#GirlNextDoor: Performance of Gender and Ethnicity in Social and Virtual Media

Session III, Virtual Room 3: #GirlNextDoor

This panel will explore the popular culture persona of the “girl next door” from multiple perspectives. Through examination of stars like Jennifer Lopez, Dr. Sara Ross will present a paper that analyzes stardom in the context of social media, considering how the ‘girl next door’ persona eases the threat presented by the convergence of sexual and technological feminine power. Prof. Shanshan Wang will present on how the Girl Next Door bias plays a major role in hindering Asian American AR/VR professionals from career advancement. Dr. Candace Parrish will present on how popular culture has embraced the “hood girl next door” essence and which has led to erasure of African-American women from the core of the culture. From bamboo earrings, hoodies, and braided hairstyles to elaborately designed neon nails, the cultural appropriation of the “hood girl next door” requires both exploration and conversation to address and rectify these occurrences. Together, all three papers will provide an in-depth overview of the ways the “girl next door” persona has impacted and influenced the perceptions of female performance.