8:00 to 9:50
Conference Reception and Welcome
Center for Integrated Manufacturing Systems
Room 2240
April 15, 2015
8:00
Registration
Continental Breakfast
9:00
Welcoming Remarks
Babak Elahi, Associate Dean
College of Liberal Arts
Pat Scanlon, Director
School of Communication
Sign-language interpreters are provided upon request but subject to availability. Please contact
Ms. Helen Adamson ([email protected]) if you need the services of an interpreter.
10:00 to 11:50
10:00 to 11:50
Room 2210
Poster Presentations
Room 2210
Poster Presentations
College Students’ Behavior on Various Audio Formats of Music
Alexandra Bolinski, Maritza Arias, Christopher Goy, & Anthony Tallarido
King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, PA
Subcultural Disassociation: A Study of Contemporary Straight Edge Subculture
Samantha Dreverman
Niagara University
How the Media Is Slowing the Gender Equality Movement
Devon Bradley
Canisius College
Social Media in ASL Education
Audrey Fitch
Niagara Univerity
Transitioning to a New Culture Depictions of the Amish: Breaking Amish: Los Angeles Season 2
Kyla Brown
Johnson C. Smith University
Hispanic Identity, Media Habits, Consumer Motives, and Language Preference
Elizabeth Harter
Canisius College
Expectations versus Reality: A Comparison of Ideal and Actual Relationship Maintenance Behaviors, and their
Effect on Relationship Satisfaction in Same-Sex Friendships, Cross-Sex Friendships, and Romantic Relationships
Emmalene Carberry
Canisius College
Concussions: The Standard Model of Health Communication
Gretchen Hershberger
Canisius College
Give and Let Live
Joelle Carroll
Canisius College
Talkin’ ‘Bout My Generation: Comparing Generations X and Y’s News Gathering Habits
Dany Calcano, Tori DeGiosio, & Casey Waslasky
King’s College
Significance of Family Stories
Mattia Cornell
Canisius College
Exploratory Study of Perceptions of Health Care Providers’ Patient Centered and Non-Patient Centered
Communication Practices
Christina DiBaudo, Emmalene Carberry, Cody Gould, & Gretchen Hershberger
Canisius College
Hollywood and the Mammy: An Enduring Stereotype for African-American Actresses.
Anna Ogunkunle
Marquette University
Asian American Self-identities: A Content Analysis of Hyphen Magazine
Dineo Seakamela
Johnson C. Smith University
Be Selfish, Say Thank You: The Intrapersonal Benefits of Expressing Gratitude
Megan Smith
Canisius College
10:00 to 10:50
11:00 to 11:50
Room 2120
Room 2130
Tilda Swinton: A Model Of Postmodern Androgyny
Christine G. Adamo
Nazareth College
Title IX: Friend or Foe?
Samantha Brown
State University of New York at Geneseo
Sex, Gender, and Identity
Gender and Inequality
10:00 to 11:50
Abstract
Semiotic landscapes have the power to promote intrinsic satisfaction, thereby helping audience members identify
themselves as they see fit. One such beacon of personal freedom is artist, actor, and icon Tilda Swinton. Textual
and quantitative analyses of mediated images of Swinton and others prove that her androgynous look contributes
significantly to talk of freedom of expression and helps others break free of extrinsic forces to strike a self-directed
pose that is liberating, empowering, and psychoactive. This study also calls for the inclusion of androgyny in
postmodern researcher lexicon, moving talk of gender beyond staid labels of masculinity and femininity.
Veiled Subordination: The Transmission of Gender Posing from Fine Art to Modern Advertising
Chelsea Butkowski
State University of New York at Geneseo
Abstract
A marked resemblance is discernable in depictions of female figures in pre-modern paintings and contemporary
photographic advertisements. While scholars have asserted that advertisements derive their iconographies from
fine art influences, the notion has attracted little further investigation. This study examines representations of
female figures in advertisements through the lens of historic fine art, using Goffman’s (1979) codes of gender posing
as a guide. The study utilizes surveys of fine art images and advertisements to deconstruct the history of gender
representation. The study argues that interplay between subordination and luxury inherent in gender posing has
created a problematic legacy.
The Silent Epidemic: Childhood Sexual Abuse and its Presence in Media
Meg Oliphant
Rochester Institute of Technology
Abstract:
Childhood sexual abuse is one of the most prevalent issues in our society today however lack of media coverage and
our unwillingness to talk about this issue has earned it the term “the silent epidemic.” This paper examined how
media reported on two sex abuse cases: the Catholic Church and the Boy Scouts of America. The results show that
the media treats child sexual abuse as individual scandals that result from irresponsible institutions, rather than
a global problem that plagues all of our society. News outlets sensationalize these scandals during a short time
frame, and then ignore the subject for a long period, reducing its salience in our minds and further warping our
understanding of the epidemic.
Moderator: Professor Ammina Kothari
Abstract
This paper critically examines whether or not Title IX causes true parity between men and women in the athletic
arena. Although this legislation has proved to be successful in equalizing the number of male and female
participants in athletics, it blinds people to underlying parity issues that reach beyond participation numbers—
particularly allocation of media resources. This unequal media attention perpetuates the existing ideology of
male dominance within sports. Intercollegiate athletics are particularly examined due to the fact that secondary
education is a learning environment in which an ideology of male dominance within athletics is being unknowingly
perpetuated. This is occurring through the presence of an invisible paradoxical structure in which separate
organizations within a university all favor male sports only slightly, causing the university as a whole to blatantly
and largely favor men’s sports. However, since Title IX is being followed within this university, an examination
beyond this legislation to uncover the invisible paradoxical structure that is in place does not occur.
Play Like A Girl: An Analysis of Media Representation of Female Athletes
Katherine A. Mannion
State University of New York at Geneseo
Abstract
This paper critically examines the relationship between media representation of female athletes and the public
opinion of female athletes. Research has shown that female athletes are more likely to be sexualized than male
athletes and are therefore delegitimized in their skill. Through analysis of sports websites and a survey distributed
online through a midsized, public, liberal arts colleges in the northeast, data were gathered to establish the public
opinion of female athletes. Results show that female athletes are delegitimized and sexualized as a result of a lack of
proficient coverage of their athletic skills and pursuits.
Moderator: Professor Grant Cos
12:00 to 12:50
1:00 to 1:50
Lunch Break
Lunch is not provided by the conference, but here are some great places to eat, all with vegetarian and international
options:
The Café and Market at the Crossroads
Location: Crossroads building
Specialty: Features a market-style food court, convenience store, and Starbucks coffee and café smoothie bar.
Specialty items include subs, made-to-order salads, grill items, made-to-order pasta bar, Jump Asian Chinese
cuisine, pizzas, calzones, and the Crossbar rotating international cuisines.
Global Village Cantina and Grille
Location: Global Village
Specialty: Three distinct dining experiences are offered at the cantina and grille.
Salsarita’s offering freshly made-to-order Mexican cuisine, the Global Grille featuring cooked-to-order international
cuisines, and Oishii Sushi serving freshly prepared, made-to-order sushi. A bar serving alcoholic (21 years old and
over only) and non-alcoholic beverages is also available.
Brick City Café
Location: Student Alumni Union
Specialty: Features full breakfast and lunch entrée menus, as well as extensive salad bar, subs, wraps, full deli, grill
items, display cooking, rotating specialty vendors, fresh soups, desserts, snacks, and coffee station offering Seattle’s
Best blends.
RITZ Sports Zone
Location: Student Alumni Union, A-level
Specialty: Sports restaurant with big-screen HDTVs open for lunch, dinner, and special sporting events. Menu
includes flat bread pizzas, wraps, quesadillas, Ancho Grill, Panini sandwiches, soups, salads, grill items, subs,
rotating international vendors, desserts, and coffee station offering Seattle’s Best blends. The RITZ also features a
bar (21 years old and over only) and game room complete with pool tables and arcade games.
Nathan’s Soup & Salad
Location: Student Alumni Union
Nathan’s Soup & Salad, a local Rochester favorite since 1980, is one of RIT’s newest express dining locations.
Nathan’s offers a variety of delicious, healthy home-style soups, sandwiches, and fresh-baked breads. Original oldfashioned recipes are mixed with new recipes to offer patrons the perfect meal whether on the run or taking home!
Room 2120
Disney and Dissonance
Recent “Feminist” Motion Pictures by Disney and their Messages, in Context: A Feminist Analysis of Once Upon a
Time, Maleficent, Brave, and Frozen.
Serina Forsythe
Alfred University
Abstract
Disney’s media, because of its prevalence in homes with children, needs to accurately represent and accept
diversity. Four samples of recent Disney films (Brave, Frozen, Maleficent, and Once Upon a Time) were examined
for progressive feminist themes, and compared with older Disney media. The impact of Disney media on children
was also studied. It is concluded that Disney’s media still convey damaging messages for children, although positive
strides have been made. Disney’s new women have control over their own stories but are told that they must be
sexualized and lack individuality to be beautiful.
Role of Disney Films in Constructing Normative Ideas of Gender Roles for Children
Avanelle St. Bernard
Rochester Institute of Technology
Abstract
Television plays a major role in teaching children about the ways of life. Television and movies provide role models
and normative ideas, which help children learn about social norms and gender roles. Some brands, however, seem
to stand out and dominate the sphere of children socialization. Since the 1930s Disney has been popularizing onedimensional female characters with narrow roles in story lines where they are usually shown as weaker than their
male counterparts. This paper analyzes how two successful Disney films geared towards young children: Cinderella
(1950) and Frozen (2013) portray gender and notions of fairytale love. The findings suggest that romanticized
notions of gender roles have a potential to send wrong messages to young children.
The Implicit Messaging in White Savior Films
Noelle McElrath-Hart
Nazareth College
Abstract
The Blind Side is an award winning film showing a White suburban mother taking in and adopting a Black
teenager, Mike Oher. Textual and qualitative analysis reveals that The Blind Side trailer used the polarization of
the Black and White neighborhoods to create a perceived need for a savior character to ensure that differences in
race are established. Because this polarization insidiously supports differences predicated on race and class, White
savior films such as The Blind Side pave the way for a sustained uneven social status between nonwhite and White
people that the genre depicts.
Moderator: Professor Hinda Mandell
1:00 to 1:50
2:00 to 2:50
Room 2130
Lies, Damned Lies, and Advertising
Room 2120
Race, Ethnicity, and Religion
Little White Lies: How Deception Contributes to the Acquisition of
Social Capital on Social Media Sites
Dalila Garcia Ramos
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Latinas in Television: Exploring the Effects of the Stereotypes on Women of Latin and Hispanic Countries
Jasmine A. Ramón
Alfred University
Abstract
The present study examined whether deceptive social media site (SNS) behavior facilitates stronger, more intimate
connections to satisfy a psychological need. Potential uses and gratifications of online use were also explored. Three
hypotheses were examined: SNS users would report bridging social capital online, SNS users would report agencybased gratifications from using social media sites, and deception would correlate to bonding capital across three
categories: one’s own profile, a friend’s profile, and within IM applications. Results of a survey (n = 276) indicate that
SNS usage was associated with bridging social capital and gratifications. Results also supported that SNS users
report using deception while communicating online.
“Greatness Awaits”: Examining the use of persuasive appeals in live-action video game trailers
Gabrielle LeBihan
Nazareth College
Abstract
Supported by analytical examinations of live-action video game and system trailers, this essay explores the
fulfillment of the human psychological needs for power, identity and community through video game play. In
addition, this essay examines the key concepts of immersion and emotional and transformative appeals and their
affects on the persuasive power of video game advertisements. The findings suggest that immersion, which builds a
psychological bridge between the digital and tangible environment, overrides rational appeals and is most powerful
when the gaming avatar is used as a proxy for the consumers.
Moderator: Professor Mike Johansson
Abstract
The stereotypes and absence of Latinas in television communicates to the audience that Latinas are part of a single
culture, are best viewed as sexual objects, and can be disregarded by society. Latinas in the audience are pressured
to measure up to what they see on television. Meanwhile, the actresses playing these roles question their own
authenticity as Latinas as they adhere to the stereotypes. Through a variety of scholarly articles, personal blogs,
documentaries, and television episodes explaining the stereotypes and the effects of perception on the television
audience, it is obvious that better representations of Latinas are necessary in order to improve the perception of
them in society.
“A Middle Eastern Trait”: American Misperceptions of Islam and the Media as an Educator
Janelle Marxhausen
State University of New York at Geneseo
Abstract
This paper critically examines the sources from which most Americans learn about Islam and the differing cultures
and values of those who practice it. It review the kinds of texts through which people learn about Islam and
attempts to uncover which provides the most enriching and accurate portrayal of Muslim cultures. A survey reveals
that most Americans believe they learn the most about Islam in the classroom, yet they believe that most of their
American counterparts receive most of their information about Islam from the news media.
A Snapshot of a Movement: An Analysis of the U.S. Civil Rights, the South African Anti-Apartheid, and the
Liberation Movement of India
Laylaa Randera
Johnson C. Smith University
Abstract
This study develops a model for visual framing through an examination of photographic images of the U.S. Civil
Rights movement of 1963, the South African Anti-Apartheid movement of 1976, and the Liberation movement of
India of 1942. Using framing analysis, certain elements of photographic images will be put under the microscope,
by comparing and contrasting social documentary photographs from various parts of the world during the
specified time periods. The visual image becomes a representation of a personal and societal narrative, is merged
within cultural processes, and influences the course of socio-cultural systems. The collection of images brings to
light similar notions of a universal moral imperative. By being aware of these similarities, the viewer is able to
understand how protest movements portray certain universal meanings and norms. Although each era does have
elements specific to the given culture and society, it is found that recurring themes do occur across the spectrum of
images.
Moderator: Professor Jonathan Schroeder
2:00 to 3:50
2:00 to 2:50
Room 2210
Poster Presentations
Room 2210
Poster Presentations
College Students’ Behavior on Various Audio Formats of Music
Alexandra Bolinski, Maritza Arias, Christopher Goy, & Anthony Tallarido
King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, PA
Subcultural Disassociation: A Study of Contemporary Straight Edge Subculture
Samantha Dreverman
Niagara University
How the Media Is Slowing the Gender Equality Movement
Devon Bradley
Canisius College
Social Media in ASL Education
Audrey Fitch
Niagara Univerity
Transitioning to a New Culture Depictions of the Amish: Breaking Amish: Los Angeles Season 2
Kyla Brown
Johnson C. Smith University
Hispanic Identity, Media Habits, Consumer Motives, and Language Preference
Elizabeth Harter
Canisius College
Expectations versus Reality: A Comparison of Ideal and Actual Relationship Maintenance Behaviors, and their
Effect on Relationship Satisfaction in Same-Sex Friendships, Cross-Sex Friendships, and Romantic Relationships
Emmalene Carberry
Canisius College
Concussions: The Standard Model of Health Communication
Gretchen Hershberger
Canisius College
Give and Let Live
Joelle Carroll
Canisius College
Talkin’ ‘Bout My Generation: Comparing Generations X and Y’s News Gathering Habits
Dany Calcano, Tori DeGiosio, & Casey Waslasky
King’s College
Significance of Family Stories
Mattia Cornell
Canisius College
Exploratory Study of Perceptions of Health Care Providers’ Patient Centered and Non-Patient Centered
Communication Practices
Christina DiBaudo, Emmalene Carberry, Cody Gould, & Gretchen Hershberger
Canisius College
Hollywood and the Mammy: An Enduring Stereotype for African-American Actresses.
Anna Ogunkunle
Marquette University
Asian American Self-identities: A Content Analysis of Hyphen Magazine
Dineo Seakamela
Johnson C. Smith University
Be Selfish, Say Thank You: The Intrapersonal Benefits of Expressing Gratitude
Megan Smith
Canisius College
3:00 to 3:50
2:00 to 2:50
Room 2130
Room 2120
Product placement in Hollywood action films: Transformers, Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen, and The Island
Jordan Baker
Johnson C. Smith University
The Role of Music and the Viewer: A Qualitative Study of the Film Adaptation through The Great Gatsby
Dana V. Donnelly
Nazareth College
Abstract
Product placement involves incorporating brands into films and television by ways of visual and audio
advertisement. For the current research project, the researcher chooses to study filmmaker Michael Bay’s films
because of the heavy usage of major brands and products. Transformers, Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen, and
The Island are the films analyzed for this study. After conducting a thematic analysis, the researcher discovered the
themes of brand new sports cars, technology, and emotional scenes as they relate to product placement in the films.
Abstract
This work explores film adaptation, questioning how music affects the film and its viewers. It discusses the possible
roles music embodies during any particular scene and the roles the viewer takes on as the medium through which
a film is understood, accepted, and believed. The Great Gatsby was chosen for its explicit clash of modern day music
in a 1920s setting. Textual analysis and interviews with college students were employed. Interviewees were shown
clips of the film prior to being interviewed that contained scenes where this type of musical accompaniment was
stressed. What has surfaced through this process is that music provides an emotional, relatable, and believable
connection with its viewers that cannot be recreated by any other means. Additionally, viewers were found to not
only use music for these connections, but also as a guide, becoming active participants in the film’s progression.
Product Placement
Product Placement in Music Videos
Jocelyn Leon & Caroline Rosemberg
Utica College
Abstract
Our research focuses on product placement music videos in which product placement is defined as a form of
advertisement. This is “designed to influence the audience by unobtrusively inserting branded products in
entertainment programs such that the viewer is unlikely to be aware of the persuasive intent” (Cowley & Barron,
2008).
Moderator: Professor Elizabeth Reeves O’Connor
Sight, Sound, and Sex in Film
Saving Private Ryan and Realism in War Films
Packy T. Jones
Nazareth College
Abstract
War films are a genre that has changed through time and continue to be released, but with such sensitive material
comes an important question: how does a director make a movie that both makes money as well as offers a realistic
take on war? After conducting a textual analysis of the film Saving Private Ryan, this study concludes that
Spielberg’s use of camera angles helps derive sympathy for soldiers and understanding of war, ultimately making
it more realistic. This claim was further supported through analysis of discourse gathered from three interviews
with different war veterans about the war film genre: each stated that the emotional appeal and understanding for
sacrifice is what matters most in the genre, and is what makes a good war film realistic.
Girls in the City: Media Portrayal of Main Characters in Female Comedies
Halle A. Cook
Nazareth College
Abstract
This paper looks at the representation of femininity in the HBO television shows Sex and the City (SATC) and Girls.
Both shows address topics pertaining to feminine appearance, romantic relationships, friendships, and the working
world. For this paper, the first season of each show underwent an analysis of each of these four categories. It was
predicted that SATC places a greater emphasis on the importance of romantic relationships whereas Girls more
addresses the struggles of working and making a living for oneself. The way in which SATC portrays its characters
is one that may encourage viewers to accept exaggerated ideas about femininity.
Moderator: Professor David Neumann
4:00 to 4:30
Awards ceremony and closing remarks
CIMS 2240
Ice cream social with entertainment by Point of Purchase
Many people helped make this conference possible. Most important are the presenters whose
research accomplishments are critical to the success of this annual gathering.
We couldn’t possibly manage such a conference without the support of our overworked but not
underappreciated staff, Helen Adamson and Melinda Beyerlein. We also thank Neil Kromer
and Bonnie Wright for help with the great facilities at the Center for Integrated Manufacturing
Studies.
A number of graduate students in RIT’s School of Communication played an important role in
staffing the conference: Deserée Cain, Daniel Gallagher, Eunice Gonzalez, and Maria Olivo.
Thanks also to supporting faculty from the participating institutions and to the faculty of the
School of Communication: Keri Barone, Kari Cameron, Grant Cos, Ammina Kothari, Hinda
Mandell, Kelly Norris Martin, David Neumann, Elizabeth Reeves O’Connor, Pat Scanlon,
Jonathan Schroeder, Xiao Wang, and Tracy Worrell.
Additional thanks to Brick City Catering, the RIT Parking Office, and Facilities Management
Services for making the conference tasteful, efficient, and pleasant respectively.
Finally, we are grateful for the financial support provided by the College of Liberal Arts and the
William A. Kern Endowment for Research in Communications.
Rudy Pugliese
School of Communication Conference Coordinator
Presenters
Adamo, Christine G.
Arias, Maritza
Baker, Jordan
Bolinski, Alexandra
Bradley, Devon
Brown, Kyla
Brown, Samantha
Alexandra Bolinski
Butkowski, Chelsea
Calcano, Dany
Carberry, Emmalene
Carroll, Joelle
Cook, Halle A.
Cornell, Mattia
DeGiosio, Tori
DiBaudo, Christina
Donnelly, Dana V.
Dreverman, Samantha
Fitch, Audrey
Forsythe, Serina
Garcia Ramos, Dalila
Gould, Cody
Goy, Christopher
Harter, Elizabeth
Hershberger, Gretchen Jones, Packy T.
LeBihan, Gabriella
Leon, Jocelyn
Mannion, Katherine A. Marxhausen, Janelle
McElrath-Hart, Noelle
Ogunkunle, Anna
Oliphant, Meg
Ramón, Jasmine A.
Ramos, Dalila Garcia
Randera, Laylaa
Rosemberg, Caroline
Seakamela, Dineo
Smith, Megan
St. Bernard, Avanelle
Tallarido, Anthony
Waslasky, Casey
Nazareth College
King’s College
Johnson C. Smith University
King’s College
Canisius College
Johnson C. Smith College
State University of New York at Geneseo
King’s College
State University of New York at Geneseo
King’s College
Canisius College
Canisius College
Nazareth College
Canisius College
King’s College
Canisius College
Nazareth College
Niagara University
Niagara University
Alfred University
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Canisius College
King’s College
Canisius College
Canisius College
Nazareth College
Nazareth College
Utica College
State University of New York at Geneseo
State University of New York at Geneseo
Nazareth College
Marquette University
Rochester Institute of Technology
Alfred University
The University of Texas at San Antonio
State University of New York at Geneseo
Utica College
Johnson C. Smith College
Canisius College
Rochester Institute of Technology
King’s College
King’s College
Notes