Date of Award

8-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Communication Studies

Department

Communication Studies

First Reader/Committee Chair

Betlemidze, Mariam

Abstract

With various iterations of the meaning and representation of a feminist woman, feuds arise, especially amongst public figures who capture the media’s attention. This paper analyzes the discourse amongst two communities with opposing views about feminist representations: the body-positive community and the fitness community. Utilizing an intersectional theoretical framework allows us to understand the levels of oppression and marginalization members of the body-positive community, specifically plus-size Black women, endure while also running up against the fitness community. There is no better illustration of this phenomenon than the public skirmish between Lizzo and Jillian Michaels. The goal of this case study is to examine how intersectionality between Lizzo and Michaels influences their respective communities’ understanding and perception of feminism. This analysis allows us to study how intersectionality influences feminist interpretations of marginalized groups and will enable us to rethink feminism through nomadic thought in an attempt to normalize marginalized bodies.

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