Date of Award
Fall 2023
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Sociology
First Advisor
Alexander, Jeffrey
Abstract
This dissertation delves into the dynamic interplay between controversial public figures, audiences, and the creation of icons today. Through three distinct articles, it explores how icons emerge and evolve within contentious political discourse. The first article introduces the concept of "dialectic icons," exemplified by figures like Colin Kaepernick, demonstrating their ability to evoke emotional responses and drive social polarization. The second article examines the role of antagonistic audiences in magnifying negative iconization, using Greta Thunberg as a case study to reveal the conflict potential of these figures. The third article introduces the notion of "iconic extensions" using the MAGA hat to showcase how audiences from opposite sides of the opinion spectrum actively contribute to the evolution and dissemination of political symbols. Collectively, these articles enrich cultural sociology’s perspective on iconography by integrating audience agency, digital dynamics, and the transformative power of the symbolic landscape.
Recommended Citation
Bittner, Vanessa Kristin, "The Dark Side of Iconicity: How Controversial Icons become Lightning Rods for Passionate Audiences" (2023). Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Dissertations. 1159.
https://elischolar.library.yale.edu/gsas_dissertations/1159
