Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Queer Theory In The Metal Music Scene: How These Cultures Influence Each Other, Dalton A. Dalton

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

Queer theory has existed in the metal music scene since its beginning. In this paper, many aspects of both topics are dissected. Focusing on metal fashion and its crossover into queer armor, Queer coding, and its translation to metal archetypes on television. And the analysis of queer comfortability in metal music spaces by using queer theory as it applies to mass cultures and subculture

Pop And Indie: What Do They Mean And Why Does It Matter? Genre And Marketing From Within The Uk Music Scene, Maggie Malin

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

This paper aims to explore the evolution of “pop” and “indie” as words and as genres from within the London music scene, and to suggest the most appropriate or effective marketing techniques based on a standard understanding of each genre and its implications. For each of these genres, I establish two definitions: a semantic definition, based on the etymology of the word and the cultural implications of the genre’s origins and history, and a sonic definition, based on any overarching standards of how the genre’s music sounds. In defining each genre’s sound, its history and evolution are considered, as well …

Lady Gaga: Free Bitch, Karynne Henry

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

I would be surprised if there was anyone under 45 who had never heard of Lady Gaga. Lady Gaga rose to fame in the Early 2000s as an eager songwriter turned pop sensation. Gaga grew to push the boundaries of pop music with her out-of-this-world performances and shocking lyrics. Many pushed out by society have clung to her uniqueness and connected with her niche, yet mainstream music. Lady Gaga, once a girl with dreams, now a pop sensation, is not without scars. The star has faced criticism, loss, and pain that has carried over into her life and music. There …

The Rise Of Femicide & Digital Activism, Hannah Micciolo

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

Women’s voices are often silenced as compared to men, especially when it comes to speaking out against the injustice women have faced. In Mexico, women had been enduring femicide for decades, oftentimes being silenced and overshadowed by the government’s narrative. In this new wave of activism called digital activism, people are now using social media to inform their audience about specific issues. Florence Pugh is one of these people. Pugh uses digital activism to spread awareness for Femicide in Mexico and encourage her audience to also speak up on the issue in a time where women’s voices are silenced.

Greta Thunberg: A Small But Mighty Voice For The Environment, Madilyn Mortelliti

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

Abstract

This research paper discusses Greta Thunberg and the impact she has as a climate change activist. Thunberg faces many challenges as a young woman, but overcomes these difficulties while encouraging others to follow in her footsteps. She presents herself as a positive role model for younger generations. Thunberg has many accomplishments as an extremely young woman that leads to her global iconicity. She makes her power known in front of the highest ranked men in the world which forces legislation to make a change. Thunberg motivates others to make a difference before all hope is lost.

Art Imitates Life: The Representation (Or Lack Thereof) Of Black Women In Video Games, Bug Gadson

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

The key focus of this essay is to compare the representation of black women in media, primarily in television and film, to the representation of black female characters in video games. Using black feminist theory, this essay illustrates the treatment of black female characters in gaming. The particular and deliberate methods of writing black female characters in video games are used to highlight white video game characters and their narratives, instead of giving life and dimension to the black female characters themselves. The hostile and unsafe environments in gaming spaces are cultivated through upholding these harmful stereotypes of black women, …

Bruce Springsteen: Evolution Of The American Dream, Anthony Muscella

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

Bruce Springsteen is a man many people associate with the ideals of the “American Dream”. He comes from a poor, working-class family. He is currently an incredibly successful musician and he has been for some time now. However, he does not think this way and he has not for some time now. He has changed his opinions on the “American Dream” over time, coming from one end of the spectrum in thinking that the “American Dream” is real to the other end where he now thinks that it is a lie, and the promised land is not real.

A Guiding Force, Jessica Palmer

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

In this paper, I will be addressing the main factors which influenced Bruce Springsteen’s career and songwriting, specifically regarding interpersonal relationships the singer has had and how that is evident in his work thus far. I will be relating that concept to his latest album release, “Letter to You” by analyzing track by track and attempting to find that common thread of connection that seems to speak so well to him and his audience.

Justifying Force: Police Procedurals And The Normalization Of Violence, Emily Brenner

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

Much like the CSI effect in forensic crime dramas, portrayals of law enforcement in crime media can potentially skew a viewer’s perception of what the profession actually entails. Many studies address the depiction of law enforcement in the media, but few solely examine the use of force by television police officers, and the impact this may have on frequent viewers. In an era of calls for accountability over growing attention towards police brutality and misconduct, the media as an influencer has the potential to play a role in how real-world instances of brutality are perceived, and more importantly, how it …

Amy Winehouse: A Tainted Legacy, Miracle Ruiz

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

Many idols have graced the earth in the past thirty years, each with their own stories to tell. The legacy of Amy Winehouse, however, reigns as the most impactful and tragic. From a “rebellious” child to a worldwide phenomenon, the British Queen of Soul provided the public with some of the most infamous songs in history, as well as a blueprint for up and coming women in the music industry. These accomplishments, however, have been overshadowed by a focus on her personal-life struggles. As a result, a universal mania for Amy’s death has erupted. With a concentration on her upbringing, …

Marielle Franco, Rhaissa Sanches

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

Marielle Franco was a Black, Brazilian activist (1979-2018) who rose from the favelas (poor areas) of Rio de Janeiro to be elected as a councilwoman in Rio's election of 2016. Franco was known for exposing the violence waged in the favelas by Brazil's military and police under the "pretense of maintaining law and order," as well as how the militia wields power over those who live in the favelas. In addition to detailing Franco's life, activism and death, this paper also explains the history and development of the favelas in Rio de Janeiro, as well as the negative attitudes held …

Cheer Up Luv: An Examination Of The Activistic Efforts Of Eliza Hatch, Jasper (Kirsten) Boyd

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

This paper examines the efforts put forth by Eliza Hatch, who is an established photojournalist and activist, which pertain to women’s rights and sexual harassment all over the world. Hatch has a multitude of projects dealing with sexual harassment and the unequal treatment of women all across the globe. She is mainly based in London and New York, but has also completed projects in Sri Lanka. Through her activistic career, which began in 2017, she has garnered ample media attention and has raised awareness regarding the issues she tackles in her projects. Through her photo-sets, documentaries, and talks at universities, …

The Relationship Between Freedom And Bruce Springsteen And Its Impact On Our Country, Ryan Hause

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

This paper explores the life and music of rock icon Bruce Springsteen. To start, we must define what freedom is and what it means in the context of this research. Then we will analyze his life, where we see that Bruce Springsteen is a free spirited individual, and he wanted to show the rest of the world what it means to be free. After analyzing his early life, we must take a look at his young adult life, which serves as a transition to his professional music career. We then take a look at individual songs and their message of …

Springsteen: In The American Tradition, Alex Mcdonough

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

Springsteen’s music serves as a platform for not only the working poor, but also the pariahs of American society. Like other classic American singer-songwriters, Springsteen uses his music to explore tragedy in the American life, imbuing each song with a quiet, sometimes darkly humorous humanity. Through his songs, Springsteen has defined an altogether different type of American story, one that weaves tragedy, comedy, and the tedious minutiae of daily life. Springsteen considers each element of every story he tells to be distinct and important in its own way, creating a sense of purpose for even the lowest of the low.

The Spokesman Of The Working Class, Gabrielle Moyer

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

Throughout his life and career, Bruce Springsteen has continuously included the working class as a major focal point and theme, whether it be in his music or other works. His music provided him with an outlet to express his own experiences, as well as others that are a part of the working-class community and all that entails. His lyrics illustrate and praise their hard-work and effort into achieving what is known as the American dream, while also sheading a light on the many downsides and injustices that are inflicted upon those people. Further into his career, he begins to recognize …

Laverne Cox And The Fight For Lgbt+ Rights, Kelley Ambrose

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

This research paper highlights Laverne Cox and her life, accomplishments, and fight for equality among women, people of color, and the LGBT+ community. It speaks of different laws and regulations that hold or have held transgender people back and explains Cox’s relevance to the First Year Seminar course “Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History”. It also touches on discrimination and the problems faced by transgender people in America.

Springsteen's Oppressed Working Class, Kaylee Bumpus

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

Bruce Springsteen’s exploration through the lives of oppressed working class people has been a prevalent theme throughout the four decades of his musicianship. This paper will discuss the motivations, methods, and impact of the blue collar characters that Springsteen writes about in his songs. The characters from specific songs will be analyzed and placed into one of three categories: law-abiding working class citizens, dreamers attempting to flee desolation, or sympathetic criminals. Specific examples will be used from some of Bruce Springsteen’s more well-known songs, such as “Thunder Road”, “Born to Run”, “The River”, and “Born in the U.S.A.”, and other …

How Music Can Transform The Most Unlikely Of People, Megan Bastow

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

Bruce Springsteen stands as the epitome of the American Dream. From working-class roots to the international stage, he has worked his way to the top through the power of music. This paper aims to compare and contrast Springsteen’s journey with the life of a figure close to home: my father. Both men have succeeded in throwing expectation aside and immersing themselves in their true passion of music.

Legends, Myths, And Facts Of Kylemore Abbey, Jennifer J. Fink

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

Nestled in the side of a mountain in the west of Ireland is the iconic Kylemore Abbey Castle. This paper explores the history of this structure by examining the legends, myths, and facts behind it and the surrounding land. The myths and legends are linked to Ireland’s old Celtic beliefs and explain much of the interesting landscape surrounding the massive structure. Majority of the paper focuses on the factual history of Kylemore which starts from the first construction of the castle all the way to how it is being used today. The Victorian castle has had many owners throughout the …

Mural Arts: Giving A Voice To The Voiceless, Olivia Bates

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

The history of mural arts cites the use of public images in visualizing global and local challenges and triumphs. From the prehistoric cave art in Lascaux Grotttoes, France to the magnificent works of Italian Renaissance artists, murals have transformed the art world by visually conveying social values, events, and transitions of historical times. Throughout the world, artists highlight inequality, invoke change, and give a voice to the voiceless through their images. In order to determine the value and meaning of public art in global and local communities, I researched and documented murals through online and in-person visits; compiling my visual …

Des Bouches Des Cadiens, Lily Keener

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

This paper explores the current state of Cajun (in French, Cadien) literature in the United States. I describe the migration of the Cajuns from Acadia down to Louisiana, the evolution of the French-Cajun dialect and the longstanding bias against it, and use examples of past and modern day Cajun writers and poets to shed light on the recent resurgence of Cajun culture and literature in the United States, even after years of persecution.

The Bullies On The Block: What's Killing Secondhand Bookstores?, Kristen Stedman

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

Reading is idolized in our society. Being a book-lover is a trait that many, including myself, share. Yet, all over the world, independent bookstores are dying due to the rise of Amazon, the pressure of gentrification, and the prevalence of supermarket bookstores. Independent bookstores are of immense cultural significance to us as close-knit, welcoming communities of concentrated creativity, emphasizing the need to be concerned over their diminishing numbers. The factors causing their plight are researched through scholarly sources and then further explored through variety of interviews- with the shop owner, with people who choose to frequent independent bookstores, and with …

Michelle Obama: Research Paper, Camille Menns

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

This research paper discusses Michelle Obama as a feminist who broke barriers in the media and in the White House. Her contributions as a Black Feminist and an advocate for the global education of young women have propelled her to be one of the most notable feminist figures of today. From her fashion style to her candor, Obama’s unconventional ambition caused her to break through glass ceilings. Because Obama fought to be accurately represented by the media, millions around the world perceive black women differently. In addition to being the wife of one of the most influential political leaders in …

Lucy Stone And Her Legacy As A Defiant Pioneer For Feminism, Sabrina Calazans

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

According to society, Lucy Stone was a badly-behaved woman, but according to her impact on feminism today, Stone was just an intelligent, courageous and outspoken woman. Stone succeeded in becoming the first woman from her state of Massachusetts to earn a college degree and became the first woman to not take her husband’s last name. By not letting societal norms and ideals hold her back from doing what she wanted, Stone worked through hardships and challenges in both her personal and professional life, but she soldiered on and continued voicing her thoughts and opinions to women nationwide. Though many women …

Power Built From Pain: The Creation Of Frida Kahlo, Sierra Elmore

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

This paper discusses the highlights of Frida Kahlo’s life from a feminist perspective. Although it focuses on her various medical and personal traumas, Kahlo’s art is explored as well, especially her numerous self-portraits. The importance and significance of her art through a lens of self-expression is explained. Particular emphasis is placed on her complicated relationship with Diego Rivera and how it affected her life and art. The work of several experts is explored and expanded upon, including Kahlo-focused researchers, art critics, and creators of exhibits featuring her works. Kahlo’s relation to the course this research paper is being written for …

The Most Womanly Woman, Lily Keener

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

This paper analyzes the life of 19th century French woman Aurore Dupin, otherwise known as the author George Sand. It largely details the events of her life, especially her adolescent and early 20’s, with a specific focus on how the people and events that occurred during those times affected Dupin’s sense of independence and general deviance from the social customs of 1800s France. I also discuss the impact the writings of George Sand had on the people and literature of 19th century France and beyond concerning the portrayal of women and the concept of Idealist writing.

Effects Of The Semipalatinsk Test Site In An Independent Kazakhstan, Claudia Segura

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

The Cold War was centered on the fight for superiority in the international system between the United States and the Soviet Union. The tension between both parties was communicated through their testing of nuclear weapons, as to reveal the power of mass destruction to one another. Semipalatinsk is a nuclear weapons test site in present-day Kazakhstan in which the Soviet Union conducted hundreds of nuclear weapons tests. These tests not only proved to be threatening to the United States, but also to the inhabitants of the region. The grave toll proved to be more dangerous to the people and the …

Separatism: Product Of The Majoritarian Government, Claudia Segura

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

Nationalism has played an important role in the birth of separatist movements through isolation or conformity on the minority population by the majority. By adding the examples of the Uyghurs of China and the Tamils of Sri Lanka to the assumptions posed by researchers, this paper reveals that a procedure is followed by the minority group. Although the Uyghurs and the Tamils are two different groups located in different countries, they both follow a methodology that leads them to pursue their call for independence, which is illustrated through their reaction to the majority group. This systematic process is attributed to …

People's Perception Of Anime, Jonathan Patterson

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

There is very little information regarding anime/manga to be found online and when you do find a scholarly article it is biased against anime/manga. This survey is the opposite being biased positive towards anime/manga. Not many people are fully aware of what anime is and only see it as Pokemon and childish cartoons but anime is much more than that. It is important to find out people's perception of anime to fully understand what the majority of people think of the medium. I designed a survey to approach this situation and asked as many different people as possible.

Does Your Personality Trait Affect Behavior On Social Media, Paige Brooks

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

The purpose of this research was to find whether personality trait affects behavior on social media. An online survey was made to determine personality trait and specific behaviors seen on social media. The survey was distributed online. Through the data I collected I found that extroverts use social media more than introverts and introverts do use game, music, and entertainment apps more than extroverts do. I found that extroverts do comment more than introverts. Extroverts were heavily concentrated in the frequently post and rarely post sections, whereas, introverts were clustered in the very rarely post and rarely post sections. I …