The Young Women of the Dutch Resistance (Hannie Schaft, Truus and Freddie Oversteegen) – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land

~ valerie gritsch ~ 2 Comments

The bullet creased her scalp, drawing blood, but missing its target. Jannetje Johanna “Hannie” Schaft, a 24-year-old member of the Dutch resistance, looked up at the SS officer, and taunted him with her final words: “I am a much better shot!” A Dutch collaborator then opened fire with his submachine gun, ending the life of … Continue reading The Young Women of the Dutch Resistance (Hannie Schaft, Truus and Freddie Oversteegen) – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land

Sybil Kathigasu – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land

~ valerie gritsch ~ 1 Comment

Sybil Medan Kathigasu neè Daly, a nurse and resistance fighter during the Second World War, is little known even within Malaysia, the country she helped during its occupation by Japanese forces. But in my opinion her contributions, and her bravery in the face of hardship, should not be taken lightly or be forgotten. So allow … Continue reading Sybil Kathigasu – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land

Agatha Christie – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land

~ valerie gritsch ~ 1 Comment

“Once I went professionally to an archaeological expedition -- and I learnt something there.  In the course of an excavation, when something comes out of the ground, everything is cleared away very carefully all around it. You take away the loose earth, and you scrape here and there with a knife until finally the object … Continue reading Agatha Christie – Tales from Wo-Fan’s Land

Researching David Bowie’s Death in Brixton, UK – January 2019

~ valerie gritsch ~ Leave a comment

The main focus of my Masters research is dead celebrities and how fans react to their death and in memorializing them create and shape the narrative of that celebrity’s legacy. One of the main celebrities I focus on is David Bowie, and specifically how people interact with him through his hometown of Brixton, a neighborhood … Continue reading Researching David Bowie’s Death in Brixton, UK – January 2019

The Fan Rituals of Memorializing David Bowie – Presentation

~ valerie gritsch ~ Leave a comment

On April 5th, 2019, I participated in the MALS Lightning Talks. This is an event for Masters students at the Graduate Center, CUNY to showcase their research in three minutes. I spoke about the fandom rituals that memorialize David Bowie in Brixton, his hometown in South London. Watch my speech below, or read the transcript … Continue reading The Fan Rituals of Memorializing David Bowie – Presentation