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Chen, Hsiao-ping. "The Significance of Manga in the Identity-Construction of Young American Adults: A Lacanian Approach." Dissertation Dr. Ohio State University, 2011. 
Added by: joachim (22/06/2011, 01:43)   
Resource type: Thesis/Dissertation
Language: en: English
BibTeX citation key: Chen2011
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Categories: General
Keywords: Fandom, Identity, Japan, Lacan. Jacques, Manga, Media effects, USA
Creators: Chen
Publisher: Ohio State University (Columbus)
Views: 18/793
Attachments   URLs   http://rave.ohioli ... _num=osu1292280906
Abstract
This dissertation examines the identity construction of five manga fans by exploring their creation of comics and their cosplay. Certain identity themes emerged through a Lacanian interpretation using a qualitative/interpretivist paradigm. Data collection relied primarily on semi-structured, in-depth interviews with participants, and included their cosplay photos as well as their manga drawings and stories. Specifically, Lacan’s concepts of the Imaginary, the Symbolic, and the Real were used to interpret these participants’ identities. The study showed not only that identity is not always determined by the Symbolic (conscious act), but also that it is governed by unconscious desire and fantasy (of the Real). While unconscious desire (Real) continues to break the fixibility of identity, the Symbolic remains an oppressed ruling Other that determines which identity is positive and which negative. The Imaginary is a most important outlet in terms of identity building for the subject, the freedom to make changes, and the power to heal one’s fixity against change (provide hope) in light of the Other’s gaze. Some of Lacan’s concepts – gaze, fantasy, desire/lack, camouflage – are also discussed by way of explaining identity-related themes.

Table of Contents

Abstract (ii)
Dedication (iii)
Acknowledgments (iv)
Vita (vi)
List of Tables (xi)
List of Figures (xii)

1. Introduction (1)
Background Of The Study (1)
Statement of the Problem (4)
Theoretical Framework (6)
Methodology (9)
Outline of the Chapters (12)

2. Literature Review (13)
Part I (13)
Manga’s Origins and Characteristics (13)
Origins of Sex and Gender Themes in Manga (14)
The Influence of Religion (15)
The Influence of Western Art Styles (16)
Manga’s Characteristics (17)
– Manga as Comics (17)
– Visual Appearance (18)
– The Main Manga Genres (19)
– Common Manga Themes (22)
Summary (25)

Part II (27)
Theoretical Perspectives of Identity (27)
A Comparison of Different Views of Identity Theories (27)
– Lacanian Identity vs. Modernism (27)
– Lacanian Identity vs. Poststructuralism (28)
– Lacanian Identity vs. Postmodernism (28)
– Lacanian Identity vs. Postcolonialism (29)
Lacanian Theory (30)
– The Real: The Core of Desire (33)
– The Imaginary/Mirror: Total Identity as Misrecognition (36)
– The Symbolic (39)
Summary (43)
Fantasy, Desire, And The Act Of Seeing (44)
– Traversing the Fantasy (44)
– Desire (47)
– Objet a: Object Caused of Desire (48)
– The Other’s Desire (48)
– Desire Can Never be Satisfied (49)
– Interplay of Desire and Fantasy (50)
– The Gaze (52)
– The Gaze: The Object Looks Back (53)
Summary (57)

3. Methodology (59)
Overview of the Methodological Framework (59)
The Role of the Researcher (60)
Research Questions (61)
A. Questions related to identity construction (61)
B. Questions related to participants’ social involvement with manga (63)
Design Of The Research (63)
– The Context of the Manga Club at OSU (64)
– Data Collection (65)
– Lacanian Concepts and Terms (68)
Limitations of the Study (78)

4. Data Analysis (80)
Case-By-Case (80)
Case 1: Amy Grant (82)
– Introduction (82)
– Brief Biographical Account (82)
– The Value of Manga: Story Centered on Emotion and Human Relationships (82)
– Amy’s Identification with Specific Manga Characters: Pretty Females with Magic Power to Fight and Kill (88)
– Amy’s Own Manga Characters and Stories: Boys’ Love Story (93)
– Summary: Identity as Misrecognition (103)
Case 2: Jess Doe (105)
– Introduction (105)
– Brief Biographical Account (105)
– The Value of Manga: Manga as a Complex Genre with Flawed Characters (106)
– Jess’ Identification with Specific Manga Characters: Desire for Emblematic Male Power to Kill and Fight (108)
– Jess’s Own Characters: Feminine Males (134)
– Summary: Identity as Contradiction (140)
Case 3: Kent Soup (145)
– Introduction (145)
– Brief Biographical Account (145)
– The Value of Manga: Manga is Realistic in its Depiction of Human Characters in Terms of Emotional and Internal Growth as Opposed to External Action (146)
– Kent’s Identification with Specific Manga Characters: Tough Young Boys with Troubled Pasts (157)
– Kent’s Own Manga Character (164)
– Summary: Identity as Struggle (168)
Case 4: Clark Wise (170)
– Introduction (170)
– Brief Biographical Account (170)
– The Value of Manga: Manga’s Fantasy Structure Emerges in an Everyday Context with Authentic Human Emotional Qualities (171)
– Clark’s Identification with Specific Manga Characters (179)
– Clark’s Own Manga Characters and Stories: Narcissists who like Power Struggles (186)
– Clark’s Involvement in Manga Reflects His Own Inner Conflict (195)
– Summary: Identity as Abjection (201)
Case 5: John Mar (205)
– Introduction (205)
– Brief Biographical Account (205)
– The Value of Manga: More Intellectually Stimulating and Aesthetically Pleasing (206)
– John’s Identification with Specific Manga Stories and Characters (218)
– John’s Own Manga: A Conscious Synthesis of Influences (225)
– Summary: Identity as Jouissance (231)

5. Emergent Themes as Related to Lacan (235)
(1) Exploration of Alternative Identities (Identification of Others Based on an Ideal Image of Self) (237)
– The Imaginary Coexisting with the Symbolic (241)
(2) Resistance to Mainstream Values, Particularly Those of Traditional American Culture (248)
(3) A Questioning of Gender Roles and Sexuality (257)
– Androgyny as the Ultimate Gender Utopia (Without Sexual Differences) (261)
– Desire for a Secure Identity (263)
(4) A Desire for Recognition—The Desire Is to Be the Object of the Other’s Desire (Social Aspect of Manga) (265)
(5) The Pleasure of Binding the Traumatic Life together (The Real is that which Resists Reality) (269)
– Imaginary Real – Metaphor (Parody) as a Visual Signifier to Avoid the Emotional Trauma Caused by the Real (270)
Fantasy as a Way to Learn to Live with Real Trauma (Loss, Defeat and Failure as Part of Life) (272)
– The Symbolic Real and the Misuse of Language to Fill the Symbolic Emptiness (via Contradictions, Self-denial) (273)
– The Trauma of the Real Real, Its Unspeakable Horror, and the Fear of Death (275)
Summary (277)

Implications for Art Education: Why Lacan? (281)

Appendix A: Images of Manga Drawing by Club Members (284)
Appendix B: Recruitment Letter (286)
Appendix C: The Human Subjects Review Committee Approved (288)
Appendix D: Support Letter (290)
Appendix E: Interview Schedule (292)
Appendix F: A Story about an Oriental Girl (294)
Appendix G: Consent Form (296)

References (298)
Added by: joachim  
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