Politics of Media ParenthoodApril 25, 2005 at 7–9 p.m.

As part of the Evan Anderson Lecture Series, Mary Vavrus, associate professor at the University of Minnesota, will explore the relationship between media catch phrases like "Soccer Moms" and "NASCAR Dads" and the conglomeration of the media environment. Vavrus argues that such phrases function as gendered brands that work to connect everyday life experiences of real people with these conglomerates, helping them to fulfill their need to generate profit and expand their market share while gaining influence with various other organizations, like the Republican and Democratic parties.