prepare a 5-7 page analytical paper selecting a contemporary figure, celebrity, story, film, music video, television program, novel, etc.
Students will prepare a 5-7 page analytical paper selecting a contemporary figure, celebrity, story, film, music video, television program, novel, etc. and make an argument that this figure IS or IS NOT feminist or empowering for women based on arguments presented by authors we have read in class – based in third wave feminism. Objectives for this paper are to
Choose a perspective on feminism from the competing arguments presented in class
Apply course concepts to pop culture that is relevant in your media world
Make an argument on a controversial topic using evidence and textual support
ASSIGNMENT DETAILS:
The paper should be 5-7 pages (normal 11-12 pt font) as an analytical target. You may go over the page limit, especially if you are using visual evidence such as photographs and screenshots which takes up space on the page.
Paper is Due in Moodle by the end of the day, December 1.
The introductory paragraph should contain a CLEAR THESIS STATEMENT which names your chosen text and chooses one position which a brief indication of why.
For example:
In this paper, I argue that Fergie is a feminist icon because her videos can be read as both Stripper Chic and Camp, which celebrates women’s sexual power, deconstructs stable gender qualities, and demonstrates agency and control over her world.
-or-
Fergie is definitely not a feminist icon or empowering for women because her videos reinforce a narrow focus on women’s bodies, a sexuality based entirely on performing for heterosexual men and not based on female desire, and she uses white privilege and racist framing.
Even if you are ambivalent, you need to argue one side or the other. For the sake of this exercise, you need to argue that the figure either IS feminist or IS NOT feminist, and not argue that there is a little of both. Most popular culture is ambiguous at best, but in order to develop a clear argument, choose a side.
The paper should contain a detailed explanation (1-2 paragraphs) of what version(s) of 3rd wave feminism you are using to make your assessment of “feminist” or “not feminist. It is not sufficient to quote the dictionary that says “Feminism means equality for women.” Rather, you need to stake a position based on one of the key ideas we have read or discussed in class. To do so, cite, quote, paraphrase, and/or explain one or more of our course readings. You do not need to use any outside sources to describe your position on feminism beyond our course readings, but you may use outside sources if you tie them into the key ideas from our class. These paragraphs will establish the grounds for your argument that a key text is or is not feminist.
For Example:
By Stripper chic, I am referring to Clark Mane’s notion of “gaze empowerment” which suggests…
Gill argues that hyper-sexualized ideologies masquerade as feminist choice, and thus…
By camp, I use the definition by Shugart and Waggoner…
Your paper should focus on a specific piece of pop culture or a single pop cultural figure as opposed to a general phenomenon. I.e. A video by Beyonce, Katniss Everdeen in the final film of the Hunger Games, the plot of 50 Shades of Gray, The Bachelor, Lara Croft videogame, etc. etc. You may choose any figure or pop cultural event that is relevant to the question of contemporary feminism. Ask me if you are uncertain.
Your paper should not only describe your chosen case, but needs to use detailed and specific evidence from your text to support your claims. For instance, if you choose to study a figure such as “Kylie” you need to provide quotes either from her Instagram, commercials, tv show appearances, interviews etc.
For example:
Fergie represents “gaze empowerment” because she demonstrates that she is in control of the encounter. In the song “My Humps,” she claims “You can look but you can’t touch. If you touch it’ll start some drama, and you don’t want no drama. No no drama. No No No No drama, so don’t pull on my hand, boy…” What this quote demonstrates is that even as she is being visually sexy in pubic, Fergie warns that she is not available for sexual encounters with all suitors. She will choose who and when she will be touched by men. This supports Shugart And Waggoner’s claim that….”
A well-organized paper will develop three main points where you detail three different examples of the same claim, or three variations of the claim.
EVALUATION:
This paper is graded based on the quality of the argument. I am particularly looking for your ability to delineate a clear argument and support those claims with evidence and explanation.
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