Abstract
Although the U.S. political sphere remains predominantly white and predominantly male, it has grown more diverse with each recent election cycle. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been one of those new voices in Congress, advocating for progressive policies such as the Green New Deal, the abolition of ICE, and universal healthcare. This study sought to better understand the rhetorical strategies Ocasio-Cortez utilized throughout her first term in Congress to challenge hegemonies. Through a feminist critique, I contend she utilized variations of reframing, generating new perspectives, enacting, and juxtaposing incongruities to maneuver issues mainly of sexism and classism. These strategies, in turn, signal that meaningful resistance can be achieved within existing institutions through active rhetorical strategies.
Advisor
Bostdorff, Denise
Department
Communication Studies
Recommended Citation
Hopkins, Sarah Ives, "'It's Time For One of Us': A Feminist Rhetorical Analysis of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's First Term in Congress" (2021). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 9585.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/9585
Disciplines
Arts and Humanities
Keywords
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, rhetoric, hegemony, politics
Publication Date
2021
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis Exemplar
Included in
© Copyright 2021 Sarah Ives Hopkins