Miranda Haines
Global Studies, 2023
As a Global Studies student, I excel at critical thinking, and know how to apply an analytical and creative approach to problem solving. Through my studies at the University of Canberra I have acquired a broad range of skills, with my greatest strengths lying in written and verbal communication. Throughout my degree in Global Studies, I have explored and learnt to communicate the nature and importance of cultural diversity as well as evaluate the impacts of global contexts on local cultures, communities and issues from an interdisciplinary perspective. I have developed a strong reflective understanding of the some of the key cultural impacts of colonisation, decolonisation, migration, and globalisation. My degree has equipped me with the intercultural skills and global interdisciplinary understanding necessary for a career across government, business or the non-government organisation sector globally. I was also awarded the Dean’s Excellence Award in 2022 in recognition of my hard work, commitment, and academic excellence. During my studies I completed a semester abroad where I spent 5 months in the United Kingdom studying International Development at the University of East Anglia. Studying abroad required me to adapt to a new educational system, teaching methods, and a different cultural setting. The academic knowledge that I have gained from my Global Studies degree means I am able to analyse and communicate effectively on a range of global issues from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Selected Portfolio
From Countermovement to Feminist Tool : Analysing #NotAllMen
In the digital age, social media platforms have become powerful spaces for feminist discourse, offering a platform for victims of gender-based violence to share their experiences and advocate for change. Amidst this backdrop, the #NotAllMen movement emerged as a countermovement, aiming to divert discussions of gender-based violence by asserting that "not all men" are perpetrators. This research report delves into the transformation of the #NotAllMen movement from a countermovement to a feminist tool, examining its impact on online feminist discourse addressing gender-based violence. Utilising qualitative methods to analyse tweets from 2014, 2018, and 2022, the report uncovers how the hashtag has been repurposed by feminists to challenge and counteract misogynistic narratives, ultimately contributing to the reshaping of societal norms and the promotion of more inclusive and equitable discussions surrounding gender-based violence.
The Role of Media and Humanitarian Organisations in Reinforcing the Dichotomy of Deserving and Undeserving Migrants
In an era marked by unprecedented global migration, the topic of migrants and refugees has become a focal point of international discourse. This research essay delves into the complex interplay between media representations and the role of humanitarian organizations in shaping public perceptions of migrants, with a particular emphasis on the dichotomy of deserving and undeserving migrants. As individuals and families flee violence, conflict, and the consequences of climate change, the framing of their stories in the media and the messaging promoted by humanitarian organizations hold immense power in influencing public opinion. This essay explores how selective media coverage, rooted in what has been referred to as the "hierarchy of lives," reinforces inequalities and power structures, often prioritizing crises in the Global North while neglecting those in the Global South. Additionally, it investigates how colonial legacies continue to influence representations, as well as the limited presence of migrant voices in these narratives. Ultimately, this essay highlights the critical need for a more equitable and inclusive approach in both media reporting and humanitarian efforts to bridge the divide between deserving and undeserving migrants.
How Femininity is Constructed and Maintained in Women's Bodybuilding
This essay explores the intricate ways in which femininity is constructed and maintained in the context of women's bodybuilding. It delves into the complex interplay of gender performativity and Western cultural definitions of femininity, highlighting the sport's simultaneous defiance of and adherence to societal norms. The study employs 'Ripped: Inside Women's Bodybuilding,' a documentary from STORYHIVE, as a case study, alongside insights from a range of secondary sources, including academic journals and scholarly articles. As women in bodybuilding navigate the demands of muscularity and femininity, they represent a dynamic intersection of cultural ideals and gender performativity, challenging and redefining what it means to embody femininity within the boundaries of a muscular physique.
Culture, Conquest, and Controversy: Analysing Sid Meier's 'Civilzation'
This essay delves into the intricate layers of Sid Meier's Civilization, shedding light on the series' portrayal of cultures, ideologies, and historical narratives. By examining the representation of non-Western civilizations and analysing the game's embedded Eurocentrism, the essay aims to unravel the complexities of how this popular gaming franchise grapples with issues of cultural sensitivity and colonial legacies, shedding light on the ongoing debate surrounding the representation of history, ideology, and empire within the realm of digital entertainment.