American Studies Commons^™

"I'M Rich Bitch:" Black Class Performance And The New Nouveau Riche, Nykia Hannah

Master of Arts in American Studies Capstones

With its multitude of sub-genres, larger than life personalities, and fifteen minutes of fame offerings, reality television has quickly changed the face and economics of television culture. This research examines the disruption of traditional roles of race and class in reality television. Interdisciplinary in content and methodology, this study uses Real Housewives of Atlanta to identify the ways in which various representations of blackness challenge hegemonic understandings of what it means to be black in the United States. Focusing on the fluidity of identity, "I'm Rich Bitch" highlights the role that popular culture plays in redetermining populist perceptions of blackness.

A Journey Of Tears: What They Don't Tell You About America, A Memoir, Nilufer Gokmen

Master of Arts in American Studies Capstones

This capstone project explores different themes ranging from bureaucracy to suburban life, from popularity of guns in the South to suburban life and metal fandom, both borrowing ideas from scholars who have done research on these subjects before as well as employing different experiences of mine as an international student, trying to survive in a country where international students are not much welcomed in practise. Comparing my own experiences with other people's experiences, especially with those who are from other Middle Eastern countries, this project aims to show how life can be hard for foreign students, and how little Americans …

Dramaturgy: Kurt Well's 'Street Scene': An American Opera And The American Immigrant's Experience, Robert Hadaway

Dissertations, Theses and Capstone Projects (Full IR Collection)

This paper is a reflection of the dramaturgical thesis project performed at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. The Theatre Department's production of Kurt Well's Street Scene was a platform of the project. In this paper, I explore the dramaturgical process and the connection of the production to American Studies.

"Cause I'M Young And I'M Black And My Hat's Real Low": Race, Hip-Hop, And Transformations In The Nba During The Late 1990s And Early 2000s, Christine Debord

Dissertations, Theses and Capstone Projects (Full IR Collection)

Race and racial tensions have long been pressing concerns in professional athletics in the United States. Issues of race have been of particular importance to the National Basketball Association (NBA) since African Americans compromise 77 percent of the league's players. As such, this work examines the ways in which the media and the NBA responded to and managed the new generation of black players during the late 1990s and early 2000s while marketing to primarily white audiences. This time period is important in that it was unapologetically coined the 'thug era' by sports media and basketball fans alike, and the …

Conflict Behaviors: Religiosity, Culture, And Gender As Predictors For Conflict Management Styles Among First And Second Generation Arab Muslim Immigrants In The United States, Jamil Abed Al Hamid Al Wekhian

Dissertations, Theses and Capstone Projects (Full IR Collection)

Multiple studies have shown that culture, religiosity, and gender influence people’s behavior in managing their conflict; however, there has been little investigation of the impact of the acculturation process on these variables utilized by Arab-Muslim immigrants in the United States. My study follows a sequential explanatory model with a mixed methods approach, and specifically explores the conflict management styles utilized by first and second-generation Arab-Muslim immigrants in the U.S. and how their culture, gender, and religiosity contribute to these processes. Data was collected by conducting 257 online surveys and 24 face-to-face semi-structured interviews, with the sample population stemming from the …

The Triple Double: Racially Ambiguous Afro-Latino Identities In America, Yen Rodriguez

Master of Arts in American Studies Capstones

Historically, racial identities in the United States of America have operated on a binary platform of ethno-racial consideration. In turn, this system has classified most racially ambiguous members of society into categories that fail to acknowledge the complexity of their ethnic and racial identities. These pre-determined classifications have lasting effects on the accessibility of opportunities and the social spaces available to ethno-racially unidentifiable members of society. These groups of racially ambiguous Americans, however, challenge the efficacy of an 'either/or' binary system. This piece outlines a learning community for first year students, exploring the ethno-racial ambiguity of Afro-Latino identities in America. …

Nomination To The National Register Of Historical Places: Warden's Residence, Mcneil Island Penitentiary, Washington, Ann M. Burkly

Dissertations, Theses and Capstone Projects (Full IR Collection)

This Master’s thesis nominates the Warden’s Residence of the former Penitentiary at McNeil Island, Washington, to the National Register of Historic Places. The Warden’s House is a superb 1932 French Renaissance Eclectic design, that embodies distinctive characteristics of a method of construction, convict labor, and represents the work of a master architect, George Gove of the prominent Northwest architectural firm, “Heath, Gove, & Bell.” The firm also designed the National Register of Historic Places’ sites of the Tacoma Mausoleum, Paradise Lodge at Mt. Rainier, and Stadium High School in Tacoma. As the creation of George Gove, the communicating architect for …

The Salzburger Story And Its Legacy In Rincon, Georgia, Joann Trodahl

Dissertations, Theses and Capstone Projects (Full IR Collection)

There has been much written about the Protestant Salzburgers, both as religious exiles and as colonists in the New World. Scholarship in this area focuses on the social, political, economic, and religious issues in Europe leading up to the Salzburger expulsion and how these same issues influenced the Salzburgers and how they were perceived by other colonists in Georgia. The information gathered about these events forms the backdrop for understanding the Salzburgers and their importance in Georgia’s history. However, what is missing in the Salzburger narrative is what this legacy means to those descendants living near the site today. Visits …

Justice Not Long Delayed: Historical Perspective And The Twenty-First Century Fight For Gay Rights, Charles O. Boyd

Oglethorpe Journal of Undergraduate Research

This paper attempts to formulate the best comprehensive strategy for achieving equal rights under the law for gays and lesbians. One of the main ways this paper attempts to formulate such a strategy is by looking at the tactics that allowed previous movements, such as abolitionism and the Civil Rights Movement, to succeed. This paper considers which of the tactics of these movements should be adopted by gay rights activists. Some tactics, such as civil disobedience, are determined to be useful for gay rights activists. Others, such as violence (which was avoided by the Civil Rights Movement but used by …

"Haunted By The Sprits Of Men In Blue And Grey:" The "Ghosts Of Marietta" Tour, Selective History, And The Construction Of Local Identity, Shelley Mcginnis

Dissertations, Theses and Capstone Projects (Full IR Collection)

A curriculum project consisting of a syllabus and essay, to be used in teaching an undergraduate course on the relationship between public history, place, and identity.

Japanese American Internment: A Tragedy Of War, Amber Martinez

Dissertations, Theses and Capstone Projects (Full IR Collection)

Japanese American internment in the United States during World War II affected thousands of lives for generations yet it remains hidden in historical memory. The study of Japanese American internment provides a historical catalyst for research and introspection about democracy, citizenship, and constitutional rights in the hope that by understanding the past a dialogue can be established to prevent a recurrence.

Understanding The Civil War, Charles O. Boyd

Oglethorpe Journal of Undergraduate Research

This paper examines why the American Civil War took place and what the modern significance of the conflict is. The paper demonstrates that slavery was indeed the main cause of Southern secession and debunks, one by one, the arguments against that view. It also argues that modern day tributes to the Confederacy are offensive and that the Civil War should be understood as part of a long struggle in the United States for equal rights.

The Action Of Grace In Territory Held By The Devil: Flannery O’Connor And Cormac Mccarthy, Scott A. Singleton

The Kennesaw Journal of Undergraduate Research

This paper compares the lives and work of Flannery O’Connor and Cormac McCarthy. The two authors share similarities in their backgrounds, careers, and work. The paper begins with an examination of biographical information of both authors to contextualize their work and note commonalities in their lives and careers. The central idea is that Flannery O’Connor and Cormac McCarthy both create grotesque characters to reveal the depraved condition of humanity in order to highlight the need for redemption and the possibility of divine grace. To prove this, examples are discussed from multiple pieces of work by O’Connor and McCarthy including The …

Book Review - Kindred, Dindi Rashida Robinson

Georgia Library Quarterly

Kindred is a timeless novel authored by Ocatvia E. Butler. Kindred embodies many genres including: Science Fiction, Historical Fiction, Psychological Fiction, as well as American Literature. This story chronicles the journey of a young African American writer who has to save an ancestor, in order to assure her own existence. Many topics are covered in this novel including, but not limited to:history, xenophobia, mysticism, forgiveness, understanding, love, and most importantly, family. Butler presents a riveting tale that will keep the reader in suspense.

Pop Culture, Politics, And America's Favorite Animated Family: Partisan Bias In The Simpsons?, Kenneth Michael White, Mirya Holman

Faculty Articles

An essay is presented on the impact of the political content of the television program "The Simpsons" on the politics, pop culture and viewers in the U.S. It offers an overview of the creation of the show and explores the different aspects of the show, particularly the debate over its so-called partisan bias. It also discusses the criticism from Republicans including former President George H. W. Bush that the show favors the left.

A Balanced Approach To Health: Understanding The Health Care Practices Of Guatemalan Maya In The United States, Amanda L. Mcgrew

Dissertations, Theses and Capstone Projects (Full IR Collection)

The Maya worldview is constructed on the concept of balance. Their traditional beliefs emphasize balancing the spiritual and physical forces in their lives to maintain equilibrium and thus, health. Nevertheless, outside forces have impinged heavily on this worldview, often shifting Maya views on health. Discussions with Maya partners throughout the United States revealed that though they do utilize ethnomedicine, they tend to overvalue biomedical techniques and caregivers—even if they do not seek care from them. Maya history, cultural identity, and the experience of diaspora shape the way Maya immigrants view their health and their health care options, often leading them …

Preserving Roswell: The Voices Of Historic Preservation In Roswell, Georgia, Emily Suzanne Fox

Dissertations, Theses and Capstone Projects (Full IR Collection)

This project was created to advance the knowledge of local historic preservation, to open adialogue with the public and to be used as an example for others seeking to understand themotivations and experiences of historic preservation participants and stakeholders in otherlocations. It seeks to bring the offline conversation about historic preservation in Roswell, GAinto an online space. This was done by constructing a blog that provides readers with informativearticles about Roswell’s historic preservation efforts and invites them to participate bycontributing their own experiences with the city’s history. The articles were informed bysecondary research from historic preservation scholarship, first-hand observation, and …

Exploring Dress And Behavior Of The Emo Subculture, Kaci Schmitt

Dissertations, Theses and Capstone Projects (Full IR Collection)

The thesis analyzes the dress, behavior, and subcultural characteristics of "emo kids." Interviews, observations, and secondary text analyses are used to determine findings.

Review: Sisters Red

Georgia Library Quarterly

Book review of "Sisters Red," by Jackson Pearce.

Women As Subject And Audience In World War Ii Venereal Disease Posters, Kyra Whitton

Dissertations, Theses and Capstone Projects (Full IR Collection)

Internationally, venereal disease first became a major health concern during World War I. Venereal diseases were some of the most common infections and led to more hospitalizations among soldiers than wounds or battle-related illness. The Selective Service discovered that almost fifteen percent of those who were eligible for the draft were already infected with a venereal disease, sparking an intense anti-venereal disease campaign across America. Red-light districts were shut down, and American cities sought new laws that would criminalize prostitution to protect young men from contracting a venereal infection.

Though venereal disease rates were still high during World War II, …

Fresh, Frugal, And Fabulous: A Woman's Guide To Cooking With Life, Tricia Mahoney

Dissertations, Theses and Capstone Projects (Full IR Collection)

A narrative cookbook, including tips and stories for managing a downturn in finances with style and fortitude.

"American Dream" Or Global Nightmare?, Melanie E. L. Bush

Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective

In the United States we are witnessing a period of heightened contestation about the parameters of nationalism, patriotism, and loyalty. The oft-heard phrase "Support the Troops" now signifies the desire both to send more soldiers to war and to bring home those already in combat. This "nation of immigrants" has spawned a new generation of "minute-men" to defend national borders while mainstream discourse touts the benefits of "diversity." Dreams of upward mobility present for some during the mid-20th century seem now hazy at best as the proportional income of those at top grows while the rest of the population increasingly …

Review: Also Known As Harper, Jennifer Green

Georgia Library Quarterly

Review of the middle grade novel "Also Known as Harper," by Ann Haywood Leal.

The Library, Terra Elan Mcvoy

Georgia Library Quarterly

The article presents the poem "The Library," by Terra Elan McVoy. First Line: New York loneliness in my mouth; Last Line: and disappear.

When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Write Poetry: A Biography Of American Poet Walter Griffin, Lawrence Sterne Stevens

Dissertations, Theses and Capstone Projects (Full IR Collection)

The first four chapters of a biography of the poet Jasper Walter Griffin. They cover the first thirty years of his life, including Griffin's fatherless childhood in rural South Carolina, his imperious grandmother, his time at Gordon Military School (now Gordon College) in Barnesville, Ga., his tumultuous time in the Army in the U.S. and France, his brushes with the law, and a decade of defiance and anger, of various jobs from bellhop on Nantucket Island to carnival barker in Florida to shady home-improvement contract salesman, and of vagabonding around the U.S. as he searched for what he calls 'the …

‘Evil Against Evil’: The Parabolic Structure And Thematics Of William Friedkin's The Exorcist, Larrie Dudenhoeffer

Faculty Articles

This essay examines and deconstructs three sets of antagonisms in William Friedkin's The Exorcist (1973). It argues that the film describes its own narrative conflicts as a thematics of ‘evil against evil,’ so as to de-ethicize the moral violence of those metaphysical dogmatisms that compete over the ‘souls’ of others. It then re-couches the one-sidedness of scientific and religious orthodoxies, which damage in similar ways Regan MacNeil, one of the film's main characters, as another variation of this thematics. Finally, this essay suggests that The Exorcist surveys certain sociopolitical tensions, thus commenting, in its video and theatrical re-releases, ‘timelessly’ on …

Facilitators And Obstacles Of Intercultural Business Communication For American Companies In China: Lessons Learned From The Ups Case, Hongmei Gao, Penelope Prime

Faculty Articles

This article analyzes how the execution of business strategy for global enterprises is shaped by the dual challenges of communicating in a different national culture and working in a changing economic environment. The article develops a framework from the UPS case in China to illustrate the key components of strategy for US companies operating businesses in China. The article proposes that Chinese-American communication effectiveness can be achieved through overcoming five obstacles: cultural multiplicity, relationship/ task orientation, time concept, business style difference, and language use, while utilizing five facilitators:pragmatism, gender equality, English, American pop culture, and a "big country mentality."

Review: Also Known As Harper, Jennifer Green

Georgia Library Quarterly

Review of the middle grade book "Also Known as Harper," by Ann Haywood Leal.

Review: Swallow Me Whole, Maureen Puffer-Rothenberg

Georgia Library Quarterly

Review of the graphic novel "Swallow Me Whole," by Nate Powell.

Macon State Showcases 'Lost' Literature

Georgia Library Quarterly

The article reviews the literature exhibit "Lost" at the Macon State College's library in Georgia.