Culture Talks: Vampires, Garlic, and the Power of Fear: How Pop Culture’s Favorite Monster Reflects Society (2:00 – 2:25PM)

Join Jyotsna Kumar as she delves into the fascinating portrayal of vampires in popular culture and their connections to garlic lore. This presentation explore how these mythical creatures have evolved from their folkloric origins to reflect broader societal themes through engaging references to films and literature and how the representation of vampires often mirrors cultural anxieties and societal divisions. Jyotsna addressed the theme of otherness, examining how vampires serve as symbols of marginalized populations.

Bio

Jyotsna Kumar (she/her) is a 4th student at University of Toronto studying Critical Equity, Human Geography, and Diaspora and Transnationalism. Her research interests include media and film analysis, the intersections of community building and food sovereignty, and equitable city planning. In her spare time she loves watching vampire movies and finding new music to play on her radio show.

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