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Critical Analysis of Dannah Gresh's Blog- Myth #2 Modesty is a Form of Misogyny

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation (Electronic Copy Not Available)

Keywords

Gresh, Dannah, 1967- --Criticism and interpretation; Modesty--Religious aspects--Christianity;

Abstract

This is a critical analysis of a blog written by Dannah Gresh, taken from her website Pure Freedom. I introduce and provide a definition of the purity movement within evangelical circles. This particular blog, titled, “Myth #2: Modesty is a form of misogyny” Gresh addresses critique of her ministry, and whether teaching purity to women is harmful to women and has promoted rape culture. I examine Gresh’s words, and what they attempt to accomplish. First, I begin with looking at her defensive tactic, in which she is dismissive of her detractors. This includes her use of tragic rhetoric, by labeling these critics non-Christians who are against biblical teaching, as well as undermining the existence of rape culture in our society. The ambiguous manner she uses in identifying her critics, from “third wave feminists” and “an indifferent columnist” appears to create straw people who are unfairly, and wrongly attacking her as she serves God through her ministry. From this topic, I transition into examining the technical evidence Gresh uses to support her authority on the validity and importance of purity education to women. This includes her citation from Time magazine, her statistical references without citation, as well as her use of Bible translations and context of the passages chosen to support her stance. Finally, I look at the last sentence of her blog which begins as Truth statement and ends with a seemingly whimsical wink and how this single statement wraps up and speaks to the audience who support her ministry.

Start Date

4-4-2017 1:00 PM

End Date

4-4-2017 4:30 PM

Faculty Advisor

Catherine Palczewski

Department

Department of Communication Studies

Comments

Location: Maucker Union Presidential Room

Embargo Date

4-4-2017

Electronic copy is not available through UNI ScholarWorks.

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Apr 4th, 1:00 PM Apr 4th, 4:30 PM

Critical Analysis of Dannah Gresh's Blog- Myth #2 Modesty is a Form of Misogyny

This is a critical analysis of a blog written by Dannah Gresh, taken from her website Pure Freedom. I introduce and provide a definition of the purity movement within evangelical circles. This particular blog, titled, “Myth #2: Modesty is a form of misogyny” Gresh addresses critique of her ministry, and whether teaching purity to women is harmful to women and has promoted rape culture. I examine Gresh’s words, and what they attempt to accomplish. First, I begin with looking at her defensive tactic, in which she is dismissive of her detractors. This includes her use of tragic rhetoric, by labeling these critics non-Christians who are against biblical teaching, as well as undermining the existence of rape culture in our society. The ambiguous manner she uses in identifying her critics, from “third wave feminists” and “an indifferent columnist” appears to create straw people who are unfairly, and wrongly attacking her as she serves God through her ministry. From this topic, I transition into examining the technical evidence Gresh uses to support her authority on the validity and importance of purity education to women. This includes her citation from Time magazine, her statistical references without citation, as well as her use of Bible translations and context of the passages chosen to support her stance. Finally, I look at the last sentence of her blog which begins as Truth statement and ends with a seemingly whimsical wink and how this single statement wraps up and speaks to the audience who support her ministry.