Gold Medal Girl: Media Representations of Aly Raisman During the Larry Nassar Scandal Through Lenses of Whiteness, Vulnerability, and "Good" Patriarchy

Author

• Anna Mischelle Dean

Date

2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Communication

Committee Chair

Marina Levina

Committee Member

Antonio de Velasco

Committee Member

Wendy Atkins-Sayre

Abstract

This thesis analyzed two media texts about former Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman and how these texts constructed her identity during and after the Larry Nassar scandal. I analyzed these texts through the lenses of whiteness, vulnerability, and carceral feminism. Looking at how the media acts as a disciplinary apparatus in this case, I argue that women athletes’ bodies are portrayed as having a vulnerability to abuse that only the "good" patriarchy can address. I seek to show that the media use depictions of women’s vulnerability and need for patriarchal help to remind women athletes that, in cases of abuse, who they can be and where their safety comes from is dependent on white patriarchy.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to ProQuest/Clarivate.

Notes

Open Access

Recommended Citation

Dean, Anna Mischelle, "Gold Medal Girl: Media Representations of Aly Raisman During the Larry Nassar Scandal Through Lenses of Whiteness, Vulnerability, and "Good" Patriarchy" (2026). Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive. 4046.
https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/etd/4046