Arts - Buffalo State College

constant strive for security and control in a world that tells them
they aren’t good enough. My research, examines the question as
to why eating disorders are now so prominent in so many cultures
where they previously did not exist. I hope my research will be an eye
opener for my audience because it will allow them to realize woman
in the developing worlds are starting to be influenced by the media
as woman in the United States are.
Presentation Type and Session: Oral – Social Sciences
That Makes You Cool? The Engineering of
Fads and Trends In Popular Culture
Sara Kurpiewski, COM 450: Communication and Society
Faculty Mentor: Professor Michael Niman, Communication
As we live our lives we see trends and fads come and go. What is
it that draws our attention to these particular things? Who is it that
controls our perceptions of what makes us “cool?” Research studies
show that with globalization, cultural memes quickly spread globally.
I am referring not only to things we think make us look cool such
as clothing, fashion and music, but also nutrition, design, political,
medical, and even environmental trends and fads that shape the way
a society thinks and acts. My question asks who or what determines
what fad is hip at what time? This paper will explore the research
done on the topic of the social engineering of fads and trends. The
findings will show why we as consumers fall into the trap of going
along with that is “in” at that moment, and also who and or what
established these standards.
Presentation Type and Session: Oral – Humanities I
Till’ Death Do Us Part... Literally
Diamond Brown, PHI 401: Respect Seminar
Faculty Mentor: Professor John Draeger, Philosophy
In 1988, the case State of Kansas v. Stewart declared Peggy
Stewart, a woman who killed her husband Michael Stewart while
he was sleeping, not guilty because of persistent domestic abuse. In
the eyes of the court, Stewart was a moral monster not deserving
the most basic protections or respect. Kant argues that all people,
regardless of status or sin, deserve the basic level of respect but
should also be held accountable for their actions. On this view, Peggy
Stewart’s actions were justified because Michael Stewart as a rational
agent was aware of his action and respect for him requires holding
him responsible. Utilitarianism, by contrast, argues that individuals
can be punished to better society. On this view, the world is better
without him. This project argues that it can be justifiable for women
to kill their abusers.
Presentation Type and Session: Poster IV
Humanities
Two Short Weeks In the REAL Emerald
City: How Does Study Abroad Affect
Learning?
Maureen Vitali, HON 400: All College Honors Colloquium
Faculty Mentor: Professor Andrea Guiati, Director, All College
Honors Program
Before traveling to Ireland, I had a very set view on what the
country was like and what it stood for. I pictured acres upon acres
of rolling green hills, roaring pubs, and an abundance of fiddles
and Irish dancers. However, when I got to Ireland, I realized there
was much more to it. The most shocking aspect about Ireland was
the extent to which the Great Potato Famine was represented and
remembered. I had studied the famine in middle school and high
school, but I never truly understood the degree of the heartache it
caused until I experienced it in Ireland. My trip to the Kilmainham
Gaol and my study of the art throughout Dublin and Belfast serve as
my primary research for this presentation. My main objective was to
experience first-hand the value of a study tour, and to explore why it
is different than traditional in-class learning. I have also interviewed
a number of students and professors who have studied abroad. I have
analyzed how their experience enhanced their educational journey
and shaped their lives in ways that in-class learning could never
accommodate. The results will be incorporated into my presentation.
Presentation Type and Session: Oral – Social Sciences
Why Nike Is Winning
Jeremy Mountain, COM 450: Communication and Society
Faculty Mentor: Professor Michael Niman, Communication
With the evolution of team sports, came an evolution in
equipment and uniforms. Since the 1960’s companies like Nike
have taken the function of sports uniforms and equipment, branded
them, and worked to make these brands as staples of different sports.
Having the right shoe, socks, ball, sweatband, etc. is now “a part of
the game.” Both professional and amateur players have come to
represent the sponsoring brand. This is clear in an earnings release
from Dec. 20 2011, “Athletes will always be our most important
partners, and our brands will always be our strongest asset.” Nike,
a branding pioneer, has become the model for success for other
companies like Adidas and Under Armor, but remains atop the
sports equipment industry as the hottest commodity. Through
advertising, they apply an aura to their product, and encourage
consumers to believe that a change occurs in anyone who dawns a
pair of Nike sneakers. According to the company, “Our brands are a
source of authentic emotional connections, and they offer the power
and flexibility needed to create and convert growth to value our
shareholders. When you put on the Nike brand you are an athlete,
you can be an athlete, because you wear what athletes wear. This
subconscious feeling of internal confidence when wearing the Nike
brand evolves increasingly over time, nurtured by immense amounts
of messages that Nike disseminates around the globe. This paper
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