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A dangerous message: the material effects of Enough

Date

2006

Authors

Richards, Joseph P., author
Holling, Michelle A., advisor
Bubar, Roe W., committee member
Dickinson, Greg, committee member

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Abstract

Domestic violence is a cultural epidemic in U.S. society. How we define, perceive, and treat domestic violence is a product of the material rhetorics about it. Since film is a prominent mode of rhetorical discourse, I examine how the issue of domestic violence is represented in the 2002 film Enough. I argue that the film presents a view of domestic violence that offers space for empowerment, but serves to potentially place real women in danger. I undertake a dual-methodological approach using a textual analysis of the film and a focus group discussion with female domestic violence professionals/providers to discern the negative material effects of Enough. In my concluding section, drawing from feedback from the focus group participants, I offer suggestions for improving portrayals of domestic violence that may lead to ending this problem.

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Subject

Violence in motion pictures
Abused wives

Citation

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