A List
3/27/00

SLU PROF'S BOOK ON 'NIKE CULTURE' CELEBRATED

CANTON -- The publication of Nike Culture: The Sign Of The Swoosh, 
by St. Lawrence University Professor of Sociology Stephen D. Papson 
and Lewis and Clark College Professor of Sociology Robert Goldman, 
will be celebrated by the Friends of Owen D. Young and Launders 
Libraries on Friday, April 7, at 4 p.m.
	Papson will speak about the book at the event, to be held 
in computer lab room 140B of the Owen D. Young Library. His talk 
will be followed by a reception; both are open to the public.
	Nike Culture was published in 1999 by Sage Publications. 
Blending themes of personal empowerment and transcendence with media 
irreverence, advertising campaigns launched by Nike have promoted the 
company to the top of the sports-shoe and apparel industry. Its "swoosh" 
logo is now globally pervasive and "Nike" has become synonymous with 
sports culture.
        The book describes and deconstructs the themes and structures 
of Nike's advertising, outlining contradictions between image and 
practice, including representations of race, class and gender. Goldman 
and Papson are also co-authors of the 1998 book Sign Wars: 
The Cluttered Landscape of Advertising.
        Papson has been a St. Lawrence faculty member since 1976. He 
is a graduate of Seton Hall University and received his master's degree 
from the New School for Social Research and his Ph.D. from the 
University of Kentucky.
 
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