Christina L. Myers Ph.D.
Bio
Dr. Christina L. Myers, originally from Columbia, South Carolina, is a three-time graduate of the University of South Carolina, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a Minor in Chemistry, a Master of Mass Communication and a Doctor of Philosophy in Mass Communication. In August 2022, Dr. Myers joined Michigan State University as a tenure-track assistant professor in the School of Journalism.
Employing qualitative methods, Dr. Myers' research bridges concepts of Critical Race Theory and Mass Communication theory to offer fresh perspectives on the intersection of race and media – specifically examining depictions of Black experiences and the presence of implicit racial bias and racist ideologies in narrative creation in the areas of music, sports and news. Her dissertation, "Power, Poison, Pain & Joy": Implicit Racial Bias & Defining Blackness in Black Sports Commentary, Black Music and Black Storytelling, offers a Critical Race Conceptual Model of Implicit Racial Bias to representations of African Americans in mass media to illustrate how stereotypical depictions and racist ideologies arise in media content, including by Black content creators. Myers seeks to empower her community through scholarship by:
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Confronting the historical implications of systemic racism by exposing & dismantling societal mechanisms and practices that seek to oppress and silence African Americans and other marginalized groups;
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Amplifying the voices of those who have been systemically silenced in society by highlighting their authentic experiences;
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Offering an avenue for critical discourse on race to foster equitable practices and solutions as well as an equitable academic environment.
Dr. Myers is a freelance journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of race, culture, identity and policy. Her previous journalism postings include Equity Reporter for The State Newspaper, political reporter for The Associated Press and national desk writer for NBC News Channel.
Dr. Myers' professional affiliations and awards include the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC), International Communication Association (ICA), '22 UofSC Breakthrough Graduate Scholar, '21 Southeastern Conference Emerging Scholar, '21 UofSC Critical Race Theory Summer Institute Fellow, UofSC Grace Jordan McFadden Professors Program Scholar.
Research and Teaching
- Depictions of the Black Experience in News, Music & Sports
- Implicit Racial Bias
- Critical Race Theory
- Ideology
- Stereotypes
