Abstract
Drawing on material from cultural studies, digital anthropology, media theory, social history, and theatre for social change, this paper explores the power of both collective and individual storytelling as a force for resisting ideologically-motivated cultural assimilation in hostile political environments, such as those experienced by forced migrant and refugee populations. Focusing in particular on strategies developed to protect new Americans, international residents, women and minorities, and the LGBT populations during the immediate aftermath of Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration in 2017, the author discusses the role of the performing arts as a mediator in the relationship between a sympathetic majority and oppressed minority communities, paying special attention to the benefits and the drawbacks of using film and theatre to preserve the distinctive characteristics of endangered cultures and identities under attack. Case studies from Ireland and the U.S. are presented, and the author’s own work in this arena is briefly discussed and self-critiqued.
Presenters
Kerric HarveyAssociate Professor, School of Media and Public Affairs and the Film Studies Program, George Washington University, District of Columbia, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Cultural Identity Theatre of the Oppressed Politics and Culture
Digital Media
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