Michael Barthel

PhD CandidateUniversity of Washington

As contributor

In Media Res

"Game Change" and "Showgirls": Politics as Camp

By
Michael Barthel University of Washington

August 21, 2012
5 comments

"Game Change" and "Showgirls": Politics as Camp Sarah Palin Politics as Entertainment camp Curator's Note Game Change told a familiar story: a big fish in a small pond finds the spotlight and, after proper training, overtakes the ...

As commenter

In Media Res

Re: "Game Change" and "Showgirls": Politics as Camp

Political camp

By
Michael Barthel University of Washington

Thursday, August 23, 2012 — 4:54 pm
Yeah, I think the presence of John McCain helps out a lot- he's this ultimate embodiment of politics-as-sincerity, fixing the system by being outright and honest about it, etc., and then along comes Palin and she's way more exciting and interest ...
In Media Res

Re: "Game Change" and "Showgirls": Politics as Camp

Gender

By
Michael Barthel University of Washington

Thursday, August 23, 2012 — 5:05 pm
Totally. I think Palin's character embodied a kind of fluid identity, with the makeover and the "I so don't want to go back to Alaksa" line, and so the transition from her as mom and Alaskan- the scene at the beginning with her at the ...
In Media Res

Re: From Bartlet to Knope: Politics and instructional television

Parks & Rec

By
Michael Barthel University of Washington

Monday, August 20, 2012 — 6:09 pm
This is great! I especially like the Jack & Bobby mention. (RIP.) I have a somewhat different take on Parks & Rec's politics though? While its depiction of governemnt is definitely better than a lot of shows' in its lack of cynicism, it ...