The Myths that Bind Us: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Canada: A People's History
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| Database ID | 26133 | |
| Institution | University of Saskatchewan Libraries Special Collections | |
| Fonds/Collection | University of Saskatchewan Library Theses and Dissertations | |
| File/Item Reference | etd-04252006-195000 | |
| Date of creation | 2006 | |
| Physical description/extent | 1 thesis; 98 pages | |
| Number of images | 98 | |
| External URL | http://library2.usask.ca/theses/available/etd-04252006-195000/unrestricted/J_Hobday_Thesis.pdf | |
| Scope and content | The 32- hour documentary series Canada: A People's History was aired in 2000-2001 and has been widely disseminated: it is now available as video and DVD sets and has been aired in at least nine languages. In this thesis I examine the packaging of the series, that is, the images and promotional blurbs on the boxed DVD set and the introductory and concluding segments of the series, and I intensively examine Episode 10 "Taking the West" (1873-1896). Through Critical Discourse Analysis, I closely examine the language and other semiotic material used in Canada: A People's History to analyse power relationships in the series. As well as paying attention to the overall structure of the verbal and visual text, I am attentive to the way in which grammar and words are used, and the representation that is portrayed through these elements. In this thesis, I find that while the series does include women and Aboriginal people, Canada: A People's History's use of language and images portrays a Canadian identity that privileges Whiteness and masculinity and that presents current power imbalances in society as natural and inevitable. By devaluing women and Aboriginal people in its representation, Canada: A People's History lends legitimacy to the systemic discrimination against women and Aboriginal people in Canadian society. I find that the series presents past events as inevitable, over which people had no control or influence, and I argue that this presentation encourages people to accept the current situation, rather than challenging it and seeking alternatives. | |
| Restrictions on access | There are no restrictions on access. | |
| Contributer | Hobday, Joyce Annie (author) University of Saskatchewan. Department of Educational Foundations (Supervisory department / submitted to) | |
| Copyright holder | Hobday, Joyce Annie | |
| Other terms governing use and reproduction | Permission given for on-line access. | |
| Type | Theses | |
| Primary Media | Textual documents | |
| Provenance Access Point | University of Saskatchewan Library. Theses and Dissertations | |
| Treaty boundaries | Canada -- National | |
| Cultural region | Canada -- National | |
| Subject | External representations Women DVD sets | |
| Date Range(s) | 2000- | |
| Permanent Link | https://digital.scaa.sk.ca/ourlegacy/permalink/26133
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