Module 2 Readings

The readings and videos in this module presented a number of very important points having to do with major problems in society. They dealt with topics such as gender, sexuality, race, cyber bullying, and education and the ways in which media can have a great influence on them. Many even went a step further, and provided different suggestions in how to either fight against harmful media, or ways in order to work with it to further important causes.

First off, the two videos about the “Smurfette Principle” and the “Bechdel Test” were very well done. Never before had I heard the term Smurfette Principle, but it is very aptly suited. Even though it is obvious seeing this principle happen in movies and televisions, it became something that was just kind of expected because it occurs so constantly. Then seeing all of the example movies flash by on the screen of where this occurs was rather startling, especially because there were some that I recognized which it did not even occur to me that the woman was playing a Smurfette role. It is very disturbing that this is such a common occurrence and the Bechdel test definitely seems like a good place for movie makers to start at.

The chapter from Larry Gross’ book was definitely an important read. It is truly a huge problem how unrepresented as well as misrepresented minorities are in the media, and as the chapter pointed out, homosexuals are particularly disadvantaged. It is truly an embarrassment that there is still so much inequality in society and that the media may even be used to continue to keep people down. Media, especially movies and television, have the potential to aid largely in shaping people’s views and ideals. Gross even goes as far as saying that they have in fact “become primary sources of the common information and images that create and maintain a world view and a value system” (Gross 407). This means that there rests so much power in the media and people definitely take advantage of that power. Minority groups are very often left out or could be portrayed in a wrongful manner. The author also mentions ways in which people can resist the media, the most effective of them being, “to speak for oneself” (Gross 418). This is such a hard thing to do though, especially when media is blocking you out or putting your ideas down. You need to have so much courage to truly step into the light and strive to make a real difference but it is such an important matter for people to do so. The author makes an incredible point in saying, “the ultimate expression of independence for a minority audience struggling to free itself from the dominant culture’s hegemony is to become the creators and not merely the consumers of media images” (Gross 419). Even though this is not talking about advertisements, I feel that quote relates a lot to the final point in step 4 of deconstructing an advertisement having to do with being both a citizen and consumer.

The information from Gross connected somewhat with chapter 3 in the Sternheimer textbook as well. It talked about intolerance, specifically homophobia, and cyber bullying, along with the tragedies that it has caused. The anecdotes in particular were truly heart-breaking. It goes to show how powerful an effect people and the use of media can have on others. This is something we all must take to heart. We need to think through what we are doing, think about what affects our actions cause, and use media wisely.

I really liked the chapter from Volatile Knowledge. There were so many points that caught my eye and wanting to become a teacher myself, there was a lot that I could relate to. One quote that I liked a lot was: “Perhaps the biggest problem that Americans are facing as a society is that we have a hard time believing in possibility, imagining that things could be otherwise” (Tollefson 125). Sadly, this is very true, even I myself have admitted to being like this. I have just accepted things. I have been pessimistic and thought that things won’t change. But this is not at all an acceptable mentality to have. We should be fighting to improve our society rather than just waiting for something to hopefully come. The readings and other materials in class have definitely been an inspiration to me. A second point that caught my attention was the notion that “all students [are] to be held accountable to the same high achievement standards” (Tollefson 125) no matter inequalities between what are available for each child. This also connected to my Computer Literacy for Educators class where we learned that you cannot teach to the same standard for all students because there is no “average” student. Every student is different in their resources, their upbringing, their strengths and weaknesses, etc. It is definitely wrong and irresponsible to hold students accountable, especially when what is being expected of them is completely unrealistic. Lastly, the points about the visibility of power and the ways to change that were very interesting and I definitely agree with the ideas. There are far too many private interests and powers working behind the scenes, and teachers more often than not are the ones that get the blame for any issues that arise when they are not truly the ones with that kind of power. For both teachers and parents to combine their influence together in order to disturb the current status of corporate powers is a nice idea. I just hope that that would be enough and that something like that will really come together someday. In a society were money is power and voice, it is such a frustration.  But obviously, we can’t give up in wanting and striving for change.

There were so many important lessons that could be learned from this Module’s materials. While it is of great importance, it can be somewhat disheartening reading and seeing just the surface of some of the infinite problems with society and media use. But hope was still present as well. Learning and teaching about these issues and generating and circulating ideas in which we can overcome them and help society is of dire necessity.