Of minutemen and rebel clown armies: Reconsidering transformative citizenship

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-1-2009

Abstract

What does it mean for progressive performance activists to use citizenship as an animating rhetoric? To address this question, I examine the activist tactics of two ideologically opposed groups: the civilian border-watch organizations known as Minutemen and a neo-anarchist collective called the Clandestine Insurgent Rebel Clown Army. While the Minutemen pursue a particular paleoconservative ideal of citizen-as-activist, the Clowns eschew citizenship rhetoric altogether. Through an analysis of the two groups, I conclude that citizenship as a concept operates in tension with radical democratic ideals of equality and liberty for all. Nevertheless, its hegemonic effectiveness in progressive endeavors makes it indispensible. © 2009 National Communication Association.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Text and Performance Quarterly

First Page

222

Last Page

238

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