Parque Industrial
Tom Zé
The Satirical Critique of Industrialization in 'Parque Industrial'
Tom Zé's song 'Parque Industrial' is a satirical commentary on the rapid industrialization and commercialization of Brazil during the 1960s and 1970s. The repetitive phrase 'made, made, made in Brazil' underscores the mass production and consumerism that were becoming prevalent in Brazilian society. The song critiques how industrial progress is often celebrated as a form of national redemption, yet it comes at the cost of authenticity and cultural richness.
The lyrics 'Retocai o céu de anil, Bandeirolas no cordão, Grande festa em toda a nação' evoke a sense of artificial celebration, where the sky is retouched and decorations are put up to create an illusion of progress and happiness. This imagery suggests that the advancements are superficial and do not address deeper societal issues. The mention of 'garotas-propaganda' and 'aeromoças' highlights how women are often used as symbols of modernity and progress, yet their roles are confined to superficial representations.
Tom Zé also touches on the commodification of emotions and morality. The lines 'Pois, temos o sorriso engarrafado, Já vem pronto e tabelado' and 'A revista moralista, Traz uma lista, Dos pecados da vedete' illustrate how even human emotions and moral judgments are packaged and sold. This commodification reduces complex human experiences to simple, consumable products. The song's repetitive structure and catchy melody contrast sharply with its critical message, making it a powerful piece of social commentary.
Overall, 'Parque Industrial' serves as a poignant critique of the industrial and commercial forces shaping Brazilian society, questioning the true cost of progress and modernization.