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) |
|---|---|
| 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