This article discusses everyday acts of resistance through two stories of bread in competitive gymnastics through the lens of infrapolitics and hidden transcripts. The author discusses how the culture of elite competitive gymnastics sometimes makes it difficult to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate methods of coaching and care—often giving rise to infrapolitical acts. Furthermore, the article centers Larry Nassar’s cooptation of gymnasts’ hidden transcripts—particularly around food—as a strategy to further his abuse of hundreds of athletes. Finally, through the concept of the civic imagination, the author encourages the gymnastics community to begin to engage in open discussions over meals toward change in gymnastics cultures.
Articles by Briana Ellerbe
Briana Ellerbe is an interdisciplinary scholar and media consultant whose work focuses on the ways in which groups navigate structures of power in media, education, and sports. She is especially interested in the ways in which children and families incorporate media content into their everyday lives, and is curious about whether and how media impact children’s worldviews, relationships, and learning. With this in mind, she is passionate about the thoughtful creation of content for children and their families. After completing her PhD in Communication at USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, she worked as a researcher and consultant on projects for Google and Toca Boca, and as a Production Assistant at Tinkercast. Previously, she worked as a Research Manager at the Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop and as a Research Assistant for 9 Story USA. Briana received her master’s from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in the Technology, Innovation, and Education program and her BA at the University of Pennsylvania.