Disrputive magic: a reflexive journey towards facilitating digital storytelling signs in city spaces to destigmatize women seeking food (in)security assistance

Abstract

Food insecurity and the stigma surrounding seeking assistance are troubling normal in our communities. This dissertation is a reflexive journey into disrupting the stigma associated with women seeking food insecurity assistance. I propose that disruption can occur through digital storytelling signs that negotiate a connection to women who are food insecure to provide a solution in city spaces. Simultaneously, I can transform my practice based on prior education and experience in public health. By slowing down and engaging in reflexive processes, I work through how literary scholars Roland Barthes and Italo Calvino, coupled with contemporary scholars, contribute lessons to facilitating digital storytelling signs. These lessons and a mix-method approach lead to the prototype of a digital storytelling sign and a greater sense of who I am.