Mode of Program Participation
Academic Scholarship
Participation Type
Panel
Session Title
The Gendered States of Appalachia: Sexual Violence and Media Representation
Session Abstract or Summary
The entire country is presently engaged in a heated conversation about gender, particularly sexual violence, “locker room talk”, and gender expectations. Again Appalachia can be turned to as a microcosm of America. We will explore media representation, the stridency of gender roles, and sexual violence. Jackson Napier will introduce us to his art installation, The Esau Project, which involved the creation of 890 corn husk dolls in memory of coal camp victims of institutionalized sexual abuse. If a coal miner became injured or killed their wives were sometimes forced to sacrifice their rights, becoming victims of an oppressive system as a way to feed their children. To examine the media’s part in negating and simplifying Appalachian people—and how that leads to violent behavior against natives of the region, two other presenters will examine Appalachian media representation over the last 120 years. Robert Renner will present his own short film on the topic, exploring the way Appalachian men have historically been portrayed on film and how this has contributed not only to stereotypes but also self-identity. Emily Masters’s paper will focus on media portrayals of Appalachian women in the movies, television, country music, and even commercials, with a particular look into how these representations have shaped the way people outside the region view—and negate—female Appalachians. Together Napier, Renner, and Masters will present a thought-provoking and original look at the ways art, stereotype, and labor have contributed to gender dynamics, sexual violence, and ideas of Appalachian self worth.
Presentation #1 Title
Convener
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Silas House will be convening this session of three of his best students, all Appalachian Studies minors at Berea College.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Silas House is the NEH Chair of Appalachian Studies at Berea College and a bestselling novelist whose work is often featured in The New York Times and Salon.
Presentation #2 Title
Hillbilly Gals: Appalachian Women on Film
Presentation #2 Abstract or Summary
Emily Masters’s paper will focus on media portrayals of Appalachian women in the movies, television, country music, and even commercials, with a particular look into how these representations have shaped the way people outside the region view—and negate—female Appalachians.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Emily Masters is from a small farm in Monteagle, Tennessee and is currently a junior at Berea College. Masters is an English major with a double concentration in Writing and Literature and a triple minor in Appalachian Studies, History, and Philosophy.
Presentation #3 Title
The Esau Project
Presentation #3 Abstract or Summary
Jackson Napier will introduce us to his art installation, The Esau Project, which involved the creation of 890 corn husk dolls in memory of coal camp victims of institutionalized sexual abuse. If a coal miner became injured or killed their wives were sometimes forced to sacrifice their rights, becoming victims of an oppressive system as a way to feed their children.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Jackson Napier is a senior majoring in Sculpture. His hometown is Jackson Kentucky. After graduation he plans to move to Italy to study agriculture and continue his education in art.
Presentation #4 Title
Be a Man: Masculinity in Appalachia
Presentation #4 Abstract or Summary
Robert Renner will present his own short film on the topic of gender expectations and its negative impact, exploring the way Appalachian men have historically been portrayed on film and how this has contributed not only to stereotypes but also skewed notions of self-identity for Appalachian men that leads to misogyny, sexual violence, and other harmful behavior.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #4
Robert Renner is a Junior at Berea College majoring in Applied Science and Mathematics with a minor in Appalachian Studies. He grew up in Rockcastle County, Kentucky. He plans to work as an Automotive Mechanical Engineer after graduation and hopes to start a business in his home county to contribute to the Appalachian economy.
Convener
Silas House will be convening this session of three of his best students, all Appalachian Studies minors at Berea College.
