Abstract
Fur Nation traces the interwoven relationships between sexuality, national identity, and colonialism. Chantal Nadeau shows how Canada, a white settler colony, bases its existence and its nationhood on a complex sexual economy based on women wrapped in fur.
Nadeau traces the centrality of fur through a series of intriguing case studies, including Hollywood films, fashion photography, musicals, and of course Bardot and her white baby seals.
Nadeau highlights the connection between 'fur ladies' - women wearing, exploiting or promoting furs - and the beaver, symbol of Canada and nature's master builder. She shows how, in postcolonial culture, the nation is sexualized around female reproduction and fur, which is both a crucial factor in economic development, and a powerful symbol through which the nation itself is conceived and commodified. Fur Nation demonstrates that fur ladies really are the fabric of a nation.
Nadeau traces the centrality of fur through a series of intriguing case studies, including Hollywood films, fashion photography, musicals, and of course Bardot and her white baby seals.
Nadeau highlights the connection between 'fur ladies' - women wearing, exploiting or promoting furs - and the beaver, symbol of Canada and nature's master builder. She shows how, in postcolonial culture, the nation is sexualized around female reproduction and fur, which is both a crucial factor in economic development, and a powerful symbol through which the nation itself is conceived and commodified. Fur Nation demonstrates that fur ladies really are the fabric of a nation.
Original language | English (US) |
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Place of Publication | New York |
Publisher | Routledge |
Number of pages | 256 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781134724826 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780415158732, 9780415158749 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 2001 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Social Sciences