BGSU Zoom News

Monday, February 27, 2017

Brown book examines superheroes’ blockbuster status | Women’s History Month kicks off

BROWN BOOK EXAMINES SUPERHEROES’ CATAPULT TO BLOCKBUSTER STATUS

Superhero infatuation is at an all-time high. Superman and Batman are as well-known as some of the most-beloved storybook characters. And more than 20 of the top 100 grossing films of all times are borne out of superhero comic book lore.

Dr. Jeffrey Brown, popular culture at Bowling Green State University, addresses the trend of exalted superhero status in his book, “The Modern Superhero in Film and Television.”

In the textbook, recently published by Routledge in its Advances in Comics Studies series, Brown says superheroes are stars of the big screen as well as television, and their fame crosses into merchandising of clothing, bags, toys, phone cases and collectibles.

“The 21st century is a new golden age for superheroes,” he described in “characteristic hyperbolic comic book terms.”

Superheroes have been part of popular culture for decades, Brown said. The recent uptick started about 16 years ago and was magnified after 9/11.

“We became terrified and insecure after 9/11, surrounded by a culture of fear of terrorism,” he said.

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WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
‘GET IN FORMATION: WOMEN OF COLOR AND CONTEMPORARY ACTIVISM’ IS FOCUS OF EVENTS

Staceyann Chin
Photo: David Shankbone

“Activism from Where You Are” is the theme of the keynote event in this year’s Women’s History Month celebrations at BGSU. New York poet and political activist Staceyann Chin will conduct a workshop on the topic March 18.

Chin, an “out” poet and Jamaican national, has starred in the Tony Award-nominated “Def Poetry Jam on Broadway,” has performed in “Voices of a People’s History of the United States,” in one-woman shows off-Broadway and at the Nuyorican Poets’ Café. In the 5-8 p.m. workshop, geared toward students, she will share her own story about how a girl “born into denial and contempt can grow up resilient, sane and full of purpose.” The workshop will include a gathering of participants’ family narratives and how those unique narratives can inform their activism. Pre-registration for the workshop is required. Email the Women’s Center at womencenter@bgsu.edu.

The overarching theme of the month’s events is “Get in Formation: Women of Color and Contemporary Activism.” Sponsored by the Women’s Center and the Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies Program, there are activities for people of all ages. Below is a sampling of what’s happening.

Presentation attendees (left to right) Martha Peterson and Colleen Dunn with Sophie and Roy Hayes and June Vogtsberger with Brodie.

PET THERAPY PRESENTATION KICKS OFF SPRING SERIES OF OPTIMAL AGING INSTITUTE

Barbara Carey of Brookdate with Snowy, Dr. Cynthia Spitler’s therapy cat.

The companionship of animals can play an important role in “optimal aging,” as the first session in BGSU’s Optimal Aging Institute spring program series demonstrated. The Feb. 23 gathering was part research presentation, part demonstration and all pleasure for attendees from the University, community and Brookdale Senior Living in Bowling Green.

Providing firsthand proof of the power of pets as “social lubricants” were Snowy the cat, belonging to Dr. Cynthia Spitler, gerontology; Sophie and Brodie, the sister and brother Shetland sheep dogs of Dr. Christopher Dunn, criminal justice, and retiree Susan Dunn, formerly of University Advancement; Frederick the Shih Tzu, a therapy dog who works with Marie Rogers of Bowling Green, and Reba the Labrador retriever, a fully trained assistance dog who aids community member Sandy Sundmeier, who is in a wheelchair.

The animals received a warm welcome and treats from the audience, sparking conversation and praise. Snowy, a remarkably outgoing former shelter cat who now serves as a therapy pet, walked about and greeted everyone, including the dogs; Brookdale residents Roy Hayes and Colleen Dunn held the Shelties on their laps, and everyone admired all the animal visitors. Rogers told about her work with Bowling Green resident Bryce Christensen, brain damaged as the result of a near-drowning as a child. Now 23, he has had pet therapy with Rogers since he was 13.