CAMERA OBSCURA
Scope & Guideline
Decoding the Visual: Gender, Culture, and Theory
Introduction
Aims and Scopes
- Interrogation of Gender and Sexuality in Media:
The journal frequently addresses themes of gender and sexuality, particularly through queer and feminist lenses, exploring how these identities are represented and constructed in various media forms. - Critical Engagement with Historical Contexts:
Papers often delve into historical analysis, examining how past events and cultural phenomena inform contemporary visual practices and narratives. - Focus on Intersectionality and Diversity:
A significant aim is to highlight intersectional perspectives, considering how race, class, and other social categories intersect with gender and sexuality in visual culture. - Exploration of New Media and Technology:
The journal engages with emerging technologies and their impact on representation and identity, including digital media, social media, and their role in shaping contemporary narratives. - Reflexivity and Autoethnography:
There is an emphasis on reflexivity in research, encouraging authors to consider their own positionality and how it influences their interpretations of visual texts.
Trending and Emerging
- Queer and Trans Representation:
There is a marked increase in the exploration of queer and trans narratives, particularly in relation to identity politics and representation in media, highlighting the importance of these discussions in contemporary scholarship. - Intersection of Environmental Issues and Media:
Emerging themes around ecological concerns and their representation in film and media are becoming more prominent, reflecting a growing awareness of environmental issues within cultural studies. - Impact of Digital Media on Identity Formation:
Recent publications have begun to investigate how digital platforms influence identity formation and community building, particularly among marginalized groups, indicating a shift towards examining the implications of new media. - Reflexivity in Autobiographical Narratives:
The trend of reflexivity in personal narratives, especially within feminist and queer contexts, is gaining traction, as authors explore the relationship between personal experiences and broader socio-political discourses. - Cultural Memory and Archives:
An increasing focus on the role of cultural memory and archival practices in shaping narratives within visual culture suggests a growing interest in how history is constructed and represented.
Declining or Waning
- Traditional Film Criticism:
There seems to be a decline in conventional film criticism and analysis, with fewer papers focusing solely on traditional cinematic techniques or narratives without the integration of broader social issues. - Mainstream Media Analysis:
The journal has shifted away from analyzing mainstream media phenomena in favor of more niche or avant-garde topics, indicating a growing interest in alternative narratives over popular culture. - Focus on Historical Film Genres:
While historical film genres were once a focal point, recent publications suggest a move away from this area, as authors increasingly explore contemporary and experimental forms of visual storytelling.
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