From superheroes to Hogwarts, Bell’s research on children’s identity, race and inclusivity rings true
Summary: <br> Dr. <a href="https://www.uccs.edu/comm/bell" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Christopher Bell</a>, director of graduate studies and associate professor of media studies at CU Colorado Springs, is a big fan of Marvel superheroes and is tuned in to what they stand for. On this month’s CU on the Air, Dr. Bell chats with host <a href="https://www.cu.edu/office-president/ken-mcconnellogue" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ken McConnellogue</a> about the ways race, class and gender intersect in different forms of children’s media as well as his role as a TED speaker, a diversity and inclusiveness consultant for Pixar Animation Studios, his upcoming work with WWE and the benefits of playing the ukulele.<br> <br> * The history and advancement of identity studies.<br> * His viral TED Talk: <a href="https://www.ted.com/talks/christopher_bell_bring_on_the_female_superheroes?language=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bring on the female Superheroes</a>.<br> * The role Bell has played for Pixar Animation Studios, and that influence on movies.<br> * Bell’s inspiration in advancing female role models<br> * The problem with labeling toys for boy and girls<br> * Where’s Princes Leia? Where’s Gamora? Where’s Black Widow? The dearth of female role model action figures, costumes and other marketing materials.<br> * A child’s identity and its development through play.<br> * How and why Disney has recognized the importance of diversity in children’s shows.<br> * The important lessons of Harry Potter, and the five books he’s written about them.<br> * Bell’s favorite superhero<br> * The most boring superhero ever<br> * And Bell’s pick for best villain<br> * His upcoming work with the development of superhero characters and professional wrestling<br> * What about the ukulele?<br> * Bell’s podcast, The Deconstruction Workers<br> <br> Resources<br> <br> * TED: <a href="https://www.ted.com/talks/christopher_bell_bring_on_the_female_superheroes?language=en">Bring on the female Superheroes</a><br> * Books<br> <br> * <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hermione-Granger-Saves-World-Feminist/dp/0786471379?qid=1540587443&refinements=p_27%3AChristopher+Bell&s=Books&sr=1-4&text=Christopher+Bell&ref=sr_1_4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hermione Granger Saves the World: Essays on the Feminist Heroine of Hogwarts</a><br> * <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Inside-World-Harry-Potter-Critical/dp/1476673551?qid=1540587443&refinements=p_27%3AChristopher+Bell&s=Books&sr=1-9&text=Christopher+Bell&ref=sr_1_9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Inside the World of Harry Potter: Critical Essays on the Books and Films</a><br> * <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Here-Hogwarts-Essays-Potter-Fiction/dp/0786499311?qid=1540587443&refinements=p_27%3AChristopher+Bell&s=Books&sr=1-10&text=Christopher+Bell&ref=sr_1_10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">From Here to Hogwarts: Essays on Harry Potter Fandom and Fiction</a><br> * <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wizards-vs-Muggles-Identity-Universe/dp/0786499303?qid=1540587443&refinements=p_27%3AChristopher+Bell&s=Books&sr=1-11&text=Christopher+Bell&ref=sr_1_11" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wizards vs. Muggles: Essays on Identity and the Harry Potter Universe</a><br> * <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Legilimens-Perspectives-Harry-Potter-Studies/dp/1443852546?keywords=%22Christopher+E.+Bell%22&qid=1540587977&s=Books&sr=1-6&ref=sr_1_6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Legilimens! Perspectives in Harry Potter Studies</a><br> * <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Not-Open-Door-Bobby-Siblings/dp/0692303391?qid=1540587443&refinements=p_27%3AChristopher+Bell&s=Books&sr=1-8&text=Christopher+Bell&ref=sr_1_8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Do Not Open the Door! (The Bobby Siblings) (Volume 1)</a><br> * <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Not-Look-Under-Bobby-Siblings/dp/0692416315?"></a>
