Feminism and Pop Culture: Feminist Literature and Theory Panel

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SAMLA: South Atlantic Modern Language Association
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When Beyoncé featured an audio clip of Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's TED Talk "We Should All Be Feminists" in her 2013 single "Flawless," she helped to fuel the resurgence of feminism as a still-relevant tool to promote "the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes." This resurgence in feminism's popularity can be seen in many forms of popular culture, for example, in the growing readership of websites such as Jezebel and Upworthy, or in campaigns such as "#BanBossy" and "I need feminism because . . . ." This rise in feminism's trendiness bears significant implications on feminist studies in an academic context, as well.

This panel seeks to create a bridge of conversation between academia and pop culture. Is this "Fourth Wave Feminism," and if so, what are the contours of this incarnation? What might be the benefits of "pop culture feminism," disseminated by mass media? What might be the disadvantages?

Papers that consider popular culture in context of feminist literature (broadly defined) and/or feminist theory are welcome. Papers addressing the SAMLA 86 theme "Sustainability and the Humanities, "perhaps considering the "sustainability" of feminism, will be given particular consideration. By June 15, 2014, please submit a 250-word abstract and A/V requirements to Stephanie Rountree, Georgia State University, at srountree3@gsu.edu.

This call is for SAMLA's 2014 conference at the Atlanta Marriott Buckhead Hotel & Conference Center, in Atlanta, Georgia, November 7-9, 2014. Active SAMLA membership and conference registration are both required to participate in this panel. Information about the SAMLA conference can be found at samla.memberclicks.net