THE US REPRESENTATION IN POPULAR MEDIA AND CULTURE
PopMeC is an academic collective interested in investigating the articulation of the numerous and heterogeneous representations which have been constructing images of the US. The research group’s work is focused on how the US—their history, society, and diverse cultures—have been represented in popular media and cultural products. The peculiarities of the American society can indeed be traced through the analysis of popular culture and multimodal cultural expressions, conveyed by means such as film, comics and graphic novels, TV and web series, videogames, music, books, and whatnot. The group will approach cultural products—as well as their publics and reception—from an intersectional, multidisciplinary standpoint and a diverse range of perspectives.
The fundamental interest of our group is to build a stimulating environment for any interested scholar, promoting the sharing of knowledge, experience, and ideas, across disciplines and thematic fields. A participative, interactive collaboration will be fostered, in particular allowing postgraduate and early career participants to receive feedback and support in an academic safe space.
AIMS OF THE EDITORIAL PROJECT
- producing, supporting, and disseminating research, as well as promoting events related to the group’s focus
- fostering a space of academic sharing and learning for early career researchers and postgraduate students in North American studies
RESEARCH FOCUS
- acknowledging and exploring contrasting images and narratives, their configurations and aims
- deconstructing national storytelling by identifying its presence and investigating its narratives, variations, and receptions
- examining the intersectional connections between identities, politics, and history, traceable in cultural
products - identifying minority and alternative perspectives in mainstream products, as well as studying the existence of alternative, counter-culture products and their distinctive aims and reception
- engaging in theorizations and critical studies on the boundaries of popular culture expressions
THEMATIC LINES
- genres in US popular culture: mainstream, alternative, and hybrid sub/genres
- ethnic minorities in popular culture and the configuration of (intersectional) Otherness related to gender/class
- the representation of specific linguistic/religious/gender/heritage etc. groups in the US popular media and culture (including mainstream, alternative, and self-representations)
- symbol and myth: the articulation of American national ethos, myths, symbols and heroes, as well as the deconstruction of national storytelling and stereotyped narratives
- (hi)storytelling: public history and the representation of US history for the non-specialized public
- humor, satire, caricature, and mock-serious renditions of the US society
- new forms of expression and self/representation: digital and new media
- pop performance as a means of cultural expression and political positioning
- the reception of popular culture products and their publics
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