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Martha Ramirez

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Research paper thumbnail of A Critical Examination of Media Images of the Civil Rights Movement and their Role in Shaping Collective Memories among Northern White Audiences

Collective memory theory has been used to study a wide array of phenomena, including the media's ... more Collective memory theory has been used to study a wide array of phenomena, including the media's role in shaping collective memories of pivotal and influential events throughout society. Often when lacking direct contact and engagement, the media may shape the collective memories of audiences. As such, the current study examines prominent images presented in the media and the potential role each could have contributed to the collective memory of the 1960's Civil Rights Movement. More specifically, this study analyzes how collective memories, which are arguably influenced by the mass media, create memories for audiences that lack direct engagement (e.g., participating in sit-ins) with the Civil Rights Movement. Adopting content analysis, findings posit that certain images from the Civil Rights Movement, along with their reinforcement in media, contributes to what mainstream audiences remember and recall, aligning the movement in favorable and respectable terms.

Research paper thumbnail of #Migente: Latinx Twitter’s Reaction to the Super Bowl LIV Halftime Performance

Howard Journal of Communications, 2021

Abstract Previous studies examine the theory of network counterpublics on social media within the... more Abstract Previous studies examine the theory of network counterpublics on social media within the scope of marginalized communities like the trans community or Black Twitter. Furthermore, LatCrit theorists describe an urgent need to include and examine Latinx communities and their interactions. This study furthers these conversations and focuses on Latinx communities by examining Latinx Twitter’s response to the Super Bowl LIV halftime performance. Using Crimson Hexagon, we analyzed 6,056 tweets and found that conversations within Latinx counterpublics were positive. Latinx community members expressed pride and excitement throughout their discussions about the performance. In contrast, other groups responded with disgust and outrage. Feelings of anger among some groups reveal that racial tensions are still present on social media. Findings show that while Latinx users are often greatly divided, the Super Bowl LIV halftime performance brought together a diverse group of people that struggle to come together as a united community, #migente. These findings also fall in line with previous studies showing that marginalized communities create spaces on Twitter to fight against racial issues, legitimize their experiences, and connect with others. This study helps fill in the research and knowledge gap on Latinx communities and their experiences on social media. These findings help diversify the literature on social media experiences among people of color and contribute helpful insight on one of the largest minority groups in the United States.

Research paper thumbnail of A Critical Examination of Media Images of the Civil Rights Movement and their Role in Shaping Collective Memories among Northern White Audiences

Collective memory theory has been used to study a wide array of phenomena, including the media's ... more Collective memory theory has been used to study a wide array of phenomena, including the media's role in shaping collective memories of pivotal and influential events throughout society. Often when lacking direct contact and engagement, the media may shape the collective memories of audiences. As such, the current study examines prominent images presented in the media and the potential role each could have contributed to the collective memory of the 1960's Civil Rights Movement. More specifically, this study analyzes how collective memories, which are arguably influenced by the mass media, create memories for audiences that lack direct engagement (e.g., participating in sit-ins) with the Civil Rights Movement. Adopting content analysis, findings posit that certain images from the Civil Rights Movement, along with their reinforcement in media, contributes to what mainstream audiences remember and recall, aligning the movement in favorable and respectable terms.

Research paper thumbnail of #Migente: Latinx Twitter’s Reaction to the Super Bowl LIV Halftime Performance

Howard Journal of Communications, 2021

Abstract Previous studies examine the theory of network counterpublics on social media within the... more Abstract Previous studies examine the theory of network counterpublics on social media within the scope of marginalized communities like the trans community or Black Twitter. Furthermore, LatCrit theorists describe an urgent need to include and examine Latinx communities and their interactions. This study furthers these conversations and focuses on Latinx communities by examining Latinx Twitter’s response to the Super Bowl LIV halftime performance. Using Crimson Hexagon, we analyzed 6,056 tweets and found that conversations within Latinx counterpublics were positive. Latinx community members expressed pride and excitement throughout their discussions about the performance. In contrast, other groups responded with disgust and outrage. Feelings of anger among some groups reveal that racial tensions are still present on social media. Findings show that while Latinx users are often greatly divided, the Super Bowl LIV halftime performance brought together a diverse group of people that struggle to come together as a united community, #migente. These findings also fall in line with previous studies showing that marginalized communities create spaces on Twitter to fight against racial issues, legitimize their experiences, and connect with others. This study helps fill in the research and knowledge gap on Latinx communities and their experiences on social media. These findings help diversify the literature on social media experiences among people of color and contribute helpful insight on one of the largest minority groups in the United States.

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