Princes, Moms, and Warriors: A Feminist Rhetorical Analysis of Toxic Depictions in Film
Location
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
Description
PURPOSE: Various forms of toxic rhetoric have been the subject of academic study for decades. Despite some advancements toward a more progressive society, toxic rhetorics continue to persist within the United States, especially within entertainment media. Toxic rhetorics within film have remained steadily prevalent and continue to strongly impact audiences and constructions of identity. This thesis examines rhetorics of toxicity within three popular film franchises: (1) toxic masculinity in Coming to America (1988) and Coming 2 America (2021); (2) toxic femininity in Bad Moms; and (3) straightwashing as a more toxic form of heteronormativity in Wonder Woman (2017) and Wonder Woman 1984 (2020). PROCEDURES: Rhetorical analysis methods were used to identify and discuss displays of toxic rhetoric. The primary methods used were close reading and feminist rhetorical criticism. OUTCOME: The examination of these franchises resulted in a master’s thesis, discussing toxic rhetoric as a crucial issue in the modern world. Following traditional forms of rhetorical analysis, each chapter engages the definitions of the concepts discusses, including brief histories of their foundations and usage. IMPACT: This work is valuable to rhetorical study, and the field of communication, because toxic rhetorics involve more than simply saying unkind words. Toxic representations in film are a form of toxic rhetoric, as is the erasure of marginalized groups. Entertainment media heavily influence constructions of identity; therefore, toxic rhetoric contained within have the power to influence toxic behavior. Bringing awareness to toxic rhetoric is the first step in finding an antidote.
Princes, Moms, and Warriors: A Feminist Rhetorical Analysis of Toxic Depictions in Film
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
PURPOSE: Various forms of toxic rhetoric have been the subject of academic study for decades. Despite some advancements toward a more progressive society, toxic rhetorics continue to persist within the United States, especially within entertainment media. Toxic rhetorics within film have remained steadily prevalent and continue to strongly impact audiences and constructions of identity. This thesis examines rhetorics of toxicity within three popular film franchises: (1) toxic masculinity in Coming to America (1988) and Coming 2 America (2021); (2) toxic femininity in Bad Moms; and (3) straightwashing as a more toxic form of heteronormativity in Wonder Woman (2017) and Wonder Woman 1984 (2020). PROCEDURES: Rhetorical analysis methods were used to identify and discuss displays of toxic rhetoric. The primary methods used were close reading and feminist rhetorical criticism. OUTCOME: The examination of these franchises resulted in a master’s thesis, discussing toxic rhetoric as a crucial issue in the modern world. Following traditional forms of rhetorical analysis, each chapter engages the definitions of the concepts discusses, including brief histories of their foundations and usage. IMPACT: This work is valuable to rhetorical study, and the field of communication, because toxic rhetorics involve more than simply saying unkind words. Toxic representations in film are a form of toxic rhetoric, as is the erasure of marginalized groups. Entertainment media heavily influence constructions of identity; therefore, toxic rhetoric contained within have the power to influence toxic behavior. Bringing awareness to toxic rhetoric is the first step in finding an antidote.