Awkward Politics

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Awkward Politics

Technologies of Popfeminist Activism

Media studies Feminism and feminist theory Gender studies, gender groups Gender studies: women and girls Political activism / Political engagement

Authors: Carrie Smith-Prei, Maria Stehle

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Language: English

Published by: McGill-Queen's University Press

Published on: 1st May 2016

Format: LCP-protected ePub

Size: 1 Mb

ISBN: 9780773598973


Digital Tools and Feminist Activism

The increased use of digital tools for political activism has triggered heated debates about the effectiveness of digital campaigns for political change and feminist causes. While technology’s immediacy and transnational reach have broadened the potential impact of activism, it has, at the same time, complicated the goals, materiality, and consumption of feminist actions.

Introducing Awkward Politics

In Awkward Politics, Carrie Smith-Prei and Maria Stehle suggest that awkwardness offers a means of engaging with twenty-first century feminist activism by accounting for the uncertainty of popfeminist moments and movements, its sometimes illegible meanings, affects, and aesthetics.

Media and Methodology

By investigating transnational media ranging from popfeminist performance art, music, street activism, blogs, and hashtags to literature, film, academic theory, and protests, the authors demonstrate that viewing activist art through the lens of awkwardness can yield a nuanced critique. By developing awkwardness into a theoretical tool for intervention, a key concept of feminist politics, and a moving target, this innovative study dramatically alters the ways in which we approach activism, its forms, movements, and effects.

Broader Implications

It also suggests a broad range of applicability, from social movements to the academy. Breaking new ground through the intersections of technology, consumerism, and the political in popfeminist work, Awkward Politics highlights the urgency of feminist politics and activism.

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