Bøger af Celia Lam

Personas and Places: Negotiating Myths, Stereotypes and National Identities explores the intersections between representations of places and people. It interrogates the methods through which national myths are constructed, and examines the limitations of national identities. It offers critical reflection on the issues of race, gender, and disability/ability in the national imaginary.The contributors to this book offer a series of fascinating case studies that take us from the migrant and settler shores of Australia to the American success myth, from the biopic of Jackie Kennedy to the dresses of Michelle Obama, and from colonial myths, New Zealand celebrity activism, to the photographic representations of Zambia. The book presents an investigation of the ways in which public personalities both reflect and challenge national identities, and questions dominant media representations that emerge from the Global North. Nations construct meanings around (and through) which its members locate sites of identification and signification. As high profile individuals possessive of signifying potential, celebrities represent issues that are both micro and macro in nature; simultaneously embodying both the personal and national. They are called upon to both 'glue' the social imaginary together and to outwardly represent what the nation state wants to be seen it is made of.A must read for anyone who wants to understand national identities.

"Celebrities depend upon fans to sustain their popularity and livelihood, and fans are happy to oblige. With social media, they can follow their favorite (or least favorite) celebrities' every move, and get glimpses into their lives, homes, and behind-the-scenes work. Fans interact with celebrities now more than ever, and often feel that they have a claim on their time, attention, and accountability. In Fame and Fandom: Functioning On and Offline, contributors examine this tumultuous dynamic, and bring together celebrity studies and fan studies like never before. This volume explores the intersections between fan cultures, communities and practices around the globe; as well as the formation and maintenance of celebrity and public personas. It expands knowledge of the fields by examining both online and offline examples. Readers will find new theoretical approaches to fan/celebrity encounters, as well as discussion of parasocial relationships and fan interactions with celebrities. Case studies include Supernatural, Harry Styles, YouTube influencers, film location sites, Keanu Reeves, and celebrities as fans. This volume is ideal for anyone curious about the mutual influences of fame on fandom, and vice versa"--