Martin WimmerKlimastar Greta Thunberg

About this book deutschenglish

Greta Thunberg is a paradox public figure. She seems to have come out of nowhere to predict the world’s impending doom. She feels chosen to do so herself. Playing on stereotypes surrounding her Asperger’s, she uses them to legitimize her claims for the world’s future. But at the same time, she argues with undeniable facts, stands up for rationality, and for climate-conscious actions based on science.

By entering the mass media, she succeeded in finally bringing a well-known subject of world politics into collective consciousness. That was because people recognized Greta Thunberg as something special, which can be staged skillfully. To gain the attention of billions, more than everyday routines have to come into play. People want to see, to admire and to argue about something extraordinary. Thunbergs public appearances enabled her to imprint herself on the cultural memory. These include her spectacular Atlantic ocean crossing, her accusing speech at the UN climate summit, her alleged meeting with Donald Trump and her depiction on the cover of Time magazine as Person of the Year.

This book analyzes Greta Thunberg as a media figure – as a star. To be heard for her politics, the activist has to follow the rules of media hype. This is because images, not facts, are the driving force. At some point she had become so famous that she was separated from her original agenda. Thus, the star threatens to suppress the activist. The star becomes a surface for projection, a caricature, a pop idol, a brand that can be protected and abused.

Greta Thunberg demonstrates that to become a star, no achievements in the fields of film, music or sports are necessary. On the basis of theories by Andreas Reckwitz and Georg Franck, Martin Wimmer examines and interprets the climate star Thunberg. His background in cultural and theatre studies provides a compelling perspective that campaigns for the importance of the category of appearance, which is central to the constitution of a star. Yet, the research on stardom, so far shaped by film and media studies, hasn’t explored this adequately.

Ihr Werk im Verlag Dr. Kovač

Möchten Sie Ihre wissenschaftliche Arbeit publizieren? Erfahren Sie mehr über unsere günstigen Konditionen und unseren Service für Autorinnen und Autoren.

Veröffentlichen wissenschaftlicher Arbeiten