“We are immersed from cradle to grave in a media and consumer society and thus it is important to learn how to understand, interpret, and criticize its meanings and messages” (xii).
This quote states the overwhelming truth that the ideology of our society can no longer overlook the importance of media literacy in our everyday lives. We encounter some form of political or economical discourse in the media everyday that affects our subjectivity to our personal views. Therefore, it is important to be able to analyze texts to understand the positive and/or negative views that people could interpret. Media literacy and critical media literacy both use high order thinking skills, incorporate multiple learning styles to have students embrace their cultural background and prior knowledge, and involve the intertextuality approach as a way for people to construct meaning. But in today’s society, it is important to teach critical media literacy that expands media literacy where one can learn the necessary skills and understandings of civic engagement.
The article titled, “Critical Media Literacy is not an option” by Douglas Kellner and Jeff Share agrees with the importance of critically analyzing all forms of text to transform education and society. This article reinforces the quote that I began with by saying, “We recommend that media education programs be instituted from preschool to university and that linking media literacy with production become a regular practice.” If these skills are instilled in us at an early age and reinforced through our early adult years, they will stay with us for our lifetime.
Critical media literacy. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.iresist.org/media.html
Kellner, Douglas, & Share, Jeff. (2007). Critical media literacy is not an option. Retrieved from http://ucla.academia.edu/JeffShare/Papers/124672/Critical_Media_Literacy_is_Not_an_Option
I guess that media literacy is not really any different than any other aspect of our lives. We must be able to take the media and discern what is being said and what its intention is. It’s very easy in all aspects of life to say one thing that is taken out of context and all of a sudden you’re being quoted in a way that did not at all represent your intentions.
ReplyDeleteThe media is such a critical aspect in our lives. We see it, hear it, or read it every day. This is why it is so important to be able to analyze the material presented to us. We have to be able to discern what is truth and what is fabrication. I agree that critical media literacy is not an option in today's society.
ReplyDeleteI chose the same article, Critical Media Literacy Skills are Not an Option. As a teacher, these skills are just a blip on the radar. Teachers need guidance and support in preparing our students for the future in relation to critical media literacy skills.
ReplyDeleteI agree that these skills should be instilled at a young age because after all, the use of technology is no longer an option so we have to teach our students how to think critically.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to see how media influences children at such early ages. They mimic what they see on television and know song lyrics that we as parents don't know. Hopefully, educators will increasingly focus on teaching our students critical media literacy skills so that they can analyze and choose discerningly which media messages they will embrace and which they will ignore.
ReplyDeleteAnd its not just how kids mimic the drama, comedy and reality shows. Just look at what is going on in the news and on the radio. Adults disrespecting each other and unable to engage in civil discourse. How can we expect our children to behave civilly with each other when many politicians and commentators don't model the behavior?
ReplyDeleteYou are right we have to instill them in the young, but we have to get the adults on board also. The rudeness in our society today is unbelievable. The media is just as guilty. The way they discuss things with each other is just a ploy to get more to watch.
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