Our Place in the World
Works of Fernando Amorsolo: Narratives of Calm and War
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Joseph Reylan Viray, Kriztine Viray
This paper delves into the selected masterpieces of Fernando Amorsolo, the inaugural national artist for visual arts in the Philippines. Employing a combination of critical discourse analysis and narrative analysis, it extracts profound meanings from his artworks. Additionally, it sheds light on Amorsolo's visual critique of war and peace within the context of the Second World War. The corpus of this study is drawn from Amorsolo's works housed in the National Museum of the Philippines.
LGBTQ presentation in Cinemalaya Films: Exploring Hegemony and Counter Hegemony
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Kriztine Viray, Joseph Reylan Viray
This study analyzes LGBTQ-themed films exhibited and shown at Cinemalaya festivals in the Philippines, aiming to examine LGBT presentation through the lenses of hegemony and counter-hegemony. The research explores the intricate dynamics of power, ideology, and resistance in the cinematic representation of LGBTQ individuals. Drawing scholarly cues from Roland Barthes' semiotic analysis, the study unpacks the symbolic elements embedded in the films, the layers of meaning and discourse surrounding LGBTQ narratives were unraveled. Simultaneously, the research employs Antonio Gramsci's concept of hegemony to scrutinize the dominant societal norms shaping these cinematic portrayals. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the research engages with textual and cultural analysis, offering an understanding of LGBTQ representation in the context of Philippine cinema. The study contributes to a richer comprehension of the ideological battles inherent in the depiction of LGBTQ identities, shedding light on the potential transformative impact of these films within broader societal frameworks.
Russia as Adolescent: A Metaphor for National Psychology View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Anna Geifman
The paper addresses the “enigma of Russia” by likening its national character to the archetypal adolescent personality. The multifaceted allegory illuminates a tradition of erratic, illogical, and exceedingly destructive perceptions, beliefs, attitudes, and behavior patterns which over the centuries have become part and parcel of the cultural mainstream in Russia, be it imperial, Soviet, or post-Soviet. An unformed and stumped national identity has been the key issue in the country’s development, as it often is for an adolescent. The paper demonstrates that as key characteristics of juvenile psychology, identity ambivalence and confusion are at the core of the country’s cultural and sociopolitical predicament, a lingering adolescent state.
Canadian Indigenous Boys' and Men's Wellbeing: Indigenous-led Interventions Incorporating Cultural and Traditional Teachings
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Matthew Numer
Due to colonization, Indigenous people in Canada face racialized challenges to their wellbeing, including sexual wellbeing, and have been resourceful in developing culturally embodied forms of resistance. Using Indigenous cultural activities as interventions can improve outcomes by providing a protective effect against ongoing colonial harms. There is a gap, however, regarding research into the experiences of Indigenous boys and men. We identify how cultural interventions support favourable sexual health outcomes by enabling Indigenous boys and men to establish a meaningful connection to their culture, community, and selves; and to explore whether this process is impacted by participants’ perceptions of masculinity. We further aim to provide new directions in critical studies aimed at improving wellbeing among Indigenous people in Canada. Workshops and multi-day events were held by community partners (Healing Our Nations & Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre) where participants engaged in various cultural activities. Semi-structured interviews with participants explored culture, wellbeing, and masculinity. Interviews were inductively coded and thematically analysed to investigate potential capacity-building for sexual wellness. Connecting with other men and culture was linked to greater emotional and relational literacy. Engaging with material culture like drum-making generated feelings of pride and self-efficacy. Land-based activities produced expressions of gratitude, clarity, and self-acceptance. Positive masculinity was described as empathetic and generous towards others. Specific cultural interventions may support sexual wellbeing by building capacity to resist colonial violence and develop qualities conducive to sexual wellbeing such as respect for oneself, others, nature, and diversity.
