My critical question asks, "What is the relationship between the term 'feminism' and the progression of women?" In this project, I seek to unpack the intricate layers of "feminism/feminist" with respect to feminist theory/criticism, popular culture, political culture, and the personal, in a way that sheds light on the urgency of the decline of "feminism" in our own discourse. I want to illustrate the ways in which this mere word has been swept under the rug of taboo in such a way that this powerful movement was manipulated through language, rhetoric, and associations.
I want the audience to take from the text(s) that the feminist self-identification paradox is a problem because it necessitates incessant clarification of the classic dictionary definition of feminism (advocacy for political, social, and economic equality for women to men). This dilutes the intricate layers of feminism and its all-encompassing contributions made (certainly) in the past and (hopefully) in the future. I want the audience to get angry about the rhetorical manipulation of feminism, in part because of the individuals who denounce it in past and present. I want them, in essence, to feel galvanized to "take back" feminism by reintroducing it into their own discourse.
This audience may be too specific, but the students of Marian High School seems extremely congruent with my ideas. The single-sex Catholic high school's mantra, "Confident, Independent, Thinking Leaders," fosters an empowering environment in which the smartest girls are the most admired girls. In fact, the girls who achieve, serve, and act on their passions are appraised. These young women are predominantly white and upper-middle class, but generations of Marian moms and grandmas bring families to push their finances and send their daughters to Marian as a priority. Students wear blue polos and matching plaid skirts, but beyond that, presentation is viewed as pointless and inhibiting. At Marian, no one really cares how pretty you are. Academics and a sense of competition are central concerns to a majority of these students. They are evidently Catholic in majority, but other Christian denominations are not rare. These girls make the commute to school from no particular Omaha location. Their age range runs from about fourteen to eighteen years old.
I plan to execute all of this through the genre of "literary collage," which utilizes space, fragmentation, and quotes put into conversation with one another. It can employ various modes such as images, gifs, and poems. To my understanding, the conventions of a literary collage include the aforementioned description as well as the author's own inquisitive, interpretive voice as a proportionate but not excessive voice within the conversation of the quotes and modes.
Within this genre's framework, I would certainly utilize images as a mode: historical photos, advertisements, symbols, infographics, and artwork. I am unsure as to whether or not any of these count as distinct modes. My own contributions to the collage's conversation would use text as a mode. The quotations and dialogue would constitute modes as well (to my understanding). I could also employ audio and video modes of speeches, rallies, or whatever discover. Further options include gifs and other weird Internet novelties. I'm not concerned about finding and incorporating different modes so much as understanding what does and does not meet the requirement for a "mode."
I am also concerned that a literary collage won't be seen as enough of a real-world genre for the standards of this project. However, I think that depends on complexity of quotations used and the extent to which the collage flows in an understandable way. Additionally, I think my audience can handle it. I'm open to giving up this genre if it doesn't work for this project, but I think it could be awesome. I composed and learned about literary collage in ENGL151 during the Spring 2015 semester, and the professor gave us a few model texts. A specific one of those models could be a model text for me not because it talks about feminism and Beyonce, but because it illustrates a smart conversation in a structure that is nonetheless easy to follow. I have it sitting here under my browser but I don't think I can upload the document to Blogger. I will email it to you or upload it to Dropbox, per your request. Let me know what you think!
Julianne, I think this sounds like a really cool idea! It sounds like you have a very clear sense of what you want to do. I also think your audience is perfectly specific and it sounds like you have a good sense of what kinds of appeals will be persuasive to them. Everything you named is a mode--so you're good on that front. My one concern is why do you think this genre is particularly appropriate or persuasive given your audience. How would you get this text in front of the eyes of your audience and what would make them want to look at it? Other than that, I think you're in great place with this one.
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