Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This experimental research (N = 371) focuses on Michael Moore’s anti-Bush film, Fahrenheit 9/11, and its effect on aversive feelings toward President George W. Bush. In addition, the film’s direct influence on aversive feelings toward Senator John F. Kerry (D-MA), an attitude object not referred to in the film, is hypothesized and empirically assessed. The film produces increased feelings of affective aversion toward Bush and reduced aversion toward Kerry. In addition, feelings toward both candidates influence subsequent perceptions of candidate debate superiority. Most importantly, varied processes of influence are found to exist across those subjects who identified themselves as Bush supporters versus Kerry supporters prior to the stimulus phase of the experiment. In addition, varied relationships between Bush-aversion and Kerry-aversion are found to exist between Bush and Kerry supporters relative to viewing Moore’s film. The ramifications of these findings for the study of affect and media effects are outlined and future lines of research are summarized.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: This paper proposes a minimalist, procedural, multi-dimensional definition of democracy: limitations on government, individual rights, and competitive elections. The paper reviews some conceptual issues in defining democracy, and some prominent efforts to conceptualize and measure democracy and its alternatives.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: This paper examines the U.S. base in Guantánamo, Cuba as a racialized space from its creation during U.S. occupation of Cuba in 1898 to current detention reserved primarily to persons of color. The base is a product of the Platt Amendment (1901), making Cuba a U.S. protectorate, denying Cuba full sovereignty, and requiring a U.S. base in Cuban territory. Race justified these sovereignty limitations. Notions of Anglo superiority, “Latin,” black, and mixed-race inability to govern, and Protestant missions characterized U.S. foreign relations with Cuba and the world. Military and economic objectives required Cuba lease a base to the U.S., under present non-sovereign terms. Historic racial power in foreign relations and international law created Guantánamo. Race similarly colors detention in the “War on Terror.” While detainees, including those released, total over 700 and represent 47 nationalities detention is primarily reserved to South Asian, Middle-Eastern, or Arab identities. Painting detainees as “jihadists” serves as proxies for Muslim detention. “Unlawful enemy combatant” classifications mimic historic identities of the “savage.” Detainees are while "savages" were excluded from international law protections. Race whether tied to nationality, religion, or neo-savagery, characterizes Guantánamo, illuminating critical commonalities in myriad nationalities and detainee classifications. Despite diverse identities, being in Guantánamo’s legal space imposes these commonalities. Foreign relations history created racialized space. Detention keeps it current. Using insights from geography, post-colonialism, and history, this paper identifies racialized power in the law and asks how rights protections may check this power in U.S. peripheries.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Election markets have been praised for their ability to forecast elections and to forecast better than trial-heat polls.  This paper challenges that argument based on an analysis of Iowa Electronic Market data from recent presidential elections.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This research reveals unconventional and savvy communication techniques that Latino/a or Hispanic Americans can utilize in order to manage relations with their supervisors. It further explicates some of the lived organizational experiences of the individuals who participated in this study, revealing how they strive for equality in an effort to achieve organizational success. This work concludes with articulation of suggestions on how the leaders who manage these Latino/a or Hispanic Americans can maximize their effectiveness.