Interpretation and Analysis of a Zine

Interpretation and Analysis of a Zine (created by Steve Bookman and Susan Thomas)

Pick two zines from a few options: 1. the Pace University print Zine Library, if you are open to visiting and browsing the collection; 2. a list of digitized or born digital zines selected from the Internet; and 3. the Pace University digital Zine Repository.

To preview zines in the print Zine Library before visiting OR to find a list of digitized/digital zines, go here: https://libguides.pace.edu/ENG201Bookman/zinestersandzines (scroll down to find the list of digital zines)

You can make an appointment to visit the Zine Library by contacting Susan Thomas, Librarian, at sthomas7@pace.edu or Professor Bookman. The Zine Library is located on the 17th Floor at the Pace building at 161 William Street. Turn right out of the elevators. The student at help desk can point you to the door--1723. Email your professor or me about making an appointment.

To view the Pace University Zine Repository (student-made zines only), go here: https://digitalcommons.pace.edu/student_zines/.

Once you've made your selections, you'll interpret and analyze two zines by answering the following questions for each of the zines:

1. Put the name of the zine here as well as the URL and date (if known). Include the issue or number if there is on. Also include the name for the person or group who made this zine, including the publisher, printer, editor). If you can't find any names at all, write "anonymous," but include your thoughts about why the zinester left their name off.

For example: HEY LADY issue 7: Sylvia Rivera. 2017

2. There is a zine for practically any topic, but they can broadly categorized. Most zines fall somewhere in one of the above categories. What type of zine is this zine? Why do you choose your answer?

personal zines or "perzines" -- These tend to be a lot like someone's diary or journal. The zinester writes about their own life. Such zines may describe hobbies, relationships, interests, personal identity, family dynamics, work life, and more.
educational -- These zines are designed not just to inform but to take it a bit further and to educate. An example is a zine based on someone's PhD dissertation, a zine about trans people and their experiences, or about water conservation and compost toilets.
political -- These are zines explicitly about politics, activism, laws and legal, and people associated with politics and activism.
creative -- These are often collections of poetry, short stories, photographs, drawings, and creative concepts, like a zine exploring the famous peace symbol design.
instructional -- These are "how to" zines. They may take the form of a collection of recipes, instructions for how to prepare to participate in a political protest or how to repair an old Volkswagon van.
fanzines -- Such zines have a long history and are made by people who are fans of something or someone: science fiction, Harry Styles, punk rock, knitting, Chinese food, etc.

3. Zines are created and sent out into the world because the zinester has something important to say. What is this zine trying to say? What is the main message? Try to go beyond what may seem obvious.

4. Include one quotation from the zine that seems really strong, important, or meaningful. The quote can be as short or long as you'd like.

5. What audience do you think this zinester or group is trying to reach? Don't be afraid to speculate. For example, we have a zine made by the Pace Philosophy Club. The intended audience is likely Pace students, but it may also include Pace staff and faculty, if the Club is trying to communicate ideas, complaints, and events to the larger Pace community. The intended audience may be even bigger, depending on what is found in the zine. Maybe the Club is trying to reach other college or university students in NYC.

6. How effective was the zine at getting its message or subject across? Why or why not was the zine effective? How could the message have been more effective? Try to be specific. Keep in mind some zines are purely for entertainment, others are for education, and still others are creative.

Social Justice Paper

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