Moderator: TBA
“Another Girl, Another Panet ”: The Transgender Lovers of Different for Girls
Alexandra Frank (American Studies, University of Maryland)
This paper uses the theoretical framework she developed from examining the visual arts and applies it to another example, the film Different for Girls (1996), which suggests the fluidity of human sexuality and desire. More specifically, I will argue that Paul Prentice, a character in the British romantic comedy-drama whose gender identity and sexuality are fluid, is the transgender lover of a transsexual.
“Simulated Consumption: Modeling the Economy in The Sims Online”
Donald Snyder ( American Studies, University of Maryland Baltimore County)
This paper aims to examine the complex layers of consumption practices within The Sims Online, which is a Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (or MMORPG). Relying on data gathered from testing stage leading up to the official release of the game, this paper examines how The Sims Online presents an exaggerated model of American consumption behaviors. Key ideas and questions include how the game presents a “postmodern” merging of work/leisure and consumption/production. What does it means that consumers help to create the finished product both through “work” as beta-testers and as the key providers of actual game content. Furthermore, how does the game attempt to balance the in-game economy, reflective of individual and individualistic desires, with the social drive and interactive community context of the MMORPG? In turn, how are players utilizing the in-game economy in order to financially benefit in our actual economic markets? And finally, how are identities being consumed and in turn produced within the game?
Whose Line Isn't It Anyway? An assessment of the contentious relationship between cultural authenticity and identity.
Rachel Sprecher ( Sociology, University of Maryland)
With a particular attention to Jewish identity in America and the different sub sects within the group, I will be arguing in favor of a universalism perspective that welcomes comment from anyone when it comes to intra-group authenticity. Drawing on lived experiences and a recent visit to Israel , I will discuss the tensions regarding Israeli sentiment on American Jews and those in the diaspora commenting on what goes on in their country. I will also look to Robin Wiegman's, Who Can Speak? , for insight on who is entitled to use their voices and on what issues. I will examine the motivations of the speaker, author, filmmaker, and creator on cultural groups, and whether or not these have to come from a place of legitimacy.