Instafit or Instafake? The Role of Language, Images, and Differing Depictions of the Body in Online Fitness Communities
Jun
2
to Jun 5
Research, Conferences, Presentation

Instafit or Instafake? The Role of Language, Images, and Differing Depictions of the Body in Online Fitness Communities

Presentation at the 2021 Popular Culture Association / American Culture Association National Conference , 2nd June 2021 - 5th June 2021, in Boston, MA

Abstract:

Our perceptions of health, fitness and wellness are in a constant state of evolution. What was once perceived as desirable – being thin – is being replaced with aspirations of strength – #strongisthenewskinny. The use of hashtags and images in the world of Instagram is emblematic of this shift. By hashtagging, Instagrammers – so-called ‘Fitsagrammers’ – are able to link their pictures and profiles to specific keywords and, by extension, specific online fitness communities.

The act of hashtagging, however, is a subjective one; it is the person who posts a picture that decides which tags to use, and therefore which communities they belong to. This means that differing perceptions of health and fitness, and different depictions of fit and unfit bodies, could end up grouped under the same hashtag.

Does this variation strengthen online fitness communities or weaken them? Is this difference accepted, or do communities fracture and break off when there is little to no consistency among the images and bodies that are associated with them? Why do some hashtags thrive while others die? To answer these questions, this paper uses content analysis to examine the role of language and images in the creation, growth and maintenance of online fitness communities created on Instagram.

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Just the right “Temperature”: Measuring the success of ragga icon Sean Paul (Copy)
May
18
to May 22
Research, Conferences, Presentation

Just the right “Temperature”: Measuring the success of ragga icon Sean Paul (Copy)

This paper argues that the time has come to move beyond purely quantitative mechanisms for assessing success in the music industry. Through an analysis of the career of reggae icon Sean Paul, this paper tests several non-traditional mechanisms for in the hope of broadening our understanding of this changing definition of success.

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Beyond 'Contagion': Using The Power Of Popular Culture To Dispel Fear And Misinformation In A Time Of Crisis
Oct
1
to Oct 2
Conferences, Presentation, Research

Beyond 'Contagion': Using The Power Of Popular Culture To Dispel Fear And Misinformation In A Time Of Crisis

Presentation at the Fifth International Conference on Communication & Media Studies, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

Abstract:

At the outset of the COVID-19 crisis in North America, pandemic and outbreak films increased in popularity. Among others, the 2011 film Contagion rose to the top of viewing charts in Canada and the United States. Shortly thereafter, actors from the film released public service announcements to counter misinformation in news media and popular culture surrounding COVID-19 and viral outbreaks. This study compares events from the film Contagion with what was being reported in North American news media and the messages found with the public service announcements to illustrate the potential of popular culture to both create and dispel misinformation surrounding infection and pandemic narratives.

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Tattoos and Comics: The Uneasy Convergence of Two Cultures at Comic-Con
Jul
31
2:00 PM14:00
Conferences, Presentation, Research

Tattoos and Comics: The Uneasy Convergence of Two Cultures at Comic-Con

Presentation at 2020 HUGSA Conference, Designing the Self, organized by the Humanities Graduate Student Association at York University.

At this year’s virtual HUGSA conference, I’ll be presenting findings from my research at the 50th edition of Comic-Con where I examined the intersection of comics fandom and tattoo culture. Using an ethnographic approach, this paper considers how and why Comic-Con attendees express their fandom through tattoos and how these tattoos are connected with their experience of fandom and of Comic-Con. It also explores the impact of Comic-Con on the local tattoo industry in San Diego.

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Just the right “Temperature”: Measuring the success of ragga icon Sean Paul
May
21
to May 23
Research, Conferences, Presentation

Just the right “Temperature”: Measuring the success of ragga icon Sean Paul

This paper argues that the time has come to move beyond purely quantitative mechanisms for assessing success in the music industry. Through an analysis of the career of reggae icon Sean Paul, this paper tests several non-traditional mechanisms for in the hope of broadening our understanding of this changing definition of success.

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Instafit or Instafake? The Role of Language, Images, and Differing Depictions of the Body in Online Fitness Communities
Apr
15
to Apr 18
Research, Conferences, Presentation

Instafit or Instafake? The Role of Language, Images, and Differing Depictions of the Body in Online Fitness Communities

Presentation at the 2020 Popular Culture Association / American Culture Association National Conference , 15th April 2020 - 18th April 2020, in Boston, MA

Abstract:

Our perceptions of health, fitness and wellness are in a constant state of evolution. What was once perceived as desirable – being thin – is being replaced with aspirations of strength – #strongisthenewskinny. The use of hashtags and images in the world of Instagram is emblematic of this shift. By hashtagging, Instagrammers – so-called ‘Fitsagrammers’ – are able to link their pictures and profiles to specific keywords and, by extension, specific online fitness communities.

The act of hashtagging, however, is a subjective one; it is the person who posts a picture that decides which tags to use, and therefore which communities they belong to. This means that differing perceptions of health and fitness, and different depictions of fit and unfit bodies, could end up grouped under the same hashtag.

Does this variation strengthen online fitness communities or weaken them? Is this difference accepted, or do communities fracture and break off when there is little to no consistency among the images and bodies that are associated with them? Why do some hashtags thrive while others die? To answer these questions, this paper uses content analysis to examine the role of language and images in the creation, growth and maintenance of online fitness communities created on Instagram.

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Workshop: Taking an entrepreneurial approach to your academic and professional career
Jan
30
3:30 PM15:30
Conferences, Presentation

Workshop: Taking an entrepreneurial approach to your academic and professional career

With a multitude of social media platforms, online marketing tools and good old-fashioned techniques such as networking, how can today's graduate students, future communications professionals and new scholars take full advantage of the opportunities available to them? This workshop will emphasize the development of a strategic plan and customizable tools to differentiate oneself in today's workforce.

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Workshop: Human Connection and Health
Jan
21
12:00 PM12:00
Presentation

Workshop: Human Connection and Health

Health and human connection go hand-in-hand – whether that connecting with your body, connecting with others, or connecting with yourself. This multi-faceted workshop will touch on all three! Come prepared to move, to meet other people, and to explore how health (and physical activity in particular) can be integrally connected with our goals, our relationships, and our overall mindset.

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The physicality of difference: Exploring notions of the monster and (dis)ability in Anita Blake, The Vampire Hunter
Dec
1
to Dec 2
Conferences

The physicality of difference: Exploring notions of the monster and (dis)ability in Anita Blake, The Vampire Hunter

Presentation at Monsters: An Inclusive Interdisciplinary Project, 1st December 2019 – 2nd December 2019, in Prague, Czech Republic

Abstract:

A monster can be, and in fact often is, marked physically by difference. Werewolves have claws, excessive body hair, and animalistic facial features; zombies are covered in gashes, are missing appendages, and wear torn clothing; vampires are pale, have elongated teeth, and lack a reflection. These physical differences allow audiences to easily identify monsters, but they also marginalize them.

In the world of Anita Blake, The Vampire Hunter, where zombies, werewolves and vampires literally walk among us – vampires actually have citizenship status in Blake’s United States of America – it is not only monsters that are physically marked by difference. The main character, Anita Blake, bears scars from injuries that she sustained in the line of duty as a monster hunter. While some characters are drawn to her scars, others are repulsed or frightened by them. Healed claw marks, vampire bites, bullet and blade wounds all signal that she is other. They associate her with the supernatural world and call into question her humanity.

Using the book series and graphic novels from Anita Blake, The Vampire Hunter, this paper explores how notions of ability and disability are articulated through the use of the monster metaphor. In particular, this paper considers how physical difference marks the abled body from the disabled body by comparing how physical differences mark the monstrous and non-monstrous in the series.

For more information on this Interdisciplinary Conference, click here.

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PhD Students Confront a Challenging Future 
Oct
26
1:00 PM13:00

PhD Students Confront a Challenging Future 

Catch me on a Panel Discussion on the topic of PhD students confront a challenging future:

It is estimated that just one in six PhD students will get a tenure-track position. How can PhD students prepare themselves for a dismal job market inside the Academy and what strategies can be adopted to improve future career prospects.

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Let's Go To Comic-Con! A Study in Popular Culture
Oct
21
4:30 PM16:30
Presentation

Let's Go To Comic-Con! A Study in Popular Culture

Comics culture and comics fandom has become mainstream by transcending “economic class, race, region, educational attainment, and […] gender” (Salkowitz, 2019, p.17). The rise of comics culture is evidenced by the growth and popularity of Comic-Con International, among other phenomenon. Started in 1969, Comic-Con has grown from a single-day event that attracted 145 people to a multi-day, multi-site phenomenon that brings together nearly 150,000 people to celebrate all that is comics, film and television, in the fantasy and science-fiction genres

Similarly, tattoo culture has become more and more mainstream. According to a 2015 Harris Poll, approximately 29% of Americans had a tattoo – an increase of 8% from their previous study in 2011 (Shannon-Missal, 2016). No longer confined to the arms of military service men or hardened criminals, “tattoos are perceived as works of art” (Brugnoni, 2016, p.2). They’re not “random or meaningless, but are rooted in deep historical contexts”(ibid). Adding to the legitimacy of the tattoo industry, contemporary tattoo artists train in graphic design and visual arts, and they go to conferences to hone their skills and learn new techniques. Many also specialize in specific styles – black and white, portrait, tribal, neotraditional, script, and comics art, to name but a few. 

As a heavily tattooed researcher, I examined the intersection of comics fandom culture and tattoo culture in San Diego generally, and at the 50th edition of Comic-Con in particular. Using an ethnographic approach, this paper considers how and why Comic-Con attendees express their fandom through tattoos and how these tattoos are connected with their experience of fandom and their experience at Comic-Con. It also explores the impact of Comic-Con on the local tattoo industry in San Diego.

This presentation touches on the preliminary findings of my research at Comic-Con while emphasizing the importance of experiential learning, field work, and internships at all levels of academic study.

This presentation will be taking place on Monday, October 21st from 4:30PM to 5:30PM in Lamoureux Hall, Room 219 at the University of Ottawa.

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Overtraining: A Runner's Perspective
Aug
27
6:00 PM18:00
Presentation, Running

Overtraining: A Runner's Perspective

Athletes, and runners in particular, have a certain type of personality. We’re passionate about our goals and determined to achieve them. But, sometimes, doing more, training more, isn’t the best way to achieve them. Overtraining can, among other things, lead to injury and frustration. During this 30-minute talk, we’ll touch on what is overtraining, why we do it, how to recognize it, and strategies to avoid it.

This presentation will be taking place on Tuesday, August 27th from 6:00PM to 6:30PM at the Slater Street Running Room, in Ottawa, and is for members of the Running’s Room 10-Miler Clinic.

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