Date of Award

Fall 12-16-2020

Thesis Access

Open Access Honors Thesis

Thesis Location

Honors College Thesis

Degree Name

B.A.

Department

Honors College

Faculty Advisor

Aaron Retish

Abstract

This research paper will focus on the history of discrimination in American fencing from 1700-1950. The time frame covers the colonial origins of the sport in America, through segregation practices up to 1950. This project will analyze the origins of classism, sexism, and racism in American fencing, and how it connects to how racism, sexism, and classism have operated in the United States. There has been no previous research conducted into the history of discrimination in fencing exclusively, so this is new territory.

The research for this paper includes primary sources provided by the head historian of U.S. fencing, Andy Shaw, and interview with Andy Shaw on the history of discrimination in American fencing. Regarding secondary sources, various scholarly articles on the history of sport in America were consulted, as well sources on racism, sexism, and classism in sport. Additionally, an unpublished master’s thesis, written by former fencer Gay Jacobsen D’Asaro was cited and consulted for a general history of the Amateur Fencing League of America.

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