Trial by Media: #MeToo, Media Logic, and Hierarchies of Victims| Stacey Hannem

Join us for the first seminar of the 2024-25 CrimSL Speaker Series on Wednesday, September 18, 2024!

Professor Stacey Hannem, Professor of Criminology and Cultural Analysis and Social Theory at Wilfrid Laurier University, will present "Trial by Media: #MeToo, Media Logic, and Hierarchies of Victims." 

This is a free event, however, registration is required.

Prior to the seminar, join us for a light lunch from noon to 12:30 pm in the Centre Lounge. Please indicate your lunch RSVP for catering purposes when you register.

Abstract

Since the #MeToo movement of 2017, it has become more common for high profile victims of sexual and gendered violence to disclose alleged abuse in media. Recent notable cases include Amber Heard (who accused Johnny Depp) and Evan Rachel Woods (who made a documentary film about her abuse at the hands of Marilyn Manson). In this talk, I discuss the shifting logic of discourse and power that has led people, primarily women, to increasingly disclose through media. I describe some of the unintended consequences of the clash of media logic (Altheide and Snow, 1979) and "criminal-legal logic" for victims whose cases come to trial, and how public reaction to high profile cases in media may obscure the everyday realities of sexual violence and disincentivize victims who are not celebrities from disclosure. 

About Professor Stacey Hannem

Stacey Hannem is Professor of Criminology and Cultural Analysis and Social Theory at Wilfrid Laurier University and was named 2024 Laurier Research Professor. Dr. Hannem’s research focuses on gender, marginalization, and structural stigma in the criminal-legal system; substantively, Hannem has researched and published on sex work, sexual and gendered violence, and the impact of crime and incarceration on families. Her most recent co-authored book (with Christopher J. Schneider), Defining Sexual Misconduct: Power, Media, and #MeToo (URegina Press, 2022) was awarded the 2024 Distinguished Book Award by the Midwest Sociological Society and was named on the Hill Times’ “Best Books of 2022” list. 

Accessibility

Please note that our Centre Lounge and CG 265 seminar room are on the second floor of the Canadiana Gallery building, with stair access only as there is no elevator. If you have any access needs or if there are any ways we can support your participation in this session, please email crimsl.communications@utoronto.ca and we will be glad to work with you to make the appropriate arrangements.

Notice of photography and videography

Photography, audio and video recording may occur throughout this event. Therefore, by attending, you hereby authorize the University of Toronto to take your photograph, video and/or record your voice and grant the university all rights to these sounds, still or moving images in any medium for educational, promotional, marketing, advertising or other such purposes that support the mission of the university. If you do not consent to this, please speak with a university representative upon your arrival.

Health & Safety

We are following health and safety measures outlined by the University of Toronto and the Government of Ontario. Should there be changes in protocols related to health and safety of our guests and community, registrants will be advised.