Reflections on Module 1 Readings

First of, let me start by saying, reading all these new information about media literacy has definitely gave me a broader knowledge for what it truly is. Like many of my classmates I am sure, we all had some what of an idea of what media literacy was but these readings were very helpful. One of the readings, included Jane Tallim stating that, “Media literacy is the ability to sift through and analyze the messages that inform, entertain and sell to us every day. It’s the ability to bring critical thinking skills to bear on all media— from music videos and Web environments to product placement in films and virtual displays on NHL hockey boards. It’s about asking pertinent questions about what’s there, and noticing what’s not there. And it’s the instinct to question what lies behind media productions— the motives, the money, the values and the ownership— and to be aware of how these factors influence content.” This is such a strong statement that is made and stood out to me the most. Media literacy to me was just the message the media gave out and how one perceived it but it is a bigger concept than that. After completing my readings, I view media literacy differently, I try to read between the lines and what the message really portrays rather than just the straight forward message presented. I was not even aware that media literacy is more than ads and how something is presented. It is around us on a daily.

Another reading that stood out to me was media literacy and children. That is something that never really crossed my mind. This concept seemed so simple to me that, media literacy is around us in a daily life. Our society is taken over with technology where most of it is retrieved through media. Weather it is a child watching television or a parent on social media, can we really go 24 hours without being in some type of link with media? As Jennifer Ladner speaks more about in her article about, Why Media Literacy Is So Important For Children Today. She states, “Media literacy allows children (and families) to become more aware of both intended and unintended media messages.” This is such a strong statement because it is true we let media take our lives and making what we know relying on media. I loved reading this article because children are growing up in a society today where media impacts them heavily, their futures rely on it and for them to grow up and read in between the lines rather that what they actually perceive is important so they can get a better picture of reality. However, this broads their knowledge of the world and being able to question their parents or peers around them.