This thesis consists of two parts: a written analysis and a documentary, both of which explore women's experiences with boxing through storytelling. The activity of boxing has historically been male dominated, rendering women's voices and bodies invisible. This thesis analyses the ways in which women come together and engage in rhetorical action sharing their individual and community experiences at a particular boxing gym, Empower Lansing. Utilizing storytelling as my methodology and... Show moreThis thesis consists of two parts: a written analysis and a documentary, both of which explore women's experiences with boxing through storytelling. The activity of boxing has historically been male dominated, rendering women's voices and bodies invisible. This thesis analyses the ways in which women come together and engage in rhetorical action sharing their individual and community experiences at a particular boxing gym, Empower Lansing. Utilizing storytelling as my methodology and documentary making as my medium, this thesis offers women's lived experiences in real time as they reflect on their relationships with boxing, while creating new meaning to what a boxing community can look and feel like. This thesis explores stories through lived experiences that have shaped my own understanding about what it means to rhetorically and materially feminize the boxing ring. The written portion of the thesis concludes with a call for rhetoric and writing studies to pay attention to women in the boxing ring, and includes directions for the next phases of my research. Show less
