WRC
forum series advises on research
By Christine G. Adamo
On-line Forty-Niner
Cal
State Long Beach McNair Scholars Rose Angulo
and Heather Ireland spoke on the issue of
research at this month’s Women’s Resource
Center forum Monday evening.
“Demystifying Research” began with an introduction
by Lynne Coenen, assistant director of the
WRC. Angulo, a communications major, and
Ireland, a women’s studies major, led the
discussion.
“[Angulo and Ireland] have the ability to
mentor other women and exercise leadership,”
Coenen said. “They are good role models
who have completed a significant amount
of research that applies on a global and
a local level.”
The forum was conducted in the WRC office,
a one-room, lounged-out haven hidden in
LA3-105. It was the first in a series of
informal, monthly discussions to be hosted
by the WRC this semester.
More than a dozen students listened, their
eyes focused on Angulo and Ireland, as the
two women outlined the secrets to their
success.
“It’s helpful to choose a socially significant
topic,” Angulo said, “one that can be generalized
to the population at large.”
Angulo’s research paper titled, “Beyond
Body Binding: A Feminist Analysis of the
Double-Binding Effects of Slogan Shirts,”
recognized four “double binds,” or inescapable
conflicts, that effect society as a whole.
Angulo concluded that slogan shirts, like
those with the word “sexy” printed on them,
have the capability of giving rise to self-expression
but may conversely lead to misinterpretation.
Such findings made it necessary for Angulo
to resist judgment while conducting research.
She suggested placing emphasis on the outcome
instead by focusing on the implications
the issues represent within our society.
Ireland said she began her research paper,
“Intersections of Activism and Sexuality
in the Lives of Puerto Rican Women,” in
the campus library. She then turned to faculty
mentors for guidance.
Additionally, spending time with professors
and networking with others who have a similar
interest helped new topics emerge and gave
shape to existing ones, Ireland said.
Ireland credited the WRC with widening the
opportunity for students to network, share
the results of their research and gain support
when seeking scholarships and the like.
“If it weren’t for the [WRC], we wouldn’t
have the speakers, programs or [opportunities]
we do,” Ireland said.
“The purpose of conducting monthly forums
is to create dialogue around various issues
of primary importance to women [and men],”
Coenen said. “Topics are chosen for their
timeliness and emergence in free-form discussions
that go on throughout the month.”
Coenen encouraged those in attendance to
ask questions at any time and to fill out
an evaluation at its conclusion. The evaluations
are used to pinpoint issues participants
are concerned with.
WRC events are open to everyone — males,
females, students, staff, and faculty.
The WRC regularly provides computer access,
books, videos, sofas, a refrigerator, coffee,
tea and bottled water in an atmosphere that
is conducive to quiet conversation, making
friends, and providing contacts for others.
|
