Stripped: Reading the Erotic Body

Stripped explores how erotic bodies communicate in performance and as cultural figures, focusing on symbols independent of language. Maggie M. Werner analyzes the movement, dress, and cosmetic choices of topless dancers and neo-burlesque performers and develops approaches for interpreting embodied erotic rhetoric. She follows these bodies out into the streets, where sex workers and anti-rape activists challenge discourses about morality and victimhood and struggle to remake their own identities. The result is a unique study that advances conversations about womens agency and erotic performance, moving beyond the binary that views the erotic body as either oppressed or empowered.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 14 October 2020
Publisher: Pennsylvania State University Press

Stripped delves into the captivating world of erotic bodies, exploring their intricate communication through performance and cultural representation. Focusing on symbols that transcend linguistic boundaries, Maggie M. Werner delves into the enigmatic signs and signals of erotic dance, analyzing the profound responses of audiences to these coded messages. Through her ethnographic research conducted in strip clubs and theaters, Werner uncovers the intricate movements, attire, and cosmetic choices of topless dancers and neo-burlesque performers, shedding light on the embodied rhetoric that emerges from these performances.

Drawing upon critical analytical methods, Werner develops innovative approaches to interpret the nuanced language of embodied erotic rhetoric. She delves into the marginal cultural practices that shape womens public erotic bodies, challenging prevailing narratives about morality and victimhood. Werner takes us on a journey beyond the binary, unveiling the complexities and contradictions that exist within the erotic body.

Throughout the book, Werner showcases the vibrant voices of these performers, interweaving their experiences as audience members, interviewers, and paying customers. This unique blend of perspectives adds depth and authenticity to the study, fostering a deeper understanding of womens agency and erotic performance. Stripped emerges as a groundbreaking contribution to the fields of rhetoric of the body and rhetorical and performance studies, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and challenging preconceived notions.

In its theoretical sophistication and captivating intimacy, Stripped offers a profound exploration of the multifaceted nature of the erotic body. It invites readers to engage in a nuanced dialogue, challenging us to reimagine our perceptions and embrace the complexities of human sexuality. Through its insightful analyses and personal narratives, Stripped contributes to a more inclusive and empathetic understanding of the world, paving the way for a more liberated and sexually liberated future.

Weight: 342g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780271087771