\u3ci\u3eClimate, Complacency and American Culture: The Role of Narrative in the Era of the Misinformation Amid the Anthropocene\u3c/i\u3e

This article explores the relationship between climate misinformation campaigns and narratives in light of skepticism and denial of climate change in the era of the Anthropocene. Beginning in the earliest moments of human existence, this paper establishes the importance of narratives in the founding of modern humanity and how such foundational stories has led to our current Anthropogenic world. It goes on to examine misinformation created and funded by politically powerful foundations and companies that distorts the current discussions of climate change among the American public. In leu of the abundance of climate misinformation, this paper also analyzes how the complex emotions inherent in climate change can rationalize the blatant fallacies presented in misinformation campaigns and why they remain socially and politically salient. Given such emotional perils that are unequivocally intertwined with existing in a radically shifting climate, it is necessary to invoke a greater emotional response that overpowers the fear and anxiety that rationalizes the belief in misinformation. Grounded in such emotions inherent in the era of the Anthropocene, this paper argues that narratives and the art of storytelling, the very foundation of what it means to be human, are uniquely suited to convey the severity of climate change. They have the power to invoke an empathic response which works to reverse the hold misinformation has over a sector of the American public that drives climate change skepticism and denial

Breaking Bias, Building Belonging: Racism and Misogyny in Campus Communities

Breaking Bias, Building Belonging: Racism and Misogyny in Campus Communities is a project that uses art as a research medium in order to first understand how the Bryant community perceives issues of race, gender, and bias, as well as using creative modes of expression to educate participants on issues that are often invisible and go undiscussed on campus. Using qualitative and ethnographic research methods, this exhibit is infused with both primary and secondary research. Data gathered from the literature review explores the theme of community, which serves as the foundation for this project that was subsequently narrowed to focus on the presence of racial and gender-based bias in college campus communities as well as how it impacts students’ sense of belonging. This research informed subsequent interview questions, as well as the use body mapping as a form of visual research and free listing as a method of insight into how the Bryant community defines diversity. The data gathered from these research methods were then transformed into art, conceptualizing the presence of bias into exhibit pieces that visitors could actively engage with. Transforming data into art brought visibility to different forms and incidences of bias that are often unaddressed. At the same time, rendering interview data into art allowed those who do not experience bias to understand its profound impact on women-identified students and students of color. The design of the exhibit strategically required interaction to symbolize the active engagement required to be an ally and the critical role of allyship in achieving equity and inclusion. Based on visitor engagement and feedback, using art as a medium to render the presence and emotional impact of bias made participants who experience bias feel a sense of belonging

Thrive: Thriving Women

Thrive Magazine is a student led magazine that showcases how students express themselves and their personalities. In this issue, the female students of Bryant University are showcased