Jessica Zarate Module One Recap

I would like to start by saying online learning could be intense, scary, and fun all at the same time. I have struggled in figuring out some of the activities and how to access them. I know that for me, learning how to use all of these online feature will be challenging, but eventually I will master the skills needed to successfully complete this course.  It has been interesting to read and connect with classmates and hear their stories and reflections on media literacy. In the text “Connecting Social Problems and Popular Culture” chapter one discusses perception on  how media can be portrayed and blamed for social problems and the root of America’s social problems. The author goes on describe what to expect in the upcoming chapters and how people will try and put blame on popular culture for issues pertaining to online bulling, violence, eating disorders, etc. The author would like the book to be the starting point to analyzing real issues of power, privilege, and inequality.  The author states, “I want to be clear that by arguing that popular culture isn’t the central cause of our biggest problems, I am not saying that media have no impact on American society or that popular culture doesn’t matter” (Sternheimer 2013). One issue mentioned was the obsession society has with popular culture.  I can see how this issue is very relatable to people.  Often times, when people come in contact with one another, small talk is initiated  and a person or event in pop culture is mentioned. I personally feel that this happens for reasons such as one, it is relatable, two it is impersonal, and three it current information that is well known.  Often times this generation uses popular culture because it is accessible. I look forward to peeling back the layers on these topics and learning more about media literacy and how to teach students how to use it appropriately.