Jane Fonda: Traitorous Radical or Influential Activist?
Location
CSU 203
Start Date
11-4-2017 10:00 AM
End Date
11-4-2017 11:00 AM
Student's Major
History
Student's College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Mentor's Name
Matt Loayza
Mentor's Department
History
Mentor's College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Description
As a political and human rights activist, Jane Fonda influenced many United States citizens through her involvement in the Vietnam Anti-War Movement during the late 1960's into the 1970's. However, she is often regarded as a traitorous radical who was successful in her activism only because of her celebrity status and association with prominent male counterparts. This research aims to change the negative and patriarchal perception of Jane Fonda's activism during United States conflict with Vietnam. Jane Fonda's activism centered primarily on G.I. Rights and the Black Panther Movement, but she also spoke at antiwar rallies and participated in an acting troupe, called Free the Army. Her involvement in the antiwar movement culminated in her visit to Hanoi in North Vietnam, which solidified her reputation amongst government officials and others as a traitorous radical. This research examines the portrayal of Jane Fonda in print media, at both the national and local levels, from 1970 to 1973. This research will examine how Jane Fonda was portrayed over time within each source as well as the differences between them. The print media sources utilized for the research include nationally read periodicals, local and national newspapers, and Black American and New-Left print sources. Most all print media sources discredited Jane Fonda's activities as an activist by consistently referring to her as a movie star, with exceptions found in New-Left and Black American sources.
Jane Fonda: Traitorous Radical or Influential Activist?
CSU 203
As a political and human rights activist, Jane Fonda influenced many United States citizens through her involvement in the Vietnam Anti-War Movement during the late 1960's into the 1970's. However, she is often regarded as a traitorous radical who was successful in her activism only because of her celebrity status and association with prominent male counterparts. This research aims to change the negative and patriarchal perception of Jane Fonda's activism during United States conflict with Vietnam. Jane Fonda's activism centered primarily on G.I. Rights and the Black Panther Movement, but she also spoke at antiwar rallies and participated in an acting troupe, called Free the Army. Her involvement in the antiwar movement culminated in her visit to Hanoi in North Vietnam, which solidified her reputation amongst government officials and others as a traitorous radical. This research examines the portrayal of Jane Fonda in print media, at both the national and local levels, from 1970 to 1973. This research will examine how Jane Fonda was portrayed over time within each source as well as the differences between them. The print media sources utilized for the research include nationally read periodicals, local and national newspapers, and Black American and New-Left print sources. Most all print media sources discredited Jane Fonda's activities as an activist by consistently referring to her as a movie star, with exceptions found in New-Left and Black American sources.
Recommended Citation
Johnson, Sarah. "Jane Fonda: Traitorous Radical or Influential Activist?." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 11, 2017.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2017/oral-session-03/2
