b'How NBCs This is Us Breaks Stereotypes in MediaEmma L. GoldenSponsor: Dr. Nicole Cox, Department of Mass MediaThis paper discusses how NBCs prime time television show This is Us breaks common stereotypes that are perpetuated in media such as adoptive children being dysfunctional, strong female characters being a size 2 with no trouble, and people of color being menaces to society, or else nothing to society at all. This is Us has a strong female lead who is overweight, the central family has an adopted black son, and he rises to a position of power and respect in his community. This is not the norm for a prime-time TV show and it should be rewarded.The Bright FlashEven CreamerSponsor: Dr. Michael Eaves, Department of Communication ArtsThe Post-Apocalyptic Genre has been a growing setting for storytelling since the late 1800s. Its popularity then, though, was limited and did not generate as much revenue as other genres. Today, it is among the most successful backdrops for high-grossing stories in theaters, video games, and novels. The reason for its explosive popularity can be drawn to a few different sources. Imagery of apocalyptic events goes as far back as early religion and remains a component of modern beliefs, which drives an interest in how things like Rapture will occur. Also affecting interest is the invention of the Atomic Bomb, which drove a narrative that the world could be destroyed in minutes. Each of the above has led to an increase in nihilism, making belief that the world will end stronger than ever and has changed the apocalypse from something that may happen to something that is inevitable. Each of these drive a single conclusion: that we are afraid of the end and are trying to normalize it.39'