Identity Negotiation in Military Service Members

Taylor Elizabeth Rugg

Taylor Elizabeth Rugg Hobart and William Smith Colleges http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7103-4262

Abstract

The identity of the hero and of military service members are often intricately linked in hegemonic civilian discourse. This connection is often created through popular media, such as film, and achievement recognition, such as the Medal of Honor. However, veteran identities are not limited to this connection, as there are multiple identities that a veteran can embody. This study takes a rhetorical approach through discourse analysis of an interview conducted with a Navy veteran in order to demonstrate the fluidity and multiplicity of identities that veterans constitute themselves as, as well as how the hero identity is negotiated.

[1] This research received IRB approval from Hobart and William Smith Colleges.

Author Biography

Taylor Elizabeth Rugg, Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Taylor Elizabeth Rugg (now Taylor Elizabeth Piva) has a Master of Arts in Rhetoric (2018) from Carnegie Mellon University and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and War, Warfare, & the Soldier Experience (2017) from Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Her research has focused on the construction and comprehension of the hero identity within the military and veteran population, and she plans to pursue a PhD in Higher Education Administration and work with students at institutions and contribute to research on student veterans.