In Consuming Stories; Rebecca Peabody uses the work of contemporary American artist Kara Walker to investigate a range of popular storytelling traditions with roots in the nineteenth century and ramifications in the present. Focusing on a few key pieces that range from a wall-size installation to a reworked photocopy in an artist’s book and from a theater curtain to a monumental sculpture; Peabody explores a significant yet neglected aspect of Walker’s production: her commitment to examining narrative depictions of race; gender; power; and desire. Consuming Stories considers Walker’s sustained visual engagement with literary genres such as the romance novel; the neo-slave narrative; and the fairy tale and with internationally known stories including Roots; Beloved; and Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Walker’s interruption of these familiar works ; along with her generative use of the familiar in unexpected and destabilizing ways; reveals the extent to which genre-based narrative conventions depend on specific representations of race; especially when aligned with power and desire. Breaking these implicit rules makes them visible—and; in turn; highlights viewers’ reliance on them for narrative legibility. As this study reveals; Walker’s engagement with narrative continues beyond her early silhouette work as she moves into media such as film; video; and sculpture. Peabody also shows how Walker uses her tools and strategies to unsettle cultural histories abroad when she works outside the United States. These stories; Peabody reminds us; not only change the way people remember history but also shape the entertainment industry. Ultimately; Consuming Stories shifts the critical conversation away from the visual legacy of historical racism toward the present-day role of the entertainment industry—and its consumers—in processes of racialization.
#98786 in Books John Iceland 2013-08-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .60 x 6.00l; .70 #File Name: 0520276361226 pagesPoverty in America A Handbook
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Great read; even though I bought this for a ...By CustomerGreat read; even though I bought this for a college course It's a book I really enjoyed reading. Should be a required read for high school aged kids throughout the U.S.; these issues are not addressed or taught enough in schools. Iceland does a great job of explaining poverty in America in a way that anybody can understand11 of 13 people found the following review helpful. No More American Dream- The Poverty NightmareBy AlanWarnerThese are individual case samples of poverty stricken Americans who have had their hopes; goals; and dreams for a better life smashed to pieces on page 126 Mr. Jerome Greene tells his story "It's been like hell;" he says. "It's very hard to see people leave and go to work in the morning and come home every night. It's hard to see people spending money; going out and having fun and you can't. It's very stressing. Greene; about to turn 50; worked for 16 years as an Oracle software developer; most recently at a Pennsylvania company that made electronic components for cars. When he was laid off in June 2008; the recession was just taking hold; and he still had job interviews. By fall; with the economy in free fall; his phone stopped ringing." On page 121 Mr. J.R. Childress shares his experience "He's determined to stay busy; job or no job; for sanity's sake. Maybe he'll help a neighbor. Exercise. Or check out computer blueprints of construction projects around Winston-Salem; N.C.; to stay connected to the world where he thrived for three decades. Childress has been laid off twice since late 2009; most recently for 10 months." On page 47 we have "Magdalyn March; 30; of Birmingham; Ala.; can relate to those living in extreme poverty. in 2006; she lost a seasonal job at a packing warehouse; split with an abusive boyfriend and was caring for her two children."On page 39 we have hit the jackpot there are four different people who tell their stories "At a food pantry in a Chicago suburb; a 38-year-old mother of two breaks into tears. She and her husband have been out of work for nearly two years. Their house and car are gone. "It's like there is no way out;" says Kris Fallon. She is trapped like so many others; destitute in the midst of America's abundance." Next we have "Bill Ricker; a 74-year-old former repairman and pastor whose home is a dilapidated trailer in rural Maine. He scrapes by with a monthly $1;003 Social Security check." Then "There's Brandi Wells; a single mom in West Virginia; struggling to find a job and care for her 10-month-old son." Last but not least there is "Ken Bargy; 58; had to stop working five years ago because of his health and is now on disability." These are everyday Americans whose country America has given them a swift kick to the curb of poverty.6 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Well sourced and well writtenBy CustomerVery interesting and well sourced book giving theories and explanations regarding the poverty seen in America. Easy to understand and read; making it a very accessible source for this information.
