Renowned media scholar and author Mara Einstein, Ph.D. headlined a recent series of events hosted by Communication Solutions for a Diverse Society (CS4DS), which explored how communication arts and sciences can advance sustainability in research, practice, and public life. The events, held in recognition of MSU’s Earth Month, brought together faculty, students, and campus partners to examine the expansive scope of sustainability—from environmental action to ethical media practices.
Einstein, author of the newly released book Hoodwinked, drew an overflowing crowd to WKAR’s Studio A on Wednesday, March 26. Presented in conjunction with Christina L. Myers, Ph.D.’s JRN 108 World of Media class, her lecture addressed the ethical challenges of advertising and marketing communication, focusing in particular on brand identity and greenwashing.
In conversation with moderator Ed Timke, Ph.D., Einstein encouraged students to critically assess the products and media they consume—and to unplug more often. Her talk challenged the audience to be more mindful of the manipulative tactics embedded in everyday marketing and to think more deeply about the implications of digital saturation and consumer behavior: “So what can we do? Stop supporting disposable products like fast fashion. Be conscious of what you buy and why you buy it. Educate yourself about who is greenwashing. And spend less time on social media.”
Later in the day, CS4DS hosted a panel featuring MSU academic faculty and operational practitioners committed to sustainability across disciplines. The panel included Luke Capizzo, Ph.D. and Chuqing Dong, Ph.D., both assistant professors of Advertising and Public Relations; Maria Espinoza, Ph.D., assistant professor of Sociology; Carla Iansiti, MSU Sustainability Officer for Student Life and Engagement; and Lisa Randolph-Stukey, Operations Coordinator for the MSU Office of Sustainability.
“These events emphasize the importance of thinking about the large and small impacts of sustainability. Yes, it’s about the environment and climate change, but it’s also about the farming communities around us, about vulnerable communities, and our stewardship as researchers, teachers, and practitioners,” said CS4DS director Susan McFarlane-Alvarez, Ph.D., who moderated the panel. “Tackling the array of challenges that lie ahead across all the frontiers of sustainability requires transcending silos that separate us and finding creative solutions that come through the wealth of our knowledge areas and perspectives.”
About CS4DS
Communication Solutions for a Diverse Society (CS4DS) is a research and practice consortium in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University. Focused on advancing discussions on issues of access, inclusion, and belonging, CS4DS is dedicated to intersections between academia and communication industries and practices. The core faculty of CS4DS are passionate about the importance of communication in ensuring compassion and equity in a diverse society.
The mission of Communication Solutions for a Diverse Society (CS4DS) is to provide collaboration and thought leadership on the relevance of communication arts and sciences in ensuring access and inclusion. CS4DS also seeks ways to support researchers and creative producers relating to access, belonging, and inclusion, while providing a nexus of discourse among researchers and practitioners within Communication Arts and Sciences.