The lecture's title and topic are borrowed from , which Berland co-edited with Ryerson Professor Blake Fitzpatrick of the Documentary Media Program. Her work explores how military culture now has such a hold on society that many people cannot remember a time when the military was not a constant presence in their lives.

Right: Jody Berland

This military presence appears either physically or more abstractly through art and society as a whole. As Berland noted in an interview, “While civilian deaths and acts of torture have remained invisible and secret, it’s impossible to miss the images of invasion and imprisonment that circulate the world on the Internet, on TV and in video games.” Her presentation will begin by exploring recent events during the G20 summit in Toronto and then move to a broader examination of militarism in Canadian society.

Cultures of Militarization is a collection of essays penned by 22 international scholars and artists who have each contributed their own perspectives and experiences. Each of the contributions jointly identifies how a military culture brings devastation to communities and individuals.

Berland's lecture is part of the "Canada: Like You’ve Never Heard it Before” Speakers Series, which features open lectures delivered by 91��ɫ faculty. Produced by the Canadian Studies Program and the Students for Canadian Studies Club, the series has an interdisciplinary focus and promotes undergraduate research and study of Canada.

The series is co-sponsored by Vanier College, Winters College, New College, Stong College, Calumet College, Founders College and the Office of the Dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies.

Submitted by Alison Sanelli, a second-year humanities student; republished courtesy of YFile– 91��ɫ’s daily e-bulletin.

The post Professor Jody Berland to lecture on cultures of militarization December 8 appeared first on Research & Innovation.

“Cultures of Militarization,” edited by (right), professor in 91��ɫ’s Department of Humanities, and Blake Fitzpatrick, professor in the School of Image Arts at Ryerson University, features contributions from 22 international scholars and artists.

Drawing on a rich array of research sites and interdisciplinary resources, the authors explore how human relations, social policies and cultural values come to be defined by military interests, and how such interests might be freshly understood. They delve into the notion that the culture of war is both hidden and widespread, reaching deep into civic culture and affecting government, families, media, entertainment, public policy and personal beliefs.

Berland cites the recent WikiLeaks exposé of classified US military documents as evidence of the hidden aspects of war. “It is interesting to note that US military operatives face military proceedings not for atrocities or misinformation, but for participating in leakages of classified documents,” Berland says. “And while civilian deaths and acts of torture have remained invisible and secret, it's impossible to miss the images of invasion and imprisonment that circulate the world on the Internet, on TV and in video games.”

Berland cites other prominent examples: the Pentagon's classified budget for research and acquisition of information development has increased 78 per cent since 2001, totaling $34 billion in 2009. “Our own military spends $9 billion on F-35 fighter planes while remaining silent on questions regarding their technical and military justification,” she says.

Berland notes that this widespread increase in militarization does not only affect war zones. In the community of Glace Bay, N.S., a debate rages about the naming of a new school after Jimmy MacNeil, a Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan in June 2010. From coast to coast, yellow ribbons adorn trees and lampposts, while in Ontario, Highway 401 is now known as the Highway of Heroes.

“Here in Toronto, we saw it play out in the streets during the G20 summit. Military culture is everywhere. Ultimately, we are all living the consequences of global militarization,” Berland says.

TOPIA subscribers will receive the special double issue; the book is available through . It will be formally launched at the Gladstone Hotel’s Melody Bar on Dec. 6, from 6 to 8pm. All are welcome.

For more information, visit the TOPIA website.

Republished courtesy of YFile– 91��ɫ’s daily e-bulletin

The post 91��ɫ-based journal and book examine militarization of everyday life appeared first on Research & Innovation.