In Brief: March 14

Brown’s ‘Girl Revolutionaries’ talk looks at female action heroines

There’s been a shift over the last two decades away from the traditional male action heroes as leading men, where women were relegated to “damsels in distress.” Increasingly movies portray strong female leads in which the heroines are the stars, disarming adversaries not only with their sexuality but also with their intelligence and strength.

In his College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Faculty Lecture, Dr. Jeffrey Brown, popular culture, will discuss “Girl Revolutionaries,” pointing to films such as “The Hunger Games” and “Divergent,” in which women challenge the old, sexist stereotypes to present a new, progressive version of “girlhood.”

Brown will speak at 4 p.m. Tuesday (March 15) in 206 Union. A reception will follow.

The author of “Beyond Bombshells: The New Action Heroine in Popular Culture,” Brown has studied the action genre for decades and has charted the rise in the number of women action heroines as well as the evolution of how they are portrayed. His 2011 book, “Dangerous Curves,” also looked at changing cultural attitudes and changing perspective on women action figures.

Japanese visitors to present forum on culture

Japanese dignitaries and citizens from a variety of backgrounds share their stories and perspectives in a panel discussion, “Walk in U.S., Talk on Japan,” at 2:30 p.m. on Friday (March 18). Consisting of short presentations followed by a conversation with the audience, the free event is designed to increase awareness about Japan and further develop the U.S./Japan relationship through people-to-people diplomacy.

The 90-minute forum, held in 308 Bowen-Thompson Student Union, will be followed by a reception.

In its third year, “Walk in U.S., Talk on Japan” takes place in different cities across the U.S. Former Ambassador to Venezuela, the Honorable Shuji Shimokoji, leads this year’s visit to BGSU.

The event is sponsored by the Cabinet Office of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe and the Consulate General of Japan. It is hosted by the College of Arts and Sciences and the Asian Studies Program.

Rail safety workshop for first responders slated for March 15

First responders from across the region will participate in the Transportation Rail Incidents Preparedness and Response Flammable Liquid Unit Trains event on Tuesday (March 15). The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Lenhart Grand Ballroom of the Bowen-Thompson Student Union.

Attendees will be presented with critical information on best practices related to rail incidents involving hazardous materials. Representatives from public safety agencies and rail carriers, as well as industry experts will teach first responders how to safely manage incidents involving flammable liquids unit trains.

This is the first time that this nationally developed training program is being offered in the Midwest.