Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This paper takes advantage of a unique opportunity to compare the controversial methods, including survey approach, by using aggregate as well as individual level data from an actual election. Our results show that EI basic model provided a better es

Publication Type: Proceeding
Abstract: This paper uses Geographically Weighted Regression to analyze spatial variation in predictors of vote choice in the 2004 US Presidential election. Commonly available desktop software is used to create a matrix of distance-based weights for each pair of points in the sample, and then to compute an individual regression equation for each point in the sample. The outputs are used to create a map of parameter estimates. While computationally intensive, this allows examination of the spatiality of determinants of vote choice, as well as insights into the nature of local discourse.

Publication Type: Individual Paper
Abstract: Problematic aspects of mainstream hip-hop and “me-first” athletes have been well documented by scholars and the popular media alike. This essay will begin to scrutinize the political potential of this particular brand of popular mediated African American discourse. Moreover, this essay seeks to recognize the limitations of a generational ideology while acknowledging its strengths in order to identify the progressive discursive potential.

Given the global platform that professional sport graces, it is foolish to underestimate the influence that hip-hop has had on the sporting culture in the United States as well as popular culture in general. Moreover, the global sporting stage, historically, has allowed opportunity to contest political and philosophical norms. Consequently, the exposure afforded by sporting excellence represents a medium in which ideology can be disseminated for popular consumption and thus provides a forum to shape society at large. Using a socio-historical point of engagement and making various theoretical articulations, it becomes possible to uncover certain power relationships that enable the current discourse to reinforce the current social order while simultaneously allowing openings for resistance.

This essay will not dwell on the negative elements of popular African American discourse nor will it romanticize the discourse as examples of “successful” blacks. The essay will attempt to leverage the favorable elements of the current moment in an effort to locate new, less-problematic, discursive possibilities while additionally addressing larger questions of African American identity

Publication Type: Session Paper
Abstract: While studies on alternative media have increased exponentially in the last ten years both in Canada and the United States, they have tended to focus on what John Downing calls radical media, defined as those media “…that express an alternative vision to hegemonic policies, priorities, and perspectives” (Downing 2001:v). Recognizing that these visions can also be radically “negative” (Ibid:ix), this paper contributes to political communication research by providing an overview of a range of this kind of media in Canada as they exist today. Making a distinction between progressive media – policies and practices that aim to alleviate or eliminate social relations of oppression and domination, and regressive media – those which facilitate and entrench such relations, the paper employs case study methodology and critical discourse analyses to identify how this regression is articulated across both historical and new media examples.

Publication Type: Invited Paper