'Set the record straight' : nonviolence and the interpretation of trans life writing AND Under the sign of Gevurah : lesbians, vampires, and law in Batwoman"

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Virginia P. Weaver (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Jennifer Feather

Abstract: This paper argues that readers must take a nonviolent approach when interpreting trans life writing. Many past feminists have failed to correctly interpret trans life writing, leading to transphobic conclusions. Based on the writings of Judith Butler, a nonviolent method of interpretation regards both the form and content of trans life writing to be restricted by forces external to the writer, and accounts for these constraints in a more empathetic style of interpretation. Further, this paper makes reference to the concepts of hermeneutic injustice and epistemic exploitation, as outlined by scholars in the field of epistemic injustice, to illuminate its suggestions for methodology. AND This paper argues that the occasionally explicit Kabbalistic symbolism in Batwoman comics plays a crucial role in illustrating how the DC Comics character of Batwoman stands for, and is restricted by, various forms of law. This paper makes extensive references to histories of Kabbalah as well as primary texts of Jewish mysticism to demonstrate how Batwoman comics are defined by sovereign and psychoanalytic manifestations of the law. In the end, it argues that Batwoman comics also reveal several ways beyond the oppression of the law.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2022
Keywords
Comics, Kabbalah, Lesbian, Memoir, Superhero, Trans
Subjects
Transgender people $x Biography
Transgender people $x Violence against
Nonviolence
Batwoman $c (Fictitious character)
Lesbian superheroes
Jewish superheroes

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