Dream. Drive. Do.: becoming that "someone like me"

[摘要] The author presents an autoethnographic account that captures the vulnerable moments, emotions and critical incidents to produce an evocative story about becoming a role model. Applying the theoretical lens of cultural capital, broader implications are made about identity development, race, disability and discrimination. A fusion between social science and screenplay yields a compelling story where the effects of reality, vivid details, and human experience come together. This unique intersection relies on the power of dialogue as well as rich visual imagery and cinematic techniques to capture key moments and the emotions of certain critical incidents.The overarching story pertains to a federal lawsuit and serves as the anchor point. By moving forward and backward in time from this main event, other pieces pertaining to race, adoption, disability, sport and family are weaved throughout. The result is a survivor’s tale that encourages other’s to empathize and reflect about his or her own tale and engage in moral and ethical conversations. The author wants others to feel motivated to take control over their own lives, to think differently about the notion of diversity and to feel empowered to become a role model to others. This dissertation gives a voice to the autoethnographic “I” through scenes and challenges hegemonic ways.

[效力级别] qualitative

[关键词] autoethnography;qualitative;education;cultural capital;disability;identity;race;sports;adoption;Paralympic;cinematography;success;citizenship capital;resistance capital;transformational capital;spiritual capital;social capital;navigational capital;linguistic capital;aspirational capital;familial capital;role model