Communication ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 4-8-2025

Abstract

The invocation of tragedy in abortion stories has been acknowledged as a rhetorical tool that creates affective prescriptions and marginalization. Expanding on this concept, this work identifies how these strategies are used to maintain white femininity structurally through individual narratives. An intersectional feminist rhetorical analysis of abortion stories told on the platform TikTok is used to identify discursive practices that signal to white femininity. These practices are organized into three prominent themes within narratives: moves toward victimization, moves toward innocence, and prescribed punishments. Thematically, these serve to identify how pro-choice rhetoric fails to be intersectional and underscore the importance of telling stories that normalize abortion for everyone, not just a privileged few.

Language

English

Keywords

Rhetorical analysis, abortion, feminism, intersectionality, choice

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Communication

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Department of Communication and Journalism

First Committee Member (Chair)

Shinsuke Eguchi

Second Committee Member

Jaelyn deMaria

Third Committee Member

Cassidy Ellis

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