26. Political Resistance and the Media
Frederick Wasser (Brooklyn College, CUNY); participants: Megan Boler (University of Toronto), Ying-Ying Chen (University of Texas at Austin), Sue Collins (New York University), Marion Wrenn (New York University), Jyotsna Kapur (Southern Illinois University), moderator: Amy Nathan Wright (University of Texas at Austin)

Question: Are there any signs that filmed entertainment is reacting against the passivity of the political sphere? In other words, we often talk of the active audience responding to mass media, but this activity is purely cultural. Meanwhile the political discourse allows little if any room for resistance to the right wing turn. Is there any sign that resistance is breaking out in mass culture activities? Films are turning political both in the studios and in more grass roots productions, but television is naturally harder to read for any trends.

Jyotsna Kapur's Response

Ying Ying Chen's Response

Sue Collins's Response

Marion Wrenn's Response

Frederick Wasser's Response