UT Geographers Derek Alderman, Hannah Gunderman and Donna G’Segner Alderman. By studying how pilgrims to Graceland become participants through leaving highly personal graffiti throughout the grounds, they help us to understand the Elvis fandom. They write:
“Elvis was more than a popular singer epitomizing the American and southern experience. Rather, it is as if he were a member of their families, which is perhaps a more helpful interpretive frame for understanding the Elvis fan phenomenon beyond simply characterizing it as a false or bizarre religious or spiritual experience. It is important to take Elvis fans seriously as authors of Elvis’ memory and the makers of places that honor him.”
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