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Dancing with Discrimination: Managing Stigma and Identity
Author(s)
Date Issued
2003
Date Available
2014-09-15T14:36:58Z
Abstract
Fans are a group that are stigmatized and discredited, at least to some degree, by their 'deviant' and common form of symbolic consumption. At stake in the process of stigmatization is the very identity of the individual fan, and their symbolic and emotional well‐being. This paper reports on an empirical study of one particular group of fans—Star Trek fans (or 'Trekkies')—and explores the complex identity issues articulated by them as they 'manage' their problematic public identity. Drawing upon interviews conducted with 18 Trekkies, the article describes how this stigmatic identity is organized within a disciplinary matrix that operates at a micro level through two key processes: humour and self‐surveillance. In particular, we highlight their struggle with the dilemmas of exposing their private 'fandom' in a public context, and the highly ambivalent manner in which they seek to escape stigmatization.
Type of Material
Journal Article
Publisher
Taylor and Francis
Journal
Culture and Organization
Volume
9
Issue
4
Start Page
295
End Page
310
Copyright (Published Version)
2003 Taylor and Francis Ltd
Language
English
Status of Item
Peer reviewed
This item is made available under a Creative Commons License
File(s)
Owning collection
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