Hey everybody - here's the topic analysis that I have landed on thus far, I'll bring in some copies for tomorrow as well:
For my ethnography, my goal is to learn more about women’s flat track roller derby and how this sport contributes toward the discussion of contemporary American feminism. Through actively researching and participating in the Texas Rollergirl’s Recreational league, I intend to explore how roller derby relates to issues of female sexuality, athleticism, and empowerment. Through this study, I intend to learn more about what this sport means to my fellow skaters and how it has influenced their everyday lives and identities. Through comparing and contrasting these findings with mainstream perceptions and portrayals, I hope to raise further awareness about this sport and generate discussion concerning the role of roller derby in the current-day American feminist movement.
Savage Minds is dead! Long live anthro{dendum}!
7 years ago
I really like this topic. I used to watch rollerderby when I was little. How did you get involved in this? Do you have to try out? Besides my interest in it, I also find it interesting the sexuality in rollerderby that is coupled with agressive behavior, that is not stereotypically associated with women. I find it interesting though that they are these badasses but they are dressed in really short, tight clothes. Now, is this in an attempt to reclaim their sexuality or is it in an attempt to sexualize the players to attract viewers or commodify them as sexual beings?
ReplyDeleteVery nicely formulated, Zoe. And, Amanda, you're right, bringing in sexuality will be difficult, but extremely interesting. It might be useful to introduce (as a topic for the interviews) questions about the audience. How do these skaters imagine their audience: who? what do they (members of the audience) bring to the show? what are their uses of the show (in the cultural studies sense)?
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