“I Understood That Reference”: Inter-textual Power

and Whedon’s Geeks

ADJ. INSTR. WILLIAM L. PATTON MOTLOW STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE JOSS IN JUNE CONFERENCE 2015 MURFREESBORO, TN

Whedon and Inter-Textual Power

2000’s as the age of the Geek Whedon and inter-textuality Inter-textuality and Today’s youth The inter-textual geek Inter-textual empowerment, navigating problems Knowledge is power Empowered by an unconscious understanding of the narratives they are caught in,

Whedon’s fanboy and geek characters are often the most dynamic and uniquely powerful figures in his stories, and their knowledge allows them to see through the genre constructs surrounding them. Whedon’s frequent use of intertextuality and pop culture savvy characters communicates the theme that knowledge grants the power to understand and maneuver through life’s ordeals. Whedon’s Geeks are not only Intelligent and powerful heroes. They are now the common man

BTVS and Angel

BtVS: A show by Geeks, About Geeks, For Geeks The Scoobies as Geek Teamwork – geek community The Trio – Geek as Super-Villains - The Danger of the Geek’s Power and Obsession and Possessiveness - Out of touch with reality Inter-textual Language as Power Willow as Fan Scholar Nerdy outcast empowered through intelligence and vocality Buffy – the Slayer’s witty puns Xander as Geek Hero - “The Freshman” - “The Zeppo” - “Potential” Angel and Songs - Lorne as Geek Psychic Hero

Firefly and Dollhouse Firefly Browncoats as outcasts - Ancient Inter-texts 1. Bible and Shan Yu, Ancient Mariner and the Albatross Wash - Voice of Reason and Friendship - Understanding of the System – Dino-play as Allegory - Easy-going attitude and passivity Dollhouse Topher as Geek Sculptor / Manipulator - References - Topher as Mad Scientist Manipulator vs. Geek Rebel - The Danger of Obsession - Topher’s Redemption and Sacrifice Dr. Saunders

 

Cabin in the Woods

Cabin as Inter-textual Horror Narrative The Agency as Geek Manipulators and Audience Marty – the “Fool” - Marty – Stoner Paranoia or Deciphering the System - Survival through knowledge of the Genre - Geek as Hero - Choosing the End: Compassion to the End over Destructive Utopia System Geek as Rebel Scholar Hero

Marvel’s The Avengers

Comic Geek Narrative Wit and Cool References Tony Stark as Geek Businessman, Intelligent Sarcastic Hero - References and Wit – AC/DC, Shakespeare in the Park, Point Break, Galaga - Inter-textual Observance and Heroic Strength Coulson as Geek Martyr

Whedon and Geek Heroes

Whedon knows Pop culture and knows his audiences enjoy being in on the references/fan acknowledgement

Inter-textual parallels disguising constructs and relatable heroic geeks - Whedon as eventually successful geek The art of referentiality and paying homage Being Geek can be turned into a strength

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