Toronto Metropolitan University Open Journals
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Coalizing Against Fatmisic and Sanist Targeted Ads of Oppression
No full textIn this article, we do fat studies, mad studies, and critical eating dis/order studies (CEDS) together as methodology. Diversely positioned in relation to gender, sexuality, race, size, disability, and eating dis/orders, we engage in critical conversations across movements, building solidarities in and between our communities to coalize against fatmisia and sanism. We were galvanized to come together in this collective resistance and community building as a subversive response to our shared (research) experiences of being targeted with weight-loss and fat eradication advertisements on social media. These ads communicate that we are medical, moral, and aesthetic problems that need to be intervened upon to become healthy, worthy, and desirable–to qualify as human. Motivated by our commitments to mad-disability justice and fat liberation, we contribute the concept of targeted ads of oppression (TAO) to name the violence that is hurting us. Utilizing affect theory with attention to how our feelings matter, we define TAO and identify four typologies. Our analysis engages with the concept of “recipes” to illustrate how TAO arise from a complex mixing of five dimensions that not only facilitate the existence of TAO, but also promote the propagation of fatmisia and sanism. We conclude by presenting five strategies for mobilizing against fatmisia and offer a theoretically-informed approach for navigating the harmful and affective qualities of TAO in both online and offline settings, which may prove useful to both fat and non-fat scholars and activists interested in anti-sizeist work
Feeling Fat: : Tracing the Affective Entanglements of Intergenerational Weight-Based Stigma
No full textWithin ‘obesity epidemic’ narratives, fat is storied as a threat to health, morality, and citizenship at both the population and individual level, and the negative traits that are associated with fatness become attached to marginalized bodies through settler colonial logics that rely on the subjugation of particular bodies (Land, 2018; Strings, 2015; White, 2016). Anti-obesity discourse creates the social conditions whereby fat becomes associated with laziness, incompetence, and lack of self-control (Hartley, 2001; Kargbo, 2013; Throsby, 2007). Embedded in an Anglo-Western, neoliberal context, the Feeling Fat study set out to understand the intergenerational movement and impact of anti-fat narratives that emerged after the 1950s in North America. Drawing on post-humanism and new materialism (Braidotti, 2013; Fox, 2016), I conducted 19 narrative interviews with individuals born between 1955 and 1990, six of whom were mother-daughter dyads. This article reports on findings generated by engaging the post-qualitative approach of “thinking with theory” (Jackson & Mazzei, 2012) as a way of putting participants’ storied accounts directly into conversation with entangled theoretical approaches to engage with both the discursive and affective realities of embodied fat experiences under biopedagogical forces that stipulate how (and how not) to have a body. The findings presented in this article suggest that feminist affect theory (Ahmed, 2004; 2010a; 2010b; 2014) is a powerful tool for discovering fat knowledges that are onto-epistemologically disconnected from ‘obesity epidemic’ narratives and instead centered on the lived materiality of fat life.
But is it fashion?: Fat femininities exceeding the boundaries of fashion on RuPaul’s Drag Race
No full textQueer spaces are often exclusionary of fat bodies, including those who embody femininity in their gender presentation. Similarly, the fashion industry has historically excluded fat femmes which has been challenged in recent years through the “body positivity” movement to varying degrees of success. The exclusion of fat bodies from queer spaces and the fashion industry can be exemplified by examining the trope of the “fashion queen” on the television show, RuPaul’s Drag Race and within its fandom. As the show has gained popularity, an increased focus has been placed on the runway presentations on the show. This has led to an archetype for contestants on the show to be a “fashion queen”, similar to other archetypes, such as the “pageant queen” and the “comedy queen”. However, unlike these other categories, the contestants who fit the fashion queen archetype are almost exclusively thin and represent normative ideals of femininity. Fat drag queens who present unique or intricate looks on the runway are often labelled “camp” in a way that places them outside the boundaries of fashion. While the show has often embraced camp aesthetics, this demarcation of fat queens as camp has taken on a pejorative nature within the fan community surrounding the show. In this paper, I will examine the discourse of the “fashion queen” and highlight the limitations, especially in the realm of fashion and runways, that are put on fat and plus-size drag queens on the show. These limitations highlight how the show limits the excessive potential of queer performers by forcing them to fit into narrow definitions of beauty and glamour. I will also examine how the demarcation of these queens as “camp” highlights how the show has altered queer aesthetics. These limitations are reflective of the negative treatment that fat bodies are given within the fashion industry and the queer community at large. I will also examine how further intersectional identities, such as race and disability, further construct these bodies as exceeding the acceptable boundaries of fashion
“In China, I live to eat. Here, I eat to live”: Acculturative stress among Mandarin-speaking, Chinese, international dietetic and nutrition students
No full textThe population of international students in Canadian post-secondary institutions, including in dietetic programs, is growing. In addition to academic stress, international students must cope with culture change and acculturative stress, which has been found to increase the prevalence of problematic eating and body image concerns among this population. Research indicates that problematic eating and body image concerns may also be relatively high among dietetic students due, in part, to the emphasis on body weight management and the narrow representations of healthy eating, and the disciplinary processes of professional socialization that are characteristic of dietetic education. For international dietetic students, vulnerability to problematic eating and body image concerns may be particularly acute, given their position as both dietetic and international students. However, little is known about the experiences of this population, and if, how and to what extent being an international dietetic student may impact on eating and body image concerns, or what efforts may be needed to prevent and support those experiencing these concerns. This research used the EAT-26 questionnaire and one-on- one, semi-structured interviews to explore how culture change impacts eating and body image among Mandarin-speaking, Chinese international dietetic students. Results indicate that culture change has a significant impact on the relationships to food and on eating and body image among the study population. Further research is needed to elucidate the impacts of culture change, and how dietetic educators may best support international dietetic students
When the path falls away: Learning to live well with food hypersensitivities
No full textThe prevalence of food allergies and intolerances among adults, also known as food hypersensitivities (FHSs), are on the rise. There is a gap in health services for this population. Increasing competencies of health care providers (HCPs) can start with an understanding of the problem from the perspective of those who live with FHSs. A purposive, asset-based sample of four women, who perceived themselves as living well with FHSs, were interviewed in this narrative inquiry. Participants were invited to reflect on their first-hand experiences of FHSs, their perceptions of dietetics care and their own journeys toward well-being. Data collection included an information gathering questionnaire (Appendix A), individual semi-structured interviews and participants’ drawings which they illustrated to assist storytelling. While the onset of an FHS brought uncertainty into the lives of participants, this article focuses on how learning themes reveal the importance of incorporating a more robust understanding of adult education in dietetic interventions through participants’ stories of moving toward well-being. The findings suggest that when supported by determinants of health, such as education and social support, transformative learning can be an important tool to mitigate the uncertainties related to the experience of an FHS. The research reveals that adult educators, with their grasp of adult learning processes and community engagement, could be an asset to the interprofessional health care team and improve the provision of person-centered care
Feeding Utopia: Canadian Universal Basic Income on Food Insecurity
No full text“Household food insecurity refers to the inadequate or insecure access to food because of financial constraints” (Tarasuk & Mitchell, 2020). More than 4 million Canadians are affected by food insecurity (McIntyre, et al., 2016; Tarasuk & Mitchell, 2020). Social factors such as income, are more significant determinants of food security and health than lifestyle choices (Mikkonen & Raphael, 2010). A Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a financial allowance granted to all working age citizens which ensures that there is a minimum income level, regardless of current or previous employment status (Forget, 2018). The available UBI research and similar programs such as the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) and Old Age Security (OAS) have been shown to reduce food insecurity (McIntyre, et al., 2016, Brown & Tarasuk, 2019). This paper investigates how a Canadian Universal Basic Income could impact food insecurity by acting on the most influential determinant of health: income
A global perspective of the role of the maternal and child health handbook in health promotion: Narrative synthesis
No full textLittle is known about the impact of "home-based records\u27\u27 on the health promotion of mothers and children. Considering this, we compiled and analysed existing evidence on the effectiveness of a specific home-based record, the Maternal and Child Health Handbook (MCHHB), in enhancing the health of mothers and their children. A systematic search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Maternity, and Infant Care, CINHAL, and Ovid was conducted. All types of original research articles published in English were considered. A narrative synthesis was used due to the heterogeneity of findings among the included studies. Out of a total of 1351 papers, 45 studies were included. Breastfeeding, immunisation, family planning, antenatal care, maternal nutrition, maternal Tetanus Toxoid (TT) immunisation, vitamin A and iron supplements, smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy, healthy and safe delivery, awareness of pregnancy complications, and healthy child development are all areas where MCHHB has been implemented and evaluated. Although one study found no effect, our findings indicate a positive impact. The results emphasised the effectiveness and value of MCHHB in enhancing maternal and infant health. However, given that only a small number of studies were available for each outcome group, we suggest more research be conducted on the MCHHB\u27s positive effects on mothers’ and children’s health
Teaching planetary health to medical students in the United Kingdom: A snapshot: GRASSROOT SUBMISSION
No full textIn 2022 a new curriculum for medical students at universities in the U.K. was mandated which included teaching planetary health. In this paper the authors relate their experiences of introducing a sustainability agenda two years before this time, using planetary boundaries as a teaching tool at the Manor Hospital in Walsall, U.K. Planetary health is taught with constant relevance to how it can affect health and society. The content of the teaching material evolved over a few months until very positive feedback from students was received, who also suggested that more should be done to raise awareness of sustainability in their university. Finally challenges to this innovative venture are discussed.
Interactivity and Ecomedia in the Digital Age: A Comparative Study of Black November and Niger Delta Commando
No full textInteractivity is a fundamental aspect of contemporary digital media and communication, playing a crucial role in the synergistic relationship between filmic representation and video games. This paper examines the interplay between Jeta Amata\u27s eco-film Black November and the video game Niger Delta Commando, focusing on the narratives, themes, and imaginary worlds that define their relationship. In the context of Nigeria\u27s Niger Delta challenges, these media forms provide alternative approaches for addressing environmental issues while maintaining relevance and competing for attention in the entertainment landscape.
Nigeria\u27s rapidly growing video game industry holds significant potential for entertainment and economic development. This study acknowledges the integral part played by film in influencing the development of video games, as both mediums share aspects such as camera techniques, narrative structures, visual representation technologies, special effects, and thematic concerns. In this case, Niger Delta Commando allows players to determine the narrative through interactivity, offering a unique and innovative way to address the Niger Delta\u27s environmental challenges.
Adopting a dual analytical and descriptive methodology, this paper explores the interrelatedness of the narratives linking Black November and Niger Delta Commando, reconciling leading arguments in ecomedia, and assessing the Nigerian narrative\u27s notions of interactivity, immersion, and environment. The analysis also considers the environmental impacts of media product life cycles and addresses the differential experiences of affected populations.
The eco-film Black November is recreated in the interactive video game medium Niger Delta Commando, emphasizing the military action storyline and visual style reminiscent of the Niger Delta region\u27s activist struggles. However, the video game primarily adopts an action-thriller plot without addressing the underlying factors contributing to violence in the region or the environmental degradation detailed in Black November.
Media products, including films and video games, have demonstrated their utility as tools for engaging with and analyzing human concerns. With video games becoming increasingly popular and accepted as an artistic medium, adaptations like Niger Delta Commando can provide more immersive representations of environmental issues. The paper proposes that future video games addressing the Niger Delta region should feature complex and nuanced intersections reflecting the region\u27s ecological challenges, moving beyond violence and towards a more constructive engagement with the environment.
Forced convection heat transfer performance of the turbulent flow of nanofluid (Al2O3-water) and hybrid nanofluid (Al2O3-SiO2-water) in a triangular channel
No full textA numerical study on flow characteristics and convective heat transfer of nanofluids (Al2O3-water) and hybrid nanofluids (Al2O3-SiO2-water) with volume fraction of nanoparticles equal to 0.03 and ratios in percent volume of Al2O3-SiO2 (10:90, 50:50) inside a triangular shaped channel and the diameter of the nanoparticles is equal to 30 nm, the calculations are made for an input temperature and at the level of corrugations T0=300 k and T=333 k respectively covering Reynolds numbers between 1000 and 5000. The equations governing this study are solved using the finite volume method based on the SIMPLE algorithm. The results show that the thermal performance of hybrid nanofluids in our case and our conditions exceeds that of nanofluids, the 10:90 ratio has the best performance of convective heat transfer.