Representações da identidade do Tocantins na literatura e na imprensa (1989-2002)

Abstract

Formerly known as the northern region of the state of Goiás, Tocantins was instituted as a state of the Brazilian Federation in 1989. This study focuses on the various aspects of identity-building in this new state during the first fourteen years of its existence. To that end, it analyses how the discourse of the press and literature represent not only the new state but also Tocantins subjects and individuals over that period, since such representations, disseminated through the afore-mentioned discourses, have the potential not only to build a sentiment of local identity, but also permeate this very sentiment. The time frame of our research arose from the fact that José Wilson Siqueira Campos, the author of the bill of law that created the state of Tocantins and a politician regarded as being the creator of the state, was its governor for three terms. Therefore that period -- spanning the creation as well as part of the consolidation of the state of Tocantins – is considered favourable to the study of the lo