Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D.
Department Chair and Professor | Baylor University
Waco, TX, UNITED STATES
Dr. Moody-Ramirez is a nationally known expert on mass media representations of minorities, women and other underrepresented groups
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Biography
Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., is the Director of Graduate Studies, Director of American Studies and a professor of journalism, public relations and new media in the Baylor University College of Arts & Sciences.
She recently coauthored the book "From Blackface to Black Twitter: Reflections on Black Humor, Race, Politics, & Gender."
She is Vice Head of the Minorities and Communication Division and Secretary for the Commission on the Status of Women. She served on the AEJMC Strategic Plan Implementation Committee from 2013 to 2016.
She was named the 2016 AEJMC Commission on the Status of Women Outstanding Woman of the Year. She completed the Scripps Howard Academic Leadership Academy at LSU in 2014. She was the recipient of the third-annual Baylor University Diversity Award. She is a 2016-17 Academy of Teaching & Learning Baylor Fellow.
Her research emphasizes mass media representations of women, minorities and other underrepresented groups.
In 2013, she co-authored The Obamas and Mass Media: Race, Gender, Religion, and Politics (Palgrave Macmillan) with Dr. Jannette Dates. She solo authored Black and Mainstream Press’ Framing of Racial Profiling: A Historical Perspective (University Press of America) in 2009.
She has been published in Public Relations Review, Journalism Educator and the Journal of Magazine & New Media Research, and more.
She is an editorial board member for Mass Communication and Society Journal, Howard Journal of Communication and The Journal of Social Media in Society. She serves as a conference paper reviewer for the AEJMC Midwinter Conference, National Association of Communication, AEJMC Conference and the Southeast Colloquium.
She teaches courses in public relations, research methods and gender, race and media studies. Her expertise on these topics has been featured in various local, national and international media outlets.
Her journalism experience includes working as a blogger, staff writer and columnist for the Waco Tribune-Herald, editor and publisher of FOR Seasons magazine and Elegant Woman magazine and managing editor for Stevens Publishing.
She received her B.A. in journalism from Texas A&M University, M.A. in journalism from Baylor University, M.S. in Educational Psychology, and her Ph.D. in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin.
She teaches the following courses:
• Mass Communication Research Theory
• Research Methods
• PR Programming
• Representations of Women and Minorities in the Mass Media
Areas of Expertise (5)
Race, Class, and Culture
Pop Culture
New Media
Writing for Media Markets
Historical Stereotypes in Social Media
Accomplishments (3)
Top Paper (professional)
Awarded by the SWECJMC Southwest Symposium
Top Paper, Public Relations Division (professional)
Awarded by the ICA
Diversity Enhancement Award (professional)
Awarded by Baylor University
Education (4)
The University of Texas at Austin: Ph.D., Journalism 2006
Baylor University: M.A., Journalism 2001
Baylor University: M.S.Ed., Educational Psychology 1999
Texas A&M University: B.A., Journalism 1990
Links (1)
Media Appearances (35)
Central Texas businesses and media experts weigh in on TikTok ban
KWTX-TV (CBS/Waco) online
2024-03-14
VIDEO: Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Journalism, Public Relations and New Media at Baylor, is quoted about the future of TikTok’s algorithm in the event of a sale.
This Halloween, choose your costume wisely
Wisconsin State Journal online
2022-10-29
Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., professor and chair of journalism, public relations and new media, is quoted in this article about cultural appropriation regarding Halloween costumes. Moody-Ramirez, who wrote the book “From Blackface to Black Twitter,” said some costumes such as blackface, Native headdresses and sombreros are always unacceptable. But for other costumes, she encourages parents to do their research and use their best judgment.
Jeffrey Dahmer Halloween Costumes for Kids Spark Outrage: 'Sick'
Newsweek online
2022-10-24
Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., professor and chair of journalism, public relations and new media, is quoted in this article about the reaction to controversial Halloween costumes, such as that of gruesome serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, the subject of a recent Netflix series.
Jeffrey Dahmer Isn't the Only Controversial Costume Banned From Stores
Newsweek online
2022-10-18
Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., professor and chair of journalism, public relations and new media, is quoted in this article about controversial costumes, such as that of gruesome serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, have been barred by various retailers over the years.
'Great British Baking Show' Hosts Slammed Over Mexican Week: 'It's a Shame'
Newsweek online
2022-10-06
Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., professor and chair of journalism, public relations and new media at Baylor and a race and culture expert, is quoted in this article about the “Great British Baking Show” facing backlash a Mexican-themed episode, which critics have slammed as both half-baked and culturally insensitive.
Why the casting of Disney’s 'Little Mermaid' is sparking racist backlash
KCBS Radio online
2022-09-15
AUDIO: Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., professor and chair of journalism, public relations and new media at Baylor and co-author of “From Blackface to Black Twitter: Reflections on Black Humor, Race, Politics, and Gender,” is interviewed about Disney's upcoming live-action reimagined version of The Little Mermaid causing a stir over the casting of a woman of color as the lead.
Cultural Appropriation is Harmful. Here is why…
Women In Leadership Foundation online
2022-03-23
Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., professor and chair of journalism, public relations and new media, defines cultural appropriation.
Maya Angelou along with other “sheroes” to be featured on U.S Quarter
Fox 44 News online
2022-01-12
VIDEO: Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., professor and chair of journalism, public relations and new media, is interviewed for this story on Maya Angelou becoming the first African American woman to grace the U.S. quarter.
Central Texas Leadership Series - Dr. Mia Moody-Ramirez
KWBU-FM online
2021-12-10
AUDIO: Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., professor and chair of journalism, public relations and new media, is a guest on the Central Texas Leadership Series. Moody-Ramirez is a nationally known expert on mass media representations of minorities, women and other underrepresented groups.
Virginia town councilman apologizes after wearing blackface for ‘Coming to America’ costume
USA Today online
2021-11-01
Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., department chair and professor in the department of journalism, public relations and new media, explains that it is acceptable to wear a costume of a character of a different race, but it is insensitive to add features like different hair, tattoos or blackface
Black creators say latest TikTok audio trends are perpetuating digital blackface: 'This is hurting Black people'
Yahoo Life online
2021-10-25
Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D, department chair and professor in the journalism, public relations and new media department, is quoted in this article explaining stereotyping through new technology and platforms.
Is my Halloween costume offensive? What to know about cultural appropriation
USA Today online
2021-10-25
Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D, department chair and professor in the journalism, public relations and new media department, is quoted in this article on culturally insensitive costume choices for children and how to avoid them.
Don’t Wear A Day Of The Dead Costume On Halloween. Here’s Why
The List online
2021-10-07
Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., department chair and professor in the journalism, public relations and new media department, offers advice on how to avoid cultural appropriation when deciding on a Halloween costume.
Are We Doomed to Repeat History?
San Antonio Review online
2021-09-19
Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., professor of journalism and department chair, looks at Texas Republicans' attempts to limit race-related discussions in schools.
Checking In On Pull Up for Change
The Cut online
2021-09-01
Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., department chair and professor of journalism, public relations and new media, commented on the impact Goerge Floyd’s death had on companies who re-evaluated their products and inclusivity.
Baylor staff member makes big impact in Waco community
KWKT-TV online
2021-04-08
VIDEO: Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., professor and chair of journalism, public relations and new media, is featured in this story about how she is making an impact on the university and the community while empowering women to do the same.
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi mascot to be replaced after being deemed racist and offensive
KRIS-TV (Corpus Christi) online
2021-03-22
VIDEO: Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., professor and chair of journalism, public relations and new media and an expert in media representation of minorities, women, and underrepresented groups, was interviewed for this story on about cultural appropriation and the controversy over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi's official mascot, Izzy the Islander.
Black Twitter takes Black resilience and humor online
Houston Chronicle online
2021-03-01
Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., chair and professor of journalism, public relations and new media, is quoted in this article about the evolution of Black Twitter. Ramirez is a coauthor of the 2018 book "From Blackface to Black Twitter: Reflections on Black Humor, Race, Politics, & Gender."
What Is Cultural Appropriation—And How Can You Avoid It?
Oprah Magazine online
2020-10-13
Race and culture expert Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., professor and chair of journalism, public relations and new media at Baylor, discusses the differences between cultural appreciation and appropriation with Oprah Magazine.
'Pow Wow Princess,' 'Geisha Glam' and 'Gypsy': Beware of cultural appropriation posing as a Halloween costume
Yahoo Life online
2020-10-07
Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., professor and chair of journalism, explains the history behind culturally appropriative Halloween costumes and ways children depict characters without taking inappropriate elements from different cultures.
Local advertisers feel the effects as sports organizations protest for Jacob Blake
ABC 25 Central Texas online
2020-08-28
In this article, Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., professor of journalism and department chair, shares her thoughts on professional athletes protesting police brutality and the importance of speaking up.
Knowing the difference between appropriating and appreciating cultures
ABC 15 Arizona online
2020-07-24
VIDEO: Nationally recognized race and culture expert Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., professor and chair of journalism, public relations and new media and author of the book "From Blackface to Black Twitter: Reflections on Black Humor, Race, Politics, & Gender," was interviewed for this ABC News story distributed to local affiliates about cultural appropriation.
Will Halloween be canceled? What costumes will be culturally appropriate amid racial reckoning
Good Morning America online
2020-07-22
Nationally recognized race and culture expert Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., professor and chair of journalism, public relations and new media and author of the book "From Blackface to Black Twitter: Reflections on Black Humor, Race, Politics, & Gender," was interviewed for this Good Morning America story about Halloween costumes and cultural appropriation. This story also was featured on the ABC News website.
Revisiting the history of Juneteenth
KWTX-TV online
2020-06-19
Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., chair and professor of journalism, public relations and new media at Baylor, and an internationally recognized expert on race and culture, is interviewed for this story on the history of Juneteenth, a pivotal point in American history where the last slaves in Texas and the Confederate South were freed.
Peaceful protesters here share anguish over police brutality, urge reform
Waco Tribune-Herald online
2020-06-01
Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., professor and chair of journalism, public relations and new media and an expert on race and culture, was among the speakers at a local protest by Waco residents angered by the death of George Floyd, and other unarmed black suspects. She also was interviewed about the protests by KWTX-TV and KXXV-TV and by the Dallas Observer about the offensive practice of wearing blackface.
Reader beware: Fake news merits readers' vigilance
Waco Tribune-Herald print
2020-03-01
Baylor journalism chair and professor Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., who researches social media use, is quoted in this article about the disconcerting world of fake news and disinformation where news that seems true and trustworthy on the surface instead may be calculated deception.
Twitter empowers Black Americans to express their racial issues
The Collegian online
2020-02-12
Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., chair of journalism, public relations and new media, recently spoke to Tarrant County College through video-chat app Zoom about “What Is Black Twitter?” and how injustice is still very alive within the African-American community.
Display of Unity: Bryan-College Station community comes together for annual Freedom Walk
The Eagle online
2020-01-21
Baylor journalism chair and professor Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., delivered the keynote address following the 24th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Walk in Bryan on Monday.
A culture, not a costume
The Washington Post online
2019-10-30
Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., chair and professor of journalism, public relations and new media, is a featured expert in this story about Halloween costumes and cultural appropriation. Moody-Ramirez, who coauthored the book “From Blackface to Black Twitter,” is nationally known for her research and expertise on issues of race and culture.
The lengthy history of white politicians wearing blackface — and getting a pass
The Washington Post print
2019-02-16
Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., professor of journalism, public relations and new media in Baylor’s College of Arts & Sciences and coauthor of “From Blackface to Black Twitter,” is quoted in this column about how white politicians from the North and the South — Democrats and Republicans — have been caught on camera in blackface but few suffered lasting repercussions. But Moody-Ramirez said the national spotlight on the controversy in Virginia may be changing the dialogue on blackface.
Blackface in Virginia, other incidents show how deeply rooted anti-black racism is in America
USA TODAY online
2019-02-10
Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., director of graduate studies, director of American studies and professor of journalism, public relations and new media in the Baylor’s College of Arts & Sciences, is quoted in this story about the past racist behavior by Virginia's governor, attorney general and a top state senator. “I think we will see some good come out of these latest revelations. People will be more educated," said Moody-Ramirez, author of “From Blackface to Black Twitter.” "They can no longer argue they didn't know that it is not appropriate to put on makeup to darken their face or change their hair texture to look like their favorite actor or celebrity . . . They will no longer have that excuse."
A not-so-funny story about Blackface
CNN online
2019-02-13
Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., professor of journalism, public relations and new media in the College of Arts & Sciences and author of “From Blackface to Black Twitter,” is quoted in this article about the use of blackface in comedy, in particular on “Saturday Night Live,” where some cast members have donned blackface and escaped major criticism for it — perhaps because of the context, Moody-Ramirez said.
How blackface — ‘America’s first cultural export’ — reinforces oppression across the world
PRI The World radio
2019-02-08
Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., director of graduate studies, director of American studies and professor of journalism, public relations and new media in the Baylor’s College of Arts & Sciences, discusses American traditions that began to influence the rest of the world’s view of blackface in the 1800s and that continue, as evidenced on the current Virginia political scene. Moody-Ramirez, author of “From Blackface to Black Twitter,” says she is not sure whether there are more instances of blackface happening, or if the news is just covering them more because they’re a big topic on social media. But “Now that we’re talking about it more and dedicating more time to the topic, people in the future will definitely know that it’s wrong.”
Northam’s ugly yearbook photo and the racist origins of blackface
The Washington Post print
2019-02-02
Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., professor of journalism, public relations and new media in Baylor’s College of Arts & Sciences and a nationally known expert on mass media representations of minorities, women and other underrepresented groups, is quoted in this article about a photograph that emerged Friday from Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s medical school yearbook page, showing one man in blackface standing beside another figure in a Ku Klux Klan robe. Moody-Ramirez recently coauthored the book, "From Blackface to Black Twitter: Reflections on Black Humor, Race, Politics, & Gender."
Time to re-friend social media adversaries, expert says
Baptist News Global online
2016-12-05
"It’s time to re-friend and unblock those people you unfriended and blocked before and after the election, Mia Moody-Ramirez says. And if you deactivated your Facebook, Twitter or other social media accounts because the anger and fear were boiling over, then jump back in, says Moody-Ramirez, professor of journalism, public relations and new media at Baylor University..."
Articles (5)
Citizen Framing of# Ferguson on Twitter
The Journal of Social Media in Society2016 This textual analysis examined the framing of Ferguson, Missouri, that emerged following Michael Brown’s death in 2014. The analysis indicates tweets focused on the protests that followed and the racial nature of the incident. The most salient themes characterized Ferguson within the context of “bigger picture” issues, “otherness” narratives and “protest” frames. Many tweets transmitted a racialized tone, characterizing Ferguson as a “less than desirable town with mostly Black residents and low-life thugs.” This study provides support for the use of textual analysis in studies ...
Twitter Analysis of Tweets that Emerged after the #Wacoshooting
Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal2016 This study analyzes the tweets that emerged following the Waco biker incident of 2015. Findings indicate individuals used Twitter to take a stand on the highly publicized incidents surrounding the shootout. Thousands of tweets emerged with popular hashtags to identify the case such as #wacoshooting , wacobikers and #wacothugs, #Ferguson, #whitebikers, #blacklivesmatter and #Whiteprivilege. Responses to the Waco shootout were polarizing with individuals weighing in on Twitter to show support or scorn for the bikers, city officials, law enforcement and attorneys.
Rap Music Literacy: A Case Study of Millennial Audience Reception to Rap Lyrics Depicting Independent Women
Journal of Media Literacy Education2015 Using a feminist lens and a constructivist approach as the theoretical framework, we used rap lyrics and videos to help college students explore mass media’s representation of the “independent” Black woman and the concept of “independence” in general. Students must be able to formulate their own concept of independence to counteract the messages and stereotypes they receive in popular culture through advertisements, film, print and music. The authors found that independence is situationally defined and it is a complex concept that is differentiated in consideration ...
Who is Responsible for What? Examining Strategic Roles in Social Media Management
Public Relations Review2015 This study examines the strategic roles associated with social media management through the lens of role theory. By analyzing the responses from participants in two focus groups and a survey of public relations and human resources practitioners, we identified nine strategic roles and the associated responsibilities including policy maker, internal collaborator, technology tester, communications organizer, issues manager, relationship analyzer, master of metrics, policing, and employee recruiter. Public relations lead most of these activities, but human resources are a close ...
Guilty by Association: An Analysis of Shaunie O’Neal’s Online/On-Air Image Restoration Tactics
Journal of Research on Women and Gender2014 The growing use of social media as a source of networking has spurred a growing interest in using the medium as a tool for image repair. Broadening the application of Benoit’s image repair theory, this case study looks at the image repair tactics of Shaunie O’Neal who became a celebrity during her marriage to former NBA basketball player Shaquille O’Neal, their subsequent divorce, and the creation of her VH1 show, Basketball Wives (BBW). Throughout the four seasons of BBW, O’Neal’s cast members perpetuated negative stereotypes of Black women such as ...
