DOCSLIB.ORG

Beyond the Thin Ideal: Women’S Perceptions Of

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Beyond the Thin Ideal: Women’S Perceptions Of BEYOND THE THIN IDEAL: WOMEN’S PERCEPTIONS OF AND EXPERIENCES WITH BEAUTY STANDARDS AND BEAUTYISM By WHITNEY STEFANI A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY Edward R. Murrow College of Communication JULY 2019 © Copyright by WHITNEY STEFANI, 2019 All Rights Reserved © Copyright by WHITNEY STEFANI, 2019 All Rights Reserved To the Faculty of Washington State University: The members of the Committee appointed to examine the dissertation of WHITNEY STEFANI find it satisfactory and recommend that it be accepted. Stacey Hust, Ph.D., Chair Katheen Boyce-Rodgers, Ph.D. Elizabeth Hindman, Ph.D. Jessica Willoughby, Ph.D. ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I am grateful to have enjoyed the support and expertise of mentors, colleagues, friends, and family throughout this project. In particular, I would like to thank my advisor, Dr. Stacey Hust, whose insights and feedback were invaluable and who has spent many hours discussing gender and beautyism with me. Drs. Jessica Willoughby, Kathleen Boyce Rodgers, and Elizabeth Hindman have provided important suggestions and feedback for this dissertation. I would also like to thank Jason Wheeler, Nicole Cameron, and Jaymie Vandagriff for their assistance verifying transcripts and for sharing their perspectives on my research topics with me. Anna Strahm, Davi Kallman, and Nicole Cameron were wonderful editors and cheerleaders. To the countless professors, students, friends, and family members who have provided their insights, support, and kindness to me as I worked on this project, I am truly appreciative. iii BEYOND THE THIN IDEAL: WOMEN’S PERCEPTIONS OF AND EXPERIENCES WITH BEAUTY STANDARDS AND BEAUTYISM Abstract by Whitney Stefani, Ph.D. Washington State University July 2019 Chair: Stacey Hust A substantial body of research suggests that women may experience anxiety, disordered eating, self-objectification, and other problems in response to narrow or unrealistic beauty ideals that are communicated interpersonally and through media. Beauty standard research has tended to focus on the impacts of the thin ideal on college women. Less is known about how women experience and cope with beauty standards related to other features, such as facial structure, or about the impact of beauty standards on women in middle or late adulthood. The present study used schema theory and social cognitive theory to investigate how women aged 25-60 experience, interpret, adhere to, and resist beauty standards. In-depth, semi-structured interviews with 30 women were collected and analyzed from a feminist perspective using thematic analysis. Participants identified two types of beauty standards: the culturally dominant standard, which focused on physical features, and an alternative standard, which focused on psychological features. Participants felt that media and interpersonal communication played an important role in disseminating both beauty standards. They also believed that attractive women were associated with both positive and negative stereotypes, and these stereotypes may have influenced their motivation to be attractive. Weight dissatisfaction was common across the iv sample, but participants also criticized or praised other aspects of their appearance. In general, participants believed that society treats women differently based on their attractiveness. However, some were ambivalent about the impact of beauty-based discrimination, or beautyism, in their own lives. The findings have implications for intersectional feminist theory, objectification theory, and anti-beautyism. v TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ACKNOWLEDGMENT................................................................................................... ……….iii ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................................... iv LIST OF TABLES ...........................................................................................................................x CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................1 Beauty and Sexism .........................................................................................................1 Beauty is Not Just Thinness ...........................................................................................3 Beauty Schemas and Communication ............................................................................4 Beautyism ......................................................................................................................5 Contributions of the Present Study ................................................................................7 Overview of the Present Study ......................................................................................9 2. METHOD .............................................................................................................................10 Feminist Methods for Studying Oppression.................................................................10 Philosophical Approach to Data Collection .................................................................11 Sample ..........................................................................................................................14 Procedure .....................................................................................................................16 Analysis........................................................................................................................19 3. DEFINING ATTRACTIVENESS ........................................................................................22 vi Culturally Dominant Beauty Schema ...........................................................................25 Stigmatized Appearances and Physical Attractiveness ................................................30 Attractiveness and Controllability ................................................................................47 Beauty-as-Psychological Schema .................................................................................50 Tensions Between Dominant and Alternative Schemas ..............................................54 Beauty-as-Psychological Schema and Objectification .................................................59 Summary ......................................................................................................................61 4.COMMUNICATION AND THE DOMINANT BEAUTY SCHEMA ................................62 Dissemination of the Dominant Beauty Schema ..........................................................62 Media Perpetuates the Dominant Beauty Schema .......................................................68 Social Cognitive Theory and Media ............................................................................76 Interpersonal Communication of the Dominant Beauty Schema .................................85 Summary ......................................................................................................................94 5.COMMUNICATION AND THE ALTERNATIVE SCHEMA ...........................................96 Media and Rejection of the Dominant Beauty Schema ...............................................96 Celebrity Culture and Favorite Media ..........................................................................98 News Media and Attractiveness .................................................................................101 Advertising and Dove’s “Real Beauty” Campaign ....................................................103 Considering Representation and Beautyism ..............................................................104 Interpersonal Communication and Mentors and Role Models ...................................107 vii Mentoring Others and Parenting ................................................................................112 Summary ....................................................................................................................118 6.STEREOTYPES ABOUT ATTRACTIVENESS ...............................................................120 Positive Stereotypes ...................................................................................................123 Negative Stereotypes ..................................................................................................128 The Interpersonal and Media Contexts of Attractiveness Stereotyping .....................136 Participants’ Reactions to Attractiveness Stereotypes ................................................142 Summary ....................................................................................................................147 7.SELF-EVALUATIONS OF ATTRACTIVENESS ............................................................148 Participants’ General Appearance Self-Evaluations...................................................150 Obstacles to Attractiveness ........................................................................................158 Challenges in Evaluating One’s Own Appearance ....................................................166 Emotional Experience of Evaluating One’s Attractiveness .......................................171 Summary ....................................................................................................................178 8.BEAUTYISM .....................................................................................................................180
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Jack Johnson Versus Jim Crow Author(S): DEREK H
    Jack Johnson versus Jim Crow Author(s): DEREK H. ALDERMAN, JOSHUA INWOOD and JAMES A. TYNER Source: Southeastern Geographer , Vol. 58, No. 3 (Fall 2018), pp. 227-249 Published by: University of North Carolina Press Stable URL: https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2307/26510077 REFERENCES Linked references are available on JSTOR for this article: https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2307/26510077?seq=1&cid=pdf- reference#references_tab_contents You may need to log in to JSTOR to access the linked references. JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact [email protected]. Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of Use, available at https://about.jstor.org/terms University of North Carolina Press is collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to Southeastern Geographer This content downloaded from 152.33.50.165 on Fri, 17 Jul 2020 18:12:03 UTC All use subject to https://about.jstor.org/terms Jack Johnson versus Jim Crow Race, Reputation, and the Politics of Black Villainy: The Fight of the Century DEREK H. ALDERMAN University of Tennessee JOSHUA INWOOD Pennsylvania State University JAMES A. TYNER Kent State University Foundational to Jim Crow era segregation and Fundacional a la segregación Jim Crow y a discrimination in the United States was a “ra- la discriminación en los EE.UU.
    [Show full text]
  • Animal Control Procedural Manual
    HUMBOLDT COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL 980 LYCOMING AVENUE, MCKINLEYVILLE, CA 707-840-9132 PROCEDURAL MANUAL Revised 11/2018 Humboldt County Sheriff's Animal Care and Control PREFACE This manual is designed to guide shelter personnel in making informed decisions regarding their actions during the course of their work. These procedures cannot cover every situation because unanticipated or new circumstances may arise. The employee will often be required to use initiative, discretion and common sense, supported by law and departmental policy. This manual is not all inclusive. This manual contains specific policies, procedures and rule pertaining to functions or tasks performed within the Division as well as associate responsibilities and authority. All Division members are responsible for remaining aware of this manuals content and will adhere to directives contained within it. The shelter lieutenant and program manager will be responsible for periodically updating this manual and assuring all personnel are familiar with its contents. Every employee will be responsible for updating their manual by inserting or deleting the appropriate section as changes or additions are made. No amendment or revocation of this manual will occur without obtaining the approval if the shelter lieutenant or program manager. Suggestions regarding content should be brought the shelter lieutenant or program manager. Suggestions regarding content should be brought to the shelter lieutenant or program manager's attention. All employees are still required to adhere to the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office General Duty Manual. This manual is only designed for guidance and direction in shelter operations. HUMBOLDT COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE DIVISION OF ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL MISSION STATEMENT The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office Division of Animal Care and Control promotes and protects public safety and animal care through animal law enforcement, sheltering, pet placement and public education.
    [Show full text]
  • Workers and Labour in a Globalised Capitalism
    Workers and Labour in a Globalised Capitalism MANAGEMENT, WORK & ORGANISATIONS SERIES Series editors: Gibson Burrell, School of Management, University of Leicester, UK Mick Marchington, Manchester Business School, University of Manchester and Strathclyde Business School, University of Strathclyde, UK Paul Thompson, Strathclyde Business School, University of Strathclyde, UK This series of textbooks covers the areas of human resource management, employee relations, organisational behaviour and related business and management fields. Each text has been specially commissioned to be written by leading experts in a clear and accessible way. The books contain serious and challenging material, take an analytical rather than prescriptive approach and are particularly suitable for use by students with no prior specialist knowledge. The series is relevant for many business and management courses, including MBA and post-experience courses, specialist masters and postgraduate diplomas, professional courses and final-year undergraduate courses. These texts have become essential reading at business and management schools worldwide. Published titles include: Maurizio Atzeni WORKERS AND LABOUR IN A GLOBALISED CAPITALISM Stephen Bach and Ian Kessler THE MODERNISATION OF THE PUBLIC SERVICES AND EMPLOYEE RELATIONS Emma Bell READING MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION IN FILM Paul Blyton and Peter Turnbull THE DYNAMICS OF EMPLOYEE RELATIONS (3RD EDN) Paul Blyton, Edmund Heery and Peter Turnbull (eds) REASSESSING THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP Sharon C. Bolton EMOTION
    [Show full text]
  • Sole-Ful Massage
    Thai Massage Lapierre describes Thai massage as, “partner yoga, during which you’ll get stretched and pulled until I’ve worked Sole-ful Massage every inch of your body.” She likes to focus on acupres- Local Barefoot Therapist sure points and kneads sore muscles until energy block- ages are cleared and energy flow fully restored. Provides Two-Footed Treatment Thai massage also incorporates gentle rocking motions, By Joel Shuler rhythmic compression along the body’s energy meridians and passive stretching. It promotes flexibility, inner organ eni Spring’s massage, oxygenation of the blood, quieting of the mind and J hands help guide her blue Vespa scooter through busy San Antonio traffic, but it’s her feet that power her “sole- general well-being. ful” massage business. As the owner of Heeling Sole Traditional Thai therapy is performed on a mat using no Barefoot Massage Therapy, Spring has long had a special oils, with the client fully clothed. Thai massage is a favorite connection with her feet, which she now uses to practice among yoga students. Ashiatsu and Ashi-Thai massage in the Alamo city. “I used to walk on my dad’s back as a kid, and as a Reflexology dancer I always use my toes to pick up things around the house,” Spring says. The evolution to her barefoot massage For those new to massage and interested in trying it out, work evolved she says while incorporating different parts reflexology is a good way to start. Reflexology is per- of her body, her belly, hips and knees, for example, into formed only on the hands and feet, via finger and thumb her traditional practice in an effort to get a deeper hold.
    [Show full text]
  • Techno-Theology: a Theological Algorithm for Being Human in a Technological Age
    Digital Commons @ George Fox University Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations 2-2020 Techno-Theology: A Theological Algorithm for Being Human in a Technological Age Daniel Passini Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/dmin Part of the Christianity Commons GEORGE FOX UNIVERSITY TECHNO-THEOLOGY: A THEOLOGICAL ALGORITHM FOR BEING HUMAN IN A TECHNOLOGICAL AGE A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF PORTLAND SEMINARY IN CANDIDACY FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF MINISTRY BY DANIEL PASSINI PORTLAND, OREGON FEBRUARY 2020 Portland Seminary George Fox University Portland, Oregon CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL ________________________________ DMin Dissertation ________________________________ This is to certify that the DMin Dissertation of Daniel Passini has been approved by the Dissertation Committee on February 19, 2020 for the degree of Doctor of Ministry in Semiotics and Future Studies Dissertation Committee: Primary Advisor: Phil Carnes, DMin Secondary Advisor: David McDonald, DMin Lead Mentor: Leonard I. Sweet, PhD Copyright © 2020 by Daniel Passini All rights reserved. ii DEDICATION To Amber and Soren, my jewel and my grace. iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The past few years have been a tremendous undertaking. First and foremost, all thanks belong to the Lord for his guiding hand in both my life and this work. I pray the fruit of this labor brings honor to him. I would like to thank the staff of Portland Seminary for their help every step of the way. From the application process to graduation, they made this journey a joy. Phil Carnes, your role in this journey has been invaluable to my growth and success both as a student and as a person.
    [Show full text]
  • Political Correctness, the Law, and the Legal Academy
    Political Correctness, the Law, and the Legal Academy The Harvard community has made this article openly available. Please share how this access benefits you. Your story matters. Citation Mark Tushnet, Political Correctness, the Law, and the Legal Academy, 4 Yale J.L. & Human. 127 (1992). Published Version http://digitalcommons.law.yale.edu/yjlh/vol4/iss1/6/ Accessed February 16, 2015 5:58:16 PM EST Citable Link http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:12964428 Terms of Use This article was downloaded from Harvard University's DASH repository, and is made available under the terms and conditions applicable to Other Posted Material, as set forth at http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:dash.current.terms-of- use#LAA (Article begins on next page) Yale Journal of Law & the Humanities Volume 4 Article 6 Issue 1 Yale Journal of Law & the Humanities 3-25-2013 Political Correctness, the Law, and the Legal Academy Mark Tushnet Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.law.yale.edu/yjlh Part of the History Commons, and the Law Commons Recommended Citation Tushnet, Mark (1992) "Political Correctness, the Law, and the Legal Academy," Yale Journal of Law & the Humanities: Vol. 4: Iss. 1, Article 6. Available at: http://digitalcommons.law.yale.edu/yjlh/vol4/iss1/6 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by Yale Law School Legal Scholarship Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Yale Journal of Law & the Humanities by an authorized administrator of Yale Law School Legal Scholarship Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected].
    [Show full text]
  • How Sensitive Are Indonesian Customers to Sexual Appeal Advertising? (A Study of the Axe TV Commercial, “Heaven on Earth”)
    ISSN 2039-2117 (online) Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences Vol 6 No 2 S5 ISSN 2039-9340 (print) MCSER Publishing, Rome-Italy April 2015 How Sensitive are Indonesian Customers to Sexual Appeal Advertising? (A Study of the Axe TV Commercial, “Heaven on Earth”) Diana Sari Department of Management & Business Padjadjaran University, Bandung, Indonesia [email protected] Winton Department of Management & Business Padjadjaran University, Bandung, Indonesia [email protected] Philip Trebilcock Department of Economics Business & Law La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia [email protected] Doi:10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n2s5p149 Abstract Previous studies have shown somewhat of a contradiction in the effect of sexual appeal advertising on purchase intention. This research aims to examine from an Indonesian perspective the consumer response to sexual appeal advertising and the subsequent purchase intention toward the products advertised. Through advertising, companies seek to be seen as the providers of creative and innovative products. Therefore company success increasingly relies on advertising appeal. One of these appeals is sexual advertising that is considered to be uniquely able to attract the attention of consumers and strengthen the brand with favorable associations. Such appeal eventually influences purchase decisions and stimulates purchase intention. This research uses quantitative methods through a consumer survey and simple regression analysis. Samples included 120 heterosexual men in the 15-24 year age group who reside in Indonesia’s third largest city, Bandung. Results show that the consumer response to sexual appeal advertising of AXE is positive and consumer purchase intention of AXE products after watching the “Heaven on Earth” advertisements series is strongly positive.
    [Show full text]
  • 200312.Cover
    UPCOMING EVENTS A GOOD TIME FOR A GOOD CAUSE The Public i,a project of the Urbana-Cham- Dance Party with the Noisy Gators paign Independent Media Center, is an (cajun/zydeco dance band with Tom Turino) independent, collectively-run, community- With winter pressing in there’s no better time for a Dance Party with great food and oriented publication that provides a forum friends. On Saturday, December 13th AWARE will host the Noisy Gators (one of C-U’s for topics underreported and voices under- best local dance bands). There will be lots of space to dance, food, drinks, and friends. And represented in the dominant media. All best of all, the proceeds from the Benefit will all be donated to help those who’ve been hurt contributors to the paper are volunteers. by war - both here at home and in Iraq. Hope to see you there! Everyone is welcome and encouraged to sub- Where: The Offices of On the Job Consulting (OJC), 115 West Main, 2F in downtown mit articles or story ideas to the editorial col- Urbana (across from Cinema Gallery) lective. We prefer, but do not necessarily When: Saturday, December 13th, 8-11pm restrict ourselves to, articles on issues of local Sliding Scale donation: $5 - $20+ Dec-Jan 2003-4 • V3 #10 impact written by authors with local ties. All Proceeds benefit Oxfam Iraq (humanitarian aid to Iraqis) and the Red Cross Armed Forces FREE! EDITORS/FACILITATORS: Emergency Services Fund (help for veterans and military families). Xian Barrett Sponsored by AWARE (Anti-War Anti-Racism Effort) Lisa Chason Darrin Drda EDUCATION OR INCARCERATION? ZINE SLAM WITH IMPROV MUSIC Jeremy Engels SCHOOLS AND PRISONS IN A Linda Evans PUNISHING DEMOCRACY Belden Fields Saturday, December 13 6:30 PM Meghan Krausch An Interdisciplinary Conference hosted by at the IMC, 218 W.
    [Show full text]
  • Abstract Rereading Female Bodies in Little Snow-White
    ABSTRACT REREADING FEMALE BODIES IN LITTLE SNOW-WHITE: INDEPENDENCE AND AUTONOMY VERSUS SUBJUGATION AND INVISIBILITY By Dianne Graf In this thesis, the circumstances and events that motivate the Queen to murder Snow-White are reexamined. Instead of confirming the Queen as wicked, she becomes the protagonist. The Queen’s actions reveal her intent to protect her physical autonomy in a patriarchal controlled society, as well as attempting to prevent patriarchy from using Snow-White as their reproductive property. REREADING FEMALE BODIES IN LITTLE SNOW-WHITE: INDEPENDENCE AND AUTONOMY VERSUS SUBJUGATION AND INVISffiILITY by Dianne Graf A Thesis Submitted In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of Master of Arts-English at The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Oshkosh WI 54901-8621 December 2008 INTERIM PROVOST AND VICE CHANCELLOR t:::;:;:::.'-H.~"""-"k.. Ad visor t 1.. - )' - i Date Approved Date Approved CCLs~ Member FORMAT APPROVAL 1~-05~ Date Approved ~~ I • ~&1L Member Date Approved _ ......1 .1::>.2,-·_5,",--' ...L.O.LJ?~__ Date Approved To Amanda Dianne Graf, my daughter. ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Thank you Dr. Loren PQ Baybrook, Dr. Karl Boehler, Dr. Christine Roth, Dr. Alan Lareau, and Amelia Winslow Crane for your interest and support in my quest to explore and challenge the fairy tale world. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………………… 1 CHAPTER I – BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE LITERARY FAIRY TALE AND THE TRADITIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE FEMALE CHARACTERS………………..………………………. 3 CHAPTER II – THE QUEEN STEP/MOTHER………………………………….. 19 CHAPTER III – THE OLD PEDDLER WOMAN…………..…………………… 34 CHAPTER IV – SNOW-WHITE…………………………………………….…… 41 CHAPTER V – THE QUEEN’S LAST DANCE…………………………....….... 60 CHAPTER VI – CONCLUSION……………………………………………..…… 67 WORKS CONSULTED………..…………………………….………………..…… 70 iv 1 INTRODUCTION In this thesis, the design, framing, and behaviors of female bodies in Little Snow- White, as recorded by Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm will be analyzed.
    [Show full text]
  • Into the Woods Character Descriptions
    Into The Woods Character Descriptions Narrator/Mysterious Man: This role has been cast. Cinderella: Female, age 20 to 30. Vocal range top: G5. Vocal range bottom: G3. A young, earnest maiden who is constantly mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters. Jack: Male, age 20 to 30. Vocal range top: G4. Vocal range bottom: B2. The feckless giant killer who is ‘almost a man.’ He is adventurous, naive, energetic, and bright-eyed. Jack’s Mother: Female, age 50 to 65. Vocal range top: Gb5. Vocal range bottom: Bb3. Browbeating and weary, Jack’s protective mother who is independent, bold, and strong-willed. The Baker: Male, age 35 to 45. Vocal range top: G4. Vocal range bottom: Ab2. A harried and insecure baker who is simple and loving, yet protective of his family. He wants his wife to be happy and is willing to do anything to ensure her happiness but refuses to let others fight his battles. The Baker’s Wife: Female, age: 35 to 45. Vocal range top: G5. Vocal range bottom: F3. Determined and bright woman who wishes to be a mother. She leads a simple yet satisfying life and is very low-maintenance yet proactive in her endeavors. Cinderella’s Stepmother: Female, age 40 to 50. Vocal range top: F#5. Vocal range bottom: A3. The mean-spirited, demanding stepmother of Cinderella. Florinda And Lucinda: Female, 25 to 35. Vocal range top: Ab5. Vocal range bottom: C4. Cinderella’s stepsisters who are black of heart. They follow in their mother’s footsteps of abusing Cinderella. Little Red Riding Hood: Female, age 18 to 20.
    [Show full text]
  • Jack Kerouac's Poetics: Repetition, Language, and Narration in Letters from 1947 to 1956
    Department of English Jack Kerouac’s Poetics: Repetition, Language, and Narration in Letters from 1947 to 1956 Nicholas Charles Baldwin Master’s Thesis Transnational Creative Writing Spring, 2019 Supervisor: Adnan Mahmutovic Baldwin 2 Abstract Despite the fame the prolific impressionistic, confessional poet, novelist, literary iconoclast, and pioneer of the Beat Generation, Jack Kerouac, has acquired since the late 1950’s, his written letters are not recognized as works of literature. The aim of this thesis is to examine the different ways in which Kerouac develops and employs the poetics he is most known for in the letters he wrote to friends, family, and publishers before becoming a well-known literary figure. In my analysis of Kerouac’s poetics, I analyze 20 letters from Selected Letters, 1940-1956. These letters were written before the publication of his best-known literary work, On The Road. The thesis attempts to highlight the characteristics of Kerouac’s literary control in his letters and to demonstrate how the examination of these poetics: repetition, language, and narration merits the letters’ treatment as works of artistic literature. Likewise, through the scrutiny of my first novella, “Trails” it then illustrates how the in-depth analysis of Kerouac’s letters improved my personal poetics, which resemble the poetics featured in the letters. Keywords: Poetics; Letter Writing; Impressionism; Confessional; Repetition; Language; Vertical and Circular-Narration; Jack Kerouac; 1947-1956 Baldwin 3 For My Parents From the late 1940’s until the middle 1950’s Jack Kerouac (1922-1969), relatively unknown to the public as an author, was writing novels, poems, and letters extensively.
    [Show full text]
  • The Creek "Migration Legend"
    UCLA UCLA Electronic Theses and Dissertations Title Dancing Breath: Ceremonial Performance Practice, Environment, and Personhood in a Muskogee Creek Community Permalink https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2qm3x2bd Author Koons, Ryan Abel Publication Date 2016 Peer reviewed|Thesis/dissertation eScholarship.org Powered by the California Digital Library University of California UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA Los Angeles Dancing Breath: Ceremonial Performance Practice, Environment, and Personhood in a Muskogee Creek Community A dissertation submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy in Ethnomusicology by Ryan Abel Koons 2016 © Copyright by Ryan Abel Koons 2016 ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATION Dancing Breath: Ceremonial Performance Practice, Environment, and Personhood in a Muskogee Creek Community by Ryan Abel Koons Doctor of Philosophy in Ethnomusicology University of California, Los Angeles, 2016 Professor Tara Browner, Chair This dissertation presents an ethnography utilizing a multispecies perspective of the "busk" ritual cycle as performed by the southeastern Muskogee Creek American Indian community, Pvlvcekolv (Apalachicola). Humans construct humanity and personhood partially via interactions with other-than-human persons, such as animals, plants, and objects. I examine ritualized interactions between humans and others-than-human in a southeastern Indigenous "natureculture," exploring the intersections of ontology, personhood, and performance practice. Pvlvcekolv, an animistic Florida-based tribal town with a ceremonial Fire that pre-dates European Contact, maintains a centuries-old ritual tradition, the busk. Sometimes known as "Green Corn Ceremonialism," many Native communities share this tradition, including ii Cherokee, Chickasaw, Seminole, Yuchi, and other Creek peoples historically and in the present day. Performing the songs, dances, and ritual actions of the busk places participants into dialogue with other-than-human persons.
    [Show full text]