Carol Siegel, a Professor of English and American Studies at Washington State University Vancouver, explores contemporary cultural themes through her previous works, including New Millennial Sexstyles and Goth's Dark Empire. Her scholarship delves into the intersections of identity, sexuality, and subculture, providing insightful analyses that reflect on modern societal trends.
The feminist pornography debates are centered around the opposition between pro-censorship factions and the pro-sex radicals or sex positives. But what exactly is the relationship between these debates and postmodern theories of reading and performativity? What happens to these debates when they are placed in the context of colonial or U.S. racial histories? What is the history behind today's sexual radicalism? How radical is it? In the first section of Sex Positives?, Nicola Pitchford, Naomi Morgenstern, Victoria L. Smith, and Gabrielle N. Dean focus on the recent sex wars in U.S. feminism, especially within lesbian culture. Elissa J. Rashkin, Gaurav Desai, and James Smalls broaden the terms of the sex wars debates in the second section to include sexualized racial and colonial representations, from Chicana, African, and African-American perspectives. Finally, Sander L. Gilman, Laura Ciolkowski, and Laura Frost explore a variety of historical contexts for understanding contemporary forms of sexual representation and the repression of such representations.
Queer theory arose as a challenge to the stability of sexual categories. But
is queer theory in the 1990s in danger of becoming just another category of
theoretical inquiry and just another academic discipline? This book
demonstrates the extent to which contemporary queer studies involves practices
of interdisciplinary reading and analysis.
The book examines the portrayal of Jews in film and television from the 1970s to the present, highlighting the sexualization and racialization of Jewish characters. It analyzes how shows like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and films such as Inglourious Basterds challenge American sexual norms through their often anti-Semitic representations. By exploring the intersection of race and sexuality, the work reveals the broader implications of these media depictions on societal perceptions of Jewish identity.
Exploring the vibrant and often misunderstood Goth subculture in America, this book delves into its roots, evolution, and the diverse individuals who embody its spirit. Through interviews and firsthand accounts, it captures the essence of Goth identity, fashion, music, and community, highlighting both the challenges and triumphs faced by its members. The narrative offers a rich tapestry of experiences that illuminate the significance of this culture in contemporary society, making it a compelling read for those interested in alternative lifestyles and cultural movements.