Fur nation

the long version

"Fur Nation traces the interwoven relationships between sexuality, national identity, and colonialism. Chantal Nadeau shows how Canada, a white settler colony, bases its existence and its nationhood on a complex sexual economy based on women wrapped in fur." "Nadeau traces the centrality of fur through a series of intriguing case studies, including Hollywood films, fashion photography, musicals, and of course Bardot and her white baby seals." "Nadeau highlights the connection between 'fur ladies' - women wearing, exploiting or promoting furs - and the beaver, symbol of Canada and nature's master builder. She shows how, in postcolonial culture, the nation is sexualized around female reproduction and fur, which is both a crucial factor in economic development, and a powerful symbol through which the nation itself is conceived and commodified. Fur Nation demonstrates that fur ladies really are the fabric of a nation."--Jacket.