May 2, 2007

Playing Yourself: Authenticity, Identity and Cultural Consumption
Jennifer Lena, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology

How do you define your identity? Perhaps as a “southern gentleman,” or a “be-bop jazz fan,” or a “modern woman?” Are these definitions actually doing the work of authenticity? How and why are our identities and our possessions bound up with one another, and with notions of authenticity? Why are we so often frustrated when we search for “the real thing?” In this lecture I’ll examine the power of stereotypes and performances in our search for authenticity.

The reservation line is now closed.

11:30 a.m., lunch served.

12 noon, program begins.

Series takes place at the Nashville Public Library, 615 Church Street. Map, Parking information

To help defray the cost of the luncheon series, donations will be accepted at the door. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Friends of the Public Library. Thank you.

Lunchbox in the News