Browsing by Author "Vanderford, Audrey L."

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    Political pranks : the performance of radical humor
    (University of Oregon, 2000-12) Vanderford, Audrey L.
    This thesis examines the performance of political pranks by contemporary radical activists and anarchists. Pranks, used symbolically to subvert authority and collapse hierarchy, have become important tools for grassroots political movements. Activists utilize pranks as a form of "culture jamming" to undermine, humiliate, and educate. This thesis documents political pranks pulled by Earth First!, the Yippies, the Biotic Baking Brigade, and the Eugene Anarchists for Torrey (EAT) Campaign to show how pranks are performed and narrated within anarchist subcultures. Drawing on cultural and performance studies, as well as on anarchist theories, this thesis demonstrates how pranks can become performances of resistance and criticism that disrupt the status quo.