Abstract

This interdisciplinary Independent Study proposes a new interpretation of Stoicism that highlights the mutual influences between the inner self and the outer world. This research analyzes the clients’ changes in Queer Eye: We’re in Japan! to show how the new interpretation of Stoicism provides a framework for understanding the self and its relationship with other people in a way that leads people to move toward happiness.

The thesis is divided into five chapters. The first chapter serves as the introduction in which I explain the purpose and rationales of my study. In the second chapter, I review existing research related to my study. I first examine the main arguments of the Stoics that people can achieve happiness by focusing on controlling what they have control over. Then, I explain both the philosophical and communicational theories about identity construction as well as research on makeover shows and the Queer Eye series to provide a context for the textual analysis of Queer Eye: We’re in Japan!.

The third chapter suggests the importance for the Stoics to take into account the mutual influences between the self and the world as a part of the process of gaining true knowledge. Specifically, I argue that since identity is constructed in relation to the influence from the outer world, recognizing this influence will allow the Stoics to better control the controllable.

The last chapter before the conclusion presents four steps through which the clients of the show Queer Eye: We’re in Japan! understand and learn to perform the Stoic teachings of controlling the controllable while separating out the uncontrollable. I conclude that the positive changes in the clients successfully demonstrate that the new interpretation of Stoicism not only reflects everyday reality better with respect to interpersonal relationships but also helps the Stoic learners control the controllable in achieving happiness.

Advisor

Atay, Ahmet

Second Advisor

Rudisill, John

Third Advisor

Chaudhary, Suraj

Department

Communication Studies; Philosophy

Disciplines

Broadcast and Video Studies | Continental Philosophy | Epistemology | Interpersonal and Small Group Communication

Keywords

Stoicism, Queer Eye, Textual Analysis, the Self, the Outer World, Queer Eye: We're in Japan!, Makeover, Netflix

Publication Date

2021

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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