George Mason University’s Lab for Character Assassination and Reputation Politics (CARP) will host its fifth international conference Gender, Power, and Politics in Character Assassination on March 20–22 bringing together U.S. and international scholars and practitioners from history, communication, political science, conflict analysis, and similar disciplines. Michael LaRosa, Former Press Secretary for the First Lady of the United States Jill Biden, will deliver the keynote address.
The event, which will be held at Mason Square, is free for George Mason student observers. Attendees can register at the CARP Conference website.
Character assassination and gender-based attacks have a long history in politics, from ancient Rome to Washington, D.C., and beyond. This three-day interdisciplinary conference will include more than 10 panel sessions on media practices and ethics, crisis management, and political conflict analysis and resolution. Hailing from over 15 countries, the multidisciplinary speakers bring many years of expertise and academic research to the study of gender in character assassination.
CARP Co-Founder and Assistant Professor of Communication Sergei A. Samoilenko says the conference will be of interest to university professors, seasoned practitioners, students, and citizens alike. “Whether an assertive female politician is accused of being too ‘manly’ or a male politician is accused of being ‘wimpy’ and effeminate, gendered character assaults are ubiquitous,” he said. “It’s essential to understand the factors that drive these behaviors, including how they vary by culture, region, demographics, and other factors.”
For more information on the event, contact Sergei A. Samoilenko at ssamoyle@gmu.edu.
February 17, 2025