Participation Type
Poster
Session Title
Poster
Presentation #1 Title
The Melungeon Other; or How History and Literature Informs Melungeon Stereotypes
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
My project looks at Melungeon literature and specifically the story of Mahala Mullins to examine how literature has impacted and reflected the prejudice against Melungeons. The intent of this project is to illuminate how history and literature inform each other in regards to Melungeon stereotypes. My research project addresses the history of the Melungeons’ maltreatment and the reasons behind it. I also look at a variety of local stories concerning Melungeons and examine how the stereotypes are reflected in literature. I focus the majority of my attention on the story of Mahala "Big Haley" Mullins and its many variations. Of special interest: the exaggerations and falsehoods surrounding the story and how fictional iterations differ from the accounts held to be true by family and other witnesses. The embellishments that imply illegality and that increase negative Melungeon stereotypes warrant special attention within this project. I hope to add to the conversation concerning how stereotypes are formed and perpetuated, specifically in regards to Melungeons, in a way that demonstrates how this particular stereotype impacts Appalachian culture broadly.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Erica Peak-Nordstrom is a senior undergraduate English major at Milligan College. She plans to teach English upon graduation in a local high school. Her interest in this topic stems from a previous 499 project at Milligan College with Dr. Michael Blouin to help research his upcoming book on multiculturalism and the Gothic.
The Melungeon Other; or How History and Literature Informs Melungeon Stereotypes
My project looks at Melungeon literature and specifically the story of Mahala Mullins to examine how literature has impacted and reflected the prejudice against Melungeons. The intent of this project is to illuminate how history and literature inform each other in regards to Melungeon stereotypes. My research project addresses the history of the Melungeons’ maltreatment and the reasons behind it. I also look at a variety of local stories concerning Melungeons and examine how the stereotypes are reflected in literature. I focus the majority of my attention on the story of Mahala "Big Haley" Mullins and its many variations. Of special interest: the exaggerations and falsehoods surrounding the story and how fictional iterations differ from the accounts held to be true by family and other witnesses. The embellishments that imply illegality and that increase negative Melungeon stereotypes warrant special attention within this project. I hope to add to the conversation concerning how stereotypes are formed and perpetuated, specifically in regards to Melungeons, in a way that demonstrates how this particular stereotype impacts Appalachian culture broadly.
