Among the numerous presentations, noteworthy research papers in the Disney Studies was presented by two promising academics.
by Bayla Gomberg
Popular Culture Association/American Culture Association (PCA-ACA) is a professional organization dedicated to the study of popular culture and the promotion of interdisciplinary scholarship. The annual conference is a platform for academics and researchers to present and discuss their work on various aspects of popular and American culture.
The 53rd Annual PCA-ACA meeting took place from April 5 to April 8, 2023, at the Marriott Rivercenter in San Antonio, Texas.
Among the numerous presentations, noteworthy research papers in the Disney Studies were presented by two promising academics.
Following the recommendations of Dr. Andi Stein, the duo of Dina Saad and Anika Leanne Ausness submitted abstracts to the conference and were subsequently accepted. Their research was conducted as part of the graduate level Disney course (Deconstructing Disney) under the supervision of Dr Stein.
The papers were presented during a session titled "DISNEY STUDIES IX: 'How Do You Spell Love? You Don't Spell Love. You Feel It.' - Disney Fans Across History and in Crisis."
Saad’s paper, "Happiness Spread by a Mouse,” explored whether the Walt Disney Company, as a leading entertainer, has a profound impact on transforming negative moods into positive ones and if it is the go-to choice for mood alteration.
Ausness' paper, "Disney as a Crisis Communicator," analyzed how ‘up to date’ Disney stakeholders are when it comes to organizational crises, and how stakeholders perceive Disney as an organization. Auseness would also like to analyze how Disney responds to organizational crises and if they respond ‘appropriately’ according to guidelines set in place by T. Coomb.
Following the presentation, a stimulating half-hour discussion ensued, with valuable feedback provided by Peter Cullen Bryan from Clemson University and Sabrina Mittermeier from the University of Kassel, Germany. The presentation and subsequent discussion contributed significantly to the ongoing discourse on Disney's cultural impact.
