Panel will discuss representation of marginalized groups in media portrayals

Nov. 11, 2008 -- Arkansas State University-Jonesboro will hold a panel discussion on the portrayals of marginalized groups in the media will be held Thursday, Nov. 13, from 2-3:15 p.m. in the ASU-TV Studio in the College of Communications, 114 Cooley Drive, Jonesboro.

The panel, “UN-scripted, UN-edited: Real Life Images of Marginalized People,” is free and open to the public. This marks the twelfth year for the panel, hosted by Dr. Lillie Fears’ Race, Gender, and Media class and sponsored by the College of Communications.

Dr. Joel Gambill, ASU Journalism Department chair, commends Dr. Fears and her Race, Gender, and Media class on selecting such a diverse topic. Gambill says, “The panel is especially essential to the area of communications, as it allows further understanding into how marginalized groups should be represented in the media.”

The panel will focus on how various marginalized groups are portrayed in the media.  For example, some panelists will discuss the realities of what it is like to live with a mental and physical disability or with HIV/AIDS. Others will discuss myths and realities related to gays, lesbians, and the elderly.

Scheduled panelists include Barbara Kennemore, an ASU graduate who since 1985 has been the primary caregiver for her son who was born with cerebral palsy. Other panelists include Dr. Pat Glascock, associate director of the ASU Counseling and Career Planning Center, Dr. Barbara Turnage, chair of the ASU Department of Social Work, and Dr. Richard A. Neeley, professor and chair of the ASU Department of Communication Disorders.

For more information, contact Dr. Lillie Fears at (870) 995-3655 or (870) 972-3210, or e-mail her at lfears@astate.edu.
           

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