Os Bonitin, Tão Virando Viadin
Gorila e Preto
A Satirical Take on Masculinity and Self-Image
The song 'Os Bonitin, Tão Virando Viadin' by Gorila e Preto is a satirical commentary on modern masculinity and self-image. The lyrics mock men who are overly concerned with their appearance, suggesting that their preoccupation with grooming and self-admiration is leading them to become effeminate or homosexual. The repeated phrase 'Os bonitin, tão virando viadin' translates to 'The pretty boys are turning gay,' which is used to ridicule those who prioritize their looks over traditional masculine traits.
The song's narrative is set in Penha, a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, and it addresses the local youth, particularly those who are seen as 'bonitin' or 'pretty boys.' The artist criticizes these individuals for their vanity, implying that their behavior is not only unmanly but also socially unacceptable. The lyrics suggest that these men are so absorbed in their own reflection that they might as well start admiring other men, which the artist finds 'chato' or annoying.
Gorila e Preto use humor and exaggeration to convey their message, creating a caricature of the 'bonitin' who spends too much time on personal grooming. The song reflects a broader cultural critique of changing gender norms and the tension between traditional and modern conceptions of masculinity. By declaring 'Ainda bem que eu sou estranho,' or 'Luckily, I'm strange,' the artist distances himself from the 'bonitin,' positioning himself as a more authentic and traditionally masculine figure.