further thoughts

After reading your comments Dr. Campeanu, I have definitely been thinking over my ethnography topic and trying to figure out how exactly I should approach this project. I have reserved several books/documentaries on roller derby at the Austin library - I'm hoping those will give me some more information and history to go on. I agree with the point that this sport is already largely defined and labeled - my challenge will certainly be delving deeper into the stories that shape those interpretations.

This entry is still a little jumbled but these are just some ideas that I'm kicking around and formulating:

• Maybe more discussion on the debate over how roller derby is feminist and how it isn't - discussions of female sexuality and strength...The somewhat unique thing about roller derby is that we have a wide variety of body types and athletes from all kinds of backgrounds and there are advantages to each.
  

• Another thought that hit me recently: when Drew Barrymore's roller derby movie, "Whip It," recently came out, there was a good deal of internal discussion among TXRG skaters. Some people were disgruntled - they thought it would cheapen or overly stereotype/"mainstreamify" roller derby as a more theatrical "sport," one that requires more showmanship than athleticism. Conversely, others were excited and hopeful that seeing the sport portrayed on the big screen would constructively promote TXRG, roller derby, and its message of empowerment and athleticism.

• From looking at their core values and mission statement on their website - http://txrollergirls.com - I'm also really interested in how TXRG is organized and run as smoothly as it does. They're a non-profit public charity with a mission to play and promote Women's Flat Track Derby and I find their history pretty interesting. They are made up of all-female teams, all-female management, they host and run boot-camps, have practices roughly four times a week, travel all around for games, go to speed classes, coach the rec league, as well as hold administrative jobs within the league. "It takes over your life, but you get to travel the whole country and stay with all these new friends. That's something we only dreamed of in the beginning." - Cat Tastrophe

So I still feel a little all over the place but I'm working to decide on a focus and piece these ideas together a bit more with help from some of the assigned readings as well.
Thanks!