritytotellothers,orputexperienceinto mony canvalidatethenarrativeofsomeonewhowitnessedevent see" (JOST, 2003,p.62).According toFrançois Jost(2003),thetesti- it isa“constructionoftheeyewitnessthatfoundsimageswe of transformation–theweight loss,thehouserenovation,etc–since comun. mídiaconsumo, sãopaulo, v. 14,n.39,p. 107-126 , jan/apr.2017 In thefirstpartofprogram,coupletells audience how Boas Vindas hasthe mediationofanarratorthattiesthecasesto- fernanda silva 115

ARTIGO Mother: It is a complete change, because you are not desiring it… It isn’t Ev- that: like be should things think don't also I Because planned. even erything calculated and all. perfect, let's That’s it wasn’t like: “are you pregnant? Wow! Yeah, Father: have a family”. Narrator: Carolina have always wanted to be a mother and it seemed that and it seemed wanted to be a mother Carolina have always Narrator: the first try. would come true in her dream I only thought that We a mother. of being always dreamed Mother: I’ve taking I stopped my birth control quickly. get pregnant that would not first excited, I was pregnant. And everyone was very pills and 15 days later in the a lot of euphoria. And then, of my family, child, first grandchild the for I went When heartbeat. the little hear we could ultrasound, first that his little heart wasn't beating anymore. we saw second appointment, is very difficult that I had him dead inside of me. It There was two weeks to talk the same time. it because you feel anger and sadness at about An obstacle, path. to us, is only a different difficulty. There is no Father: 6, episode 10). (BOAS VINDAS, season maternity stories lived on tv lived on stories maternity The story is followed by scenes of the couple giving their testimony by scenes of the couple giving their The story is followed cases of Boas Vindas as an example: In the first, the see two Let’s comun. mídia consumo, são paulo, v. 14, n. 39, p. 107-126, jan/apr. 2017 14, n. 39, p. v. comun. mídia consumo, são paulo, 116 along with images showing their love and affection - kisses, hugs - sup- love and affection their along with images showing posedly captured as spontaneous.is an effort of It is clear that there acceptable people's life story to be more of transforming for the show that, it is necessary to act moments the viewer, even if, in order to do the experience. After showing their of intimacy of the couple narrating goes on talking relationship, the show of the about the baby’s steadiness and intensifying the feelings lived by the couple, be- birth, publicizing Therefore, even though there are life story. the peak of their coming are always the feelings of the show in society, of family models different positive. that – brings the story of two families family” “Suddenly, – entitled show about but, when it happened, were excited pregnancy, not plan the did Lívia and Thiago The young couple member. the arrival of a new family them even more. told that the early pregnancy united

ARTIGO ticipants' performance,alongwiththeimages and narrativebroadcast. rounding the child. showing hasconflictssurpassedbyloveandcomplicity ofpeoplesur- and authentic.The“realme"thattheshow intendson spontaneous overcoming life’s obstacles.In this sense, the self-narrative must seem reflects aboutsocialquestions, butitputsdifferentstoriesasamodelfor moment ofovercoming allstruggle.BoasVindas isnotashowthat of birthoreveninthebackgroundstory, themomentofbirthis fact ofbecoming asolo mom,Ericasaid: struggles andformafamily composedbybrothersandfriends.Onthe before gettingpregnant and thenewsmadeherovercome her emotional arise forbeing single canbeovercome.Éricasufferedfromdepression comun. mídiaconsumo, sãopaulo, v. 14,n.39,p. 107-126 , jan/apr.2017 The senseofauthenticity canbeperceived andspontaneity bythepar- Therefore, even though the TV show reveals struggles in the process Erica’s testimony, inturn,highlightsthatanydifficulties thatmay 6, episode01). someone besideyou,mommy, daddyandchild(BOASVINDAS,season No. Thereareotherwaysofhavingachildwithoutnecessarily be asinglemother. Whatnow? How isitgoing tobefromnow on?”. know? Heisaware thatitishisloss.Therenosuchdrama:“Oh,Iwill sible tobeangryatapersonthatgivesyougift,babylikethis, Mother: I cannot be angry [at the children's father] because it is impos- isode 1). Mother: We wanted to be mom and dad (BOAS VINDAS, season 6, ep- Father: Everythingchanged.From thatdayon,wewerestoked. heartbeat… you know? Too much responsibility. But when we heard the baby’s Mother: Iusedtohavealotoffearaboutputtingsomeoneintheworld, children". Father: Yeah, aboutchildren:“Oh,Idon’twanttohave wealreadytalked Mother: Itwasn’tourplan. fernanda silva 117

ARTIGO maternity stories lived on tv lived on stories maternity François Jost, when talkingwhen Jost, “first the that says world”, “real the about François the pleasure that the viewers Filho (2009), João Freire to According comun. mídia consumo, são paulo, v. 14, n. 39, p. 107-126, jan/apr. 2017 14, n. 39, p. v. comun. mídia consumo, são paulo, reflection of the viewer is to determine whether the images speak to our reflection of the viewer is to determine 2003, p. has of this world" (JOST, world. Whatever the idea the viewer 42). Because of that is that the spontaneity emerges as a criterion for val- an attempt of getting in of television testimonies, idation of authenticity closer to the day do day practices. the show of honesty and spon- consists on seeking points have on reality shows the television scene. in taneityof the individuals in the performance Filho talks to whom the according about the work of Adrejevic, Freire in the pleasure of peek into are not measurement of value of these shows According to Erving Goffman (2005), meetings between individuals in in individuals between (2005), meetings to Erving Goffman According way specific a that denote operations basic by marked life are everyday certain share ba- Because of that, individuals in this situation. of acting supplied that can be another, information about one sic information that, Goffman says the interaction. As consequence, before or during are they are in contactevery time, when each other, individuals with is the belief and what is different of an audience, playing a role in front or the belief the belief of the interlocutor role, either they have on that per- between When there is a coincidence of the speaker in themselves. attitudes and the on interlocutors other belief of the and belief sonal calls the author is what happens what an individual, by spoken words in many situations. behavior of an individual’s façade, that is, a pattern a set of actions that characterize The façade represents the “real me”, participants that the other and, because of that, allows the individual, It is that correspondence between the to act before him/her. how know the belief that the others have about impression you want to create and speaker, the of attitudes the and me” “real the between interlocutor, the spheres are not When these to the individual. that gives authenticity consequence, and as of fakeness, the impression there is corresponding, the effort Then there is of the individual. there is a lack of credibility when the in making life stories seem authentic, especially of TV shows of reality. anchored on a dimension are shows 118

ARTIGO the subjects'movements. preferably varyfromthemedium totheclosed-upshotinorder show when theyarelivingtheir experience:becauseofthat,theseframings induce the viewer to look for the expressive aspects the subjects imply in thismomentas an accomplice.The framings ofthecamera seek to which weshareasviewers. this achievement, because of that it is necessary to show with details Hence the moment of birth implicates the achievement of this dream, labor, thedreamofhavingagirl/boy, thedreamofhavingabigfamily. the dreamofbecoming afather/mother,thedreamofhavingnormal and their overcoming. Alotoftheprogramissurroundedonadream: experiences isbuiltonthevisibilityBoasVindasgivestostruggles – as it was done in case of Xuxa. The authenticity of the stories and bellishment orreducing the“televisionintervention”aboutevent not hide their bodies, as if the show wanted to show reality without em- the narrator,charactersdonothidetheir vulnerability, womendo the trueevent.Theshow elongates thelaborpainsthroughvoice of for thebaby’s birth,ontheother,images ofthebirthseektocreate story seekstoberevealedwithoutconflictscreatethisfavorablemood comun. mídiaconsumo, sãopaulo, v. 14,n.39,p. 107-126 , jan/apr.2017 screen thatbuildsthepleasureofreceptionintheseshows. manifested anditis in thisattributionofveracity intheroleplayedon 2009, p.7).Itisinmomentsofemotionalfrailtythatthe“realme” glimpses (notscriptedorplanned)ofthesubjective"(FREIREFILHO, is apathologyofourcontemporarysociety), butseekingforobjective someone else’s life(typical conception ofauthorsthatsayvoyeurism When it shows the labor room, the show is also inserting the viewer On BoasVindas,if,ononehand,thenarrativeofbackground 11). and adistinctive imagetruetoourown self(FREIREFILHO,2009,p. ofelaboratingauthenticity,tions, totheimportance ofsettinganidentity We aresensitized,throughnarrativesandemotionallypersuasiveexplana- fernanda silva 119

ARTIGO Images hospitalSign on the saying “Operation Admission Room” Maternal-fetal ITU. of natural childbirth”. Rooms nursery team mas- Member of the medical Horizontal baby. saging the newborn the father, who framing until panoramic crying. Zoom in watched the procedure on the father. - foreground, receiv in the The baby, member of the ing a massage from the the background, the team. In medical watches the mother, lying over a gurney, procedure. crying. Close-up on the father crying. Close-up on the father Close-up on the father giving the interview after what happened. his to baby the crying gives nurse The father; in the background, the mother, watches the moment. still lying down, turns his back to the cam- [cut] Father her to give wife to his over and walks era him in a The camera follows the baby. shot. sequence maternity stories lived on tv lived on stories maternity This sequence had 53 seconds of duration and intended to show not had 53 seconds of duration and intended to show This sequence Verbal text Verbal [Instrumental music of suspense] [Instrumental music baby was born, but Narrator [off]: Thaís’ he hasn’t cried yet. suspense] [Instrumental of music [Baby starts crying] mo- only the was it think I [off]: Father I want ment I cried, that I said: “Oh wow, to see my child ok”. My relief came in the moment my son took his first breath. “My son is ok, man, my son is Father: ok”. [Baby soundtrack] [looking at the child]: “Welcome, Father to be my are always going my son. You son”. comun. mídia consumo, são paulo, v. 14, n. 39, p. 107-126, jan/apr. 2017 14, n. 39, p. v. comun. mídia consumo, são paulo, Verbal and visual narrative at the moment of labor. Source: My own My own Source: and visual narrative at the moment of labor. 1. Verbal Table making 120 only the labor, but the moment of vulnerability that happened, with the only the labor, but the moment of vulnerability voice begun with the narrator’s vital The sequence low signs of the baby. talking since it was after the images of another about what happened, events in of the father sews together the After that, only the voice family. Boas Vindas usually puts room. When the labor happens, the maternity

ARTIGO few momentsinwhichmembersofthemedical speakasexperts: staff stetrician) comes onlytoconfirm what is said byher. Thisisoneofthe her wishofhavingavaginalbirthandthevoice ofthespecialist (theob- about on thesixthseasonofBoasVindas.ThecharacterAndréatalks lived experiences.Itisthecaseofepisode“Semprecabemaisum”, of thegenre,thesetypesinformationcomebypersonaltestimonies of of anesthetic,overcoming individual struggle,etc.).However, astypical information abouttheprocessoflabor(typelabor,waterbirth,type plays aroleofhelpingpeoplelivingsimilar situationsorevengiving By centeringtheprogramonsharingpersonalexperiences,BoasVindas experiences asaway ofinformation “Now Iamgoingtoread,getinformed”:Sharing between thecharactersonscreenandtheir viewers. way theyspeak–seekstopromoteastrongidentificationandintimacy here isformulated bythepersonherself, withtheir languageandthe ment, whatsuggeststhatthelinkbetweenimageandverbaltext– directing what we see in the images with the feelings lived in that mo- took thebabyinhisarms,aftercried. feelings oflove.Inthisepisode,songjustenteredwhenthefather about the "babysong".Thesoundtrackisusuallyacalmsongthattalks thebabyforfirsttime,asif itwas a soundtrackforwhentheytake comun. mídiaconsumo, sãopaulo, v. 14,n.39,p. 107-126 , jan/apr.2017 The relatives build the momentof birth in their personal narratives, Two weeks before,shesaidwouldchangedoctors.Ok.Itisher rightto kept thesabeobstetrician, and, according toher itwouldbeacesarean. Grandmother: She saidshewanted the natural[birth] so badly, butshe informed”: Andthen,in38weeks,Isaid:“Baby, let’s tryanotherdoctor”. pregnancy, whenIfoundout,said:“No.“Now Iamgoing toread,get stetrician] willtry, Ihope…”trusted.Itdidn’t workout.Andinthethird and itdidn’t workout.Inthesecondpregnancy, Isaid:“Oh,she[theob- pregnancy. Butinthefirstonetherewasaconfusiononsomeprocedures Mother: Ialwayswantedtohavevaginal,naturalchildbirth. Sincemyfirst fernanda silva 121

ARTIGO (obstetrician): The bigger risk is that uterus rupture ex- The (obstetrician): 9

10 actly where there is a scar (or scars) of a previous cesarean. But here we a scar (or scars) of a previous cesarean. actly where there is are talking a spontaneous about (BOAS VINDAS, season 6, delivery […] episode 4). have a normal delivery. Could it have consequences to her? I don’t know. don’t know. to her? I consequences Could it have delivery. have a normal child. of their feel the impact We So, it is worrying. doctor. I’m not a baby. dangerous for the if it would be the end I felt worried Mother: Until a impossible having almost It is that: is exactly people say what Because risk, of a too big is that two cesareans, or having one after delivery vaginal cesarian, even. bigger than another Bernadette Dr. maternity stories lived on tv lived on stories maternity As we already discussed previously, the testimony can give private life the testimony can give private previously, As we already discussed This case is beneficial given the high percentageThis case is beneficial of cesareans In Brazil, there’s a movement getting stronger that aims at raising awareness on the various a movement getting stronger that aims at raising awareness In Brazil, there’s

Dra. Bernadette appears as an obstetrician for many character of the show. Dra. Bernadette appears as an obstetrician 9 10 intervention a patient to accept medical forms of obstetric violence, which constitutes as forcing risk. when there is no diagnosed 122 a dimension that surpasses voyeurism, but allows a reflection on broader a reflection surpasses voyeurism, but allows that a dimension base ar- To through the experiences of these people. questions social guments having as a starting an everyday situation and to awake point characters – supposedly "people like common interests between the TV testimony of the mediatized us” – and the viewers are other attributions to ex- 2011). Another function is giving meaning on television (SILVA, reality the that believe We narrative. own their through lived periences experience as an experi- their of TV “works for the reader to interpret (MEAD, 1926, to which they belong” ence shared by the community p. 390). George Mead's statement and its social applies to journalism of uniting and reaches a dimension role, that goes beyond information other that believe we that, Despite interests. same the around people can also play that role, which is ways of dealing with reality in television confirmed by the television critic Artur de Távola when he says that the performed in Brazil, especially in private hospitals. For the women in private hospitals. especially performed in Brazil, For to their Boas Vindas gives voice that choose vaginal birth, the show testimony. comun. mídia consumo, são paulo, v. 14, n. 39, p. 107-126, jan/apr. 2017 14, n. 39, p. v. comun. mídia consumo, são paulo,

ARTIGO STONE; LUNT, 1994,p.83). learn somethingaboutthesocial worldthroughtheseshows” (LIVING- rearrange everyday practices through testimonies; “Some think they can roots linked to the exposure of the private life of common people – can show viewers–anothergenrethathasits (1994), whichshow thattalk characteristic washighlightedbySonia LivingstoneandPeter Lunt aboutthemselves.Such listening andwatching anotherpersontalking build. Atthesametime,viewerislocatedaroundpleasureof perience tostrengthentheir bondsofintimacythattheshow intendsto rival ofababy. Thedifferences areintheformat–Jornal Nacional tells lies on the preparation of the family and the emotions lived with the ar- Sasha’s birth and whatisdoneonBoasVindas:Onbothcases,the focus content ofthecoveragemade byJornalNacional ofthemomentsbefore It ispossibletonoticethattherearenotmuch evidentdifferences onthe Final considerations everything wouldbehopeless"(TÁVOLA,Dec.22 of solidarityandlovemust begrowing (anditis,Iknow that),otherwise drama of reality surpasses fiction and everyone participates, a new form of dramaticimagesbuildanemotionalbondamongviewers:“Whenthe simultaneous characterofTVreception,and,especially, thereception comun. mídiaconsumo, sãopaulo, v. 14,n.39,p. 107-126 , jan/apr.2017 When they narrate themselves, Boas Vindas characters use their ex- simple factofbeing sharedwithothers(SILVA, 2011,p.328-329). the imagerythatgeneratesafeelingofappreciation and pleasure bythe perception of a “real” world and the socialization of individuals through others. Itisthesemeanings that,according toMead(1926),allow the and thewayhe/shecangivemeaning toexperiencesandshareitwith the emotion,thatismanifested bywhatislivedthecommonperson story of personal experiences capture the viewer by the sensitivity and by about somethingnew, butofapersonthatsharesthesameworld.The the viewertooccupyaplacenotasmuch ofapersonwhowantstolearn and shareitthroughthefeelingsconveys.Personal testimonies invite To beawitness,therefore,isnotonlytowitnessanevent,butliveit nd , 1972). fernanda silva 123

ARTIGO A part of these spaces is formed by mothers that simply share their that simply share their A part of these spaces is formed by mothers 11 maternity stories lived on tv lived on stories maternity TV shows like Boas Vindas suggest the existence of conditions that suggest the existence of conditions like Boas Vindas TV shows is structured around the diversity of families – young – young of families is structured around the diversity Boas Vindas , besides special magazines websites, such Maternar, Dona Mamãe, Mamatraca, A Mãe Coruja, besides special comun. mídia consumo, são paulo, v. 14, n. 39, p. 107-126, jan/apr. 2017 14, n. 39, p. v. comun. mídia consumo, são paulo, 11 e Filhos, are some of them. as Crescer e Pais allow their legitimacy on the television schedule through a dimension schedule through a dimension legitimacy on the television their allow demonstrate trans- of the delivery of Sasha, which of nonexistent sharing expectationsthe on formations television. of role the about society of of the absence of newsworthiness of the audience, The perception, desire of contrasts with the in the end of the 90’s pregnancy of Xuxa’s common people’s of the story of watching and participating knowing, outside the environment of television. It lives, tendency that is shown the variety of channels of information (blogs is noticeable, nowadays, child rearing, among other sub- and websites) about maternity/paternity, jects. the story with the mediation of renowned reporters, while Boas Vindas while Boas Vindas reporters, of renowned with the mediation the story and, espe- involved – to the characters the narrative authority delegate the first case, silencing delivery itself - on approach of the on the cially, detailing. case, visibility and on the second and absence; of In the birth renowned the around revolves coverage the of conduction the Sasha, of the story is in the case of Boas Vindas, the center celebrity – Xuxa; struggles. their common people and 124 everyday experiences with the intention of helping other moms with everyday experiences with the intention “Pregnancy Boas Vindas' website has a section called dilemmas. their child devel- with information on types of birth, Period” and Post-Partum women for pregnant recommended diets opment during the pregnancy, Even though there the delivery. and when to go back to the routine after (psychologists, educationalists, doctors) they also identify are specialists layer of the expert humanized as mothers or fathers, creating a more are looking for in- with common people that and a proximity knowledge from is dislocated of authenticity formation. The construction of a sense for the lived experience. the distanced testimony of reporters couples, experienced couples, homosexual couples, single women -, but context. It is whose conflicts are lived and overcome in an individual

ARTIGO success. because thecontextthatsurroundsthemarealwaysfavorabletotheir implying thatthischildhadjustbornmayhaveabrilliantfuture, the duration of the program, everything is built in an uplifting mood, an unwantedpregnancy, amiscarriage, acouple’s divorce. Throughout domestic relationshipsandreducestheambiguitythatmaycomefrom and shows achild’s birth,theshow confirmsthestrengthofindividual place forexperiencesthatwillstillbebuilt.Whenitnarrateslifestories das, isrelatedtothehome,whichstrengthenandbecomesaprivileged lic debate.Londres:NovaYork: Routledge,1994. LIVINGSTONE, S.M.;LUNT, P. Talk onTelevision : audience participation andpub- 2003. JOST, F. Latélévisionduquotidien. Entreréalitéetfiction.Paris: DeBoeckUniversité, GOFFMAN, E.ARepresentaçãodoEunaVida Cotidiana . Petrópolis: Vozes, 2005. Acessoem:jan.2010. org.br/data/biblioteca_1077.pdf. ciabilidade”. BeloHorizonte:PUC-MG, jun.2009.Disponívelem:http://www.compos. In: XVIIIENCONTRODACOMPÓS.Texto noGT“Comunicação apresentado eSo- televisivas. FREIRE FILHO,J.Avidaprivada,modosdeusar:revelaçõese restaurações et télévision.Paris: DeBoeck,2006.p.165-184. DAYAN, D.Quandmontrerc’estfaire.In:______.(Ed.).Laterreurspetacle . Terrorisme Janeiro: Rocco,1997. DAMATTA, R. References about thestreetandhome: says torememberwhattheanthropologistRobertodaMatta important comun. mídiaconsumo, sãopaulo, v. 14,n.39,p. 107-126 , jan/apr.2017 Certainly, asitwasinXuxa’s case,thetheme thatisaroundBoasVin- 1997, p.9). it wasa“bigfamily” livingunderawideandgenerousroof(DAMATTA, street [withourproblems]tohome,treatingtheBraziliansociety asif Facing someproblemsandrelations[we,Brazilians]prefertoincludethe A Casa & a Rua: espaço, cidadania, mulher e morte no Brasil. Rio de fernanda silva 125

ARTIGO , 22 dez. 1972. dez. 1972. 22 Globo, O maternity stories lived on tv lived on stories maternity On the author University Culture by the Federal and Contemporary PhD on Communication - Uni of the Federal of Communication of Bahia. Professor of the Department course of Journalism on the Federal versity of Minas Gerais. Professor of the of Minas Gerais. University comun. mídia consumo, são paulo, v. 14, n. 39, p. 107-126, jan/apr. 2017 14, n. 39, p. v. comun. mídia consumo, são paulo, Date of submission: 06/10/2016 Date of submission: Date of acceptance: 02/09/2017 , v. 36, , v. of Ethics Journal experience. International The nature of aesthetics MEAD, G. 1926. n. 4, p. 382-393, no tele- pessoais testemunhos dos papel o privada: vida a M. Reposicionando F. SILVA, n. 1, p. 319-331, 2011. 14, v. Revista EcoPós, Rio de Janeiro, jornalismo. tragédia. na agora imagem, a Ainda da. A. TÁVOLA, - Disponível em: http://www.tv-pesquisa.com.pucrio.br/mostraregistro.asp?CodRegistro 2013. Acesso em: 19 abr. =50952&PageNo=1. em: http://www.tv-pesquisa. , 29 jul. 1998. Disponível do Brasil XUXA & XAXA. Jornal Acesso em: 13 out. com.puc-rio.br/mostraregistro.asp?CodRegistro=38966&PageNo=3. 2015. 126

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