Reflections on Module 1

After reading the different definitions of media literacy; I gained a deeper understanding of what media literacy can be. As technology has evolved, so has the definition of media today. Maureen Baron defined media literacy as the ability to “decode, understand, evaluate, and write through, and with, all forms of media”, as well as, “read, evaluate and create, text, images, and sounds, or any combination of elements”. I thought Baron’s definition was the most accurate, because it included the fact that the definition of media literacy can change. The definition to me was also specific and to the point which made it easier for me to understand.
Baron’s definition helped me connect media literacy to the content in the book, Connecting Social Problems and Popular Culture by Karen Sternheimer. Sternheimer(2013), emphasized the fact that media has changed over the years. Every generation has had a different experience with media and technology. Media doesn’t just include radio, television and the newspaper, but also social networking, iPods, the internet, et.(Sternheimer, 2013). I found it interesting that because older generations do not understand the new technology; they may misunderstand the way technology is used and media portrayed. Also, every generation fears for the next generation since the time of Plato.
What I found the most shocking from reading the book was that many people believe media is at fault for the negative behavior of adolescents. However, as Sternheimer(2013) stated, “the root of the most serious challenges American children face, problems like lack of a quality education, violent victimization, early pregnancies, single parenthood, and obesity”. Media cannot be blamed for all of society’s problems. There are underlying issues that people rather avoid such as sexism, racism, and discrimination. The second chapter, explained how childhood has also changed. Teenagers are no longer given many adult roles, but instead the teenage years as seen as an extension of childhood(Sternheimer, 2013). Children also have different responsibilities and expectations now. The example given in the book reminded me of my own parents’ childhood. Both were not expected to finish high school and were able to obtain decent jobs. Nowadays, that is nearly impossible to obtain a stable job without an education. Children are expected to go to college or a university.
My favorite article was University of Michigan Health Systems Your Child: Television and Children. I enjoyed reading this article because it gave a lot of information regarding children’s use of television. As a mother of an infant, I think this information is very valuable. What I could relate to from this article was that television should not replace reading. Although as a working mother, it can be very easy to try and find a quick solution to pacify a child. Television, should not always be the answer to that situation. Parents need to make sure they find time to engage with their child; read a book together or just talk about their child’s day at school.