"Firing the pigskin real right" : media representations of Simpson and Romo

FIRING THE PIGSKIN REAL RIGHT": MEDIA REPRESENTATIONS OF SIMPSON AND ROMO by Lindsey M. Eliopulos The purpose of the study was to examine the media's representations of sportcelebrity couple singer-actress, Jessica Simpson and Dallas Cowboys Quarterback, Tony Romo. One hundred magazine and 100 newspaper articles published between December 17, 200, that coincided with the first publicized notion of the "Jessica Simpson jinx" and April 15, 2009, were qualitatively analyzed. The investigation revealed the prevailing dominant ideologies of patriarchal structures, traditional gender roles, hegemonic masculinity and deviance, while underscoring the mass media's ubiquitous characteristics. The literature emphasized the mass media's representation of the celebrity and the media's habitual employment of gossip and rumor linguistics to frame the narratives surrounding Simpson and Romo, both autonomously and collectively. The study uncovered typologies that mirror the archetypal sporting partnership: Simpson's polarized physical attributes, her feminine position as a "supporter," her function as an "antagonist" (i.e., the femme fatale, Yoko Ono), and Romo's position as a hegemonic male and a victim. Through the development of the above themes, the researcher sought to illustrate the concepts of villanization and victimization in the mass media, where Simpson was portrayed unfavorably and Romo was portrayed favorably suggesting the need to maintain the patriarchal order while restraining female dominance. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Jessica Simpson once questioned, "Is this chicken, what I have, or is this fish? I know its tuna, but it says 'Chicken of the Sea." To those who withstood my own senselessness, reassured my uncertainties, navigated through my misdirection, making the process a bit more manageable, this work is for you—a true representation of your devotion. Foremost, to my father, Mark, my mother, Maria, and my sister Nikki—celebrities in their own right—this work is truly an homage to the love, encouragement, and opportunities you have afforded me, for without you, this would not be possible. To my self-proclaimed Luddite advisor, Dr. Johnson—whose celebrity repertoire is bounded by our northern border—your spontaneity and willingness to charter into unfamiliar territory became a true testament to your confidence in this endeavor. For your counsel, and mantras of truth and wisdom, I am indebted. For the sincerity, astute observation, and often necessary brutal honesty of my bipedal companions: Roby, Laura, Robert, and Nicole —for the solace, smiles and serenity of four-legged friends: Keydis, Allister, Lily, Mrs. Bojangles, Dark Knight and Yoshi—this paper is the product of your support. And certainly not least, to the council of knowledge, my committee Dr. Butryn, Dr. Masucci, and Dr. Semerjian, whose suggestions became the foundation to constructing a stronger final product, this work symbolizes your continual effort to assist, thank you. TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Tables viii Chapter 1: Introduction 1 Statement of the Problem 17 Statement of Purpose 20 Research Question 21 Delimitations 22 Limitations 22 Assumption 23 Definitions 23 Importance of Study 27 Chapter 2: Review of Literature 28 Celebrity 28 Mass Media: Newspaper and Magazines 33 Gossip and Rumor Linguistics 37 Gossip Linguistics 37 Rumor Linguistics 39 Framing Theory: The Stained-Glass Window Effect 41 Mass Media and Gender: The Gender Gaze 43 Sport-Celebrity Relationship 51 Wives, Girlfriends, and Traditional Gender Roles 51 The Femme Fatale and the Yoko Ono Effect 60