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Journal ArticleDOI

A Zombie Apocalypse: Opening Representational Spaces for Alternative Constructions of Gender and Sexuality

18 Nov 2013-Journal of Literary Studies (Routledge)-Vol. 29, Iss: 4, pp 1-19
TL;DR: In this article, a feminist literary analysis of Deadlands (2011) and Death of a Saint (2012) is presented to explore whether these zombie texts successfully capitalise on the post-apocalyptic social ruptures in terms of their representations of gender and sexuality.
Abstract: SummaryZombies have become an increasingly common figure in contemporary cultural landscapes around the world and South Africa is no exception While scholars have tended to shy away from engaging with post-apocalyptic zombie fiction, this has started to change as it became apparent that these texts offer rich possibilities for exploring alternative constructions of gender and sexuality In the aftermath of an apocalypse, most forms of social organisation and ideological constructions are decimated and survivors are able to imagine new ways of constructing sexual and gender identities as they go about reconstituting their social worlds By means of a feminist literary analysis of Lily Herne’s Deadlands (2011) and Death of a Saint (2012), this article explores whether these zombie texts successfully capitalise on the post-apocalyptic social ruptures in terms of their representations of gender and sexuality It emerges that, although the texts do suggest alternative constructions, they also reinscribe and r
Citations
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Margaret Atwood's novel “The Handmaid’s Tale” is a tour de force based on speculative dystopian fiction, and Handmaids are recruited to repopulate the sterility struck society.
Abstract: Point Illustration Explanation Mini-conclusion Introduction Margaret Atwood’s novel “The Handmaid’s Tale” is a tour de force based on speculative dystopian fiction. In the novel, Atwood creates a society run by a theocratic government, and Handmaids are recruited to repopulate the sterility struck society. It was written in 1985 and is written in a first person limited narrative stance. The protagonist of the novel is a Handmaid named Offred.

303 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In 2013, the South African literary awards reflected the range of books published, with each of the main awards going to a different book as mentioned in this paper, and a wide range of novels were published; there was an increase in the short stories in print; strong new voices emerged and many books gained both popular and critical attention.
Abstract: 2013 was a good year for South African literature, particularly for fiction. A wide range of novels were published; there was an increase in the short stories in print; strong new voices emerged and many books gained both popular and critical attention within South Africa and internationally. A number of authors who impressed with their debuts have now followed up with strong second or third novels. Names such as Lauren Beukes, Amanda Coetzee, Gareth Crocker, Jassy Mackenzie, Angela Makholwa, Brent Meersman, Niq Mhlongo, Kgebetli Moele, Nthikeng Mohlele, Gail Schimmel, Steven Boykey Sidley, Fiona Snyckers, Meg Vandermerwe, James Whyle and Rachel Zadok move from “names to watch” to a new generation of established South African writers. This year sees a number of impressive debuts, ensuring that there will be no shortage of new voices. Maren Bodenstein, Dominique Botha, Carol Campbell, C.A. Davids, Perfect Hlongwane, Charlie Human, Ron Irwin, Alex Latimer, Songeziwe Mahlangu, Maria Phalime and Claire Robertson are particularly noteworthy. The South African literary awards reflected the range of books published, with each of the main awards going to a different book. The Sunday Times Award for Fiction was won by Claire Robertson for The Spiral House, with The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes, False River by Dominique Botha, Penumbra by Simphiwe Mahlangu and Wolf, Wolf by Eben Venter shortlisted. It is worth noting that three of the shortlisted books were debuts (Robertson’s, Botha’s and Mahlangu’s). Nadine Gordimer was honoured with a lifetime award from the Sunday Times. The University of Johannesburg (UJ) Prize went to Lauren Beukes for The Shining Girls, with The Sculptors of Mapungubwe by Zakes Mda, Stepping Out by Steven Boykey Sidley and Sister-Sister by Rachel Zadok shortlisted. The Debut Prize went to Dominique Botha for False River, with The Blacks of Cape Town by C.A. Davids, Jozi by Perfect Hlongwane and The Spiral House by Claire Robertson shortlisted. False River and Wolf, Wolf by Eben Venter were among several books issued simultaneously in

28 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
A. Rus Hoelzel1
24 Jul 2015-Science
TL;DR: In How to Clone a Mammoth, Beth Shapiro tackles to the topic of deextinction, carefully considering the technological, ecological, and ethical challenges that such an endeavor would entail Reviewer A Rus Hoelzel recounts Shapiro9s arguments and applauds the book as "rich in anecdote and scientifically precise".
Abstract: In How to Clone a Mammoth, Beth Shapiro tackles to the topic of de-extinction, carefully considering the technological, ecological, and ethical challenges that such an endeavor would entail Reviewer A Rus Hoelzel recounts Shapiro9s arguments (Can we? Should we?) and applauds the book as "rich in anecdote and scientifically precise"

12 citations

References
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01 Jan 2001

1,425 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Margaret Atwood's novel “The Handmaid’s Tale” is a tour de force based on speculative dystopian fiction, and Handmaids are recruited to repopulate the sterility struck society.
Abstract: Point Illustration Explanation Mini-conclusion Introduction Margaret Atwood’s novel “The Handmaid’s Tale” is a tour de force based on speculative dystopian fiction. In the novel, Atwood creates a society run by a theocratic government, and Handmaids are recruited to repopulate the sterility struck society. It was written in 1985 and is written in a first person limited narrative stance. The protagonist of the novel is a Handmaid named Offred.

303 citations

Book
01 Jan 1999
TL;DR: A Personal History of Feminist and Sociological Theorizing Part Two: EARLY Foundations On the Social Construction of Female Sexuality The Social Context of Rape Sexual Scripts and Motivation How to Make Babies Sexism in Sex Education Femininity, Masculinity and sexuality The Desire for Freud Psychoanalysis and Feminism Part Three: RECENT INTERVENTIONS Even Sociologists Fall in Love An Exploration in the Sociology of Emotions Women and Heterosexual Love Complicity, Resistance, and Change Gender and Homosexuality A Materialist Feminist Analysis Lost Childhood or
Abstract: PART ONE: THE CONTEXT Querying Heterosexuality A Personal History of Feminist and Sociological Theorizing PART TWO: EARLY FOUNDATIONS On the Social Construction of Female Sexuality The Social Context of Rape Sexual Scripts and Motivation How to Make Babies Sexism in Sex Education Femininity, Masculinity and Sexuality The Desire for Freud Psychoanalysis and Feminism PART THREE: RECENT INTERVENTIONS Even Sociologists Fall in Love An Exploration in the Sociology of Emotions Women and Heterosexual Love Complicity, Resistance and Change Gender and Heterosexuality A Materialist Feminist Analysis Lost Childhood or Sexualized Girlhood? Taking Liberties Feminism, Gay Rights and the Problem of Heterosexuality Heterosexuality, Heteronormativity and Gender Hierarchy Some Reflections on Recent Debates

266 citations

Book
01 Jan 1991
TL;DR: In this paper, a three-tier approach is proposed for recommending policies and procedures for college policies and practices to prevent acquaincence of sexual aggression on women and women as victims.
Abstract: DEFINING THE PROBLEM: Rape Myth ATTITUDES ABOUT ACQUAINTANCE RAPE: Attributions of Responsibility FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO ACQUAINTANCE RAPE: Sex-Role Socialization Alcohol Misperception as an Antecedent of Acquaintance Rape: A Consequence of Ambiguity in Communication Between Women and Men TYPES OF ACQUAINTANCE RAPE: Non-violent Sexual Coercion Wife Rape Gang Rape on Campus VICTIMS: Factors That Increase Likelihood of Victimization Women as Victims: Antecedents and Consequences Male Victims ASSAILANTS: Sexually Coercive College Males Attraction to Sexual Aggression EFFECTS OF ACQUAINTANCE RAPE: The Psychological Impact of Stranger versus Non-Stranger Rape on Victims' Recovery Effects on the Female Victim SOCIETAL RESPONSE: Conceptual and Practical Analysis of Therapy for Victims Medical Community Responses: Recommendations The Law AVOIDANCE AND PREVENTION: The Personal Perspective A Three-Tier Approach Institutional Response: Recommendations for College Policies and Procedures.

213 citations