Abstract
This presentation looks at the ways in which fat oppression is linked to capitalism. This research exposes oppression and discrimination stemming from adiposity (fatness) through an anarchist and queer theory perspective. In the white supremacist, capitalist heteropatriarchy that we live in, there is a systematic “othering” of anyone who does not fit inside the mold that society lays out for us. This work looks at the binary systems that society is built around and aims to disrupt them so as to empower others. This presentation includes multimedia formats and will provide opportunity for audience participation.
Description
Ms. Sarah Mae Richens ’15 is a life-long resident of Rochester, NY. She graduated from The College at Brockport with a double major in sociology and women and gender studies. She is a founding member of the Women Trans* Femme caucus of the Black Rose Rochester. In the past four years, Ms. Richens has been active in local campaigns with Take Back the Land: Rochester, Fight For $15, the Black Rose Federation, and Metro Justice. Her academic focus has been on fat liberation from an anarchist perspective. She plans to work toward a master’s degree in social work.
Barbara LeSavoy, PhD, is director and faculty of Women and Gender Studies (WMS) at The College at Brockport. Dr. LeSavoy teaches Feminist Theory, Sex and Culture, Gender Race and Class, and Senior Seminar in Women and Gender. Her research and publication areas include women’s global human rights, gender and popular culture, intersectionality and educational equity/success, and women’s stories as feminist standpoint. The College at Brockport recently named Dr. LeSavoy the winner of the 2012-2013 Academic Advising Award, the recipient of the 2012-13 Outstanding Service to Students Award, and most recently, the 2013-14 Diversity Engagement Award.
