Tag: Poster 120

Perpetuating Otherness Through Sexualization: a Study of the Representation of Immigrants in American Television

Presenter(s): Maddie Kelm − Psychology, Spanish

Faculty Mentor(s): Mariko Plescia

Poster 120

Research Area: Humanities (Spanish)

Throughout the history of the United States, immigration has been a topic of contention. Today, this tension persists in an American society which is characterized by xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment. This paper considers the manner in which the sexualization or desexualization of immigrant characters in American television series contribute to the perceived otherness of immigrants in the United States. By analyzing the representation of immigrant characters in the acclaimed television series That 70’s Show and Modern Family, this paper demonstrates that the valorization of immigrant characters is often based on their perceived sexuality. This paper argues that immigrant characters are sexualized (if they are women) or desexualized (if they are men) in order to maintain entrenched hierarchies: social, racial, and economic. Through its examination of popular media, this paper engages readers in a study of the subtle yet insidious injustices which are being perpetuated against immigrants via mainstream American television.

Reflecting a Queer Reality: Understanding Bisexual and Transgender Responses to Mainstream LGBT Advertisements

Presenter(s): Sara Blackburn

Faculty Mentor(s): Kim Sheehan

Poster 120

Session: Social Sciences & Humanities

Although LGBT consumers have been targeted by various brands and organizations throughout the twentieth century, many scholars cite the 1990s as the era in which the “gay market” truly emerged and mainstream brands increased their efforts to actively and publicly advertise to LGBT consumers. The practice continues today, but such advertisements have typically featured mainly gay men and lesbians, largely excluding bisexual and transgender individuals. My study seeks to understand if modern mainstream advertisements are able to effectively persuade LGBT audiences that are not cisgender gays or lesbians. Through a series of structured, one-on-one interviews with college-aged lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender participants, this study seeks to gain a qualitative understanding of the efficacy of mainstream LGBT advertisements through interpretive analysis. Preliminary analysis indicates that modern mainstream LGBT advertisements are not universally effective for participants of any gender or sexual orientation. Additionally, participants frequently expressed greater desire for actual action on the part of the brands in support of LGBT individuals and communities rather than more or different representation in advertisements themselves. Such work creates a foundation that can give specific recommendations to help brands target LGBT consumers in a more effective and ethical way.