Linda Christensen wrote a very thoughtful article that talks about something that plays a huge role in almost every one's life. Media feeding the youth ideas on how they should be/look, stereotypes that may not be so apparent to everyone and how they effect us, and how race and gender are portrayed in media such as cartoons.
Exposing The Myths- Under this subtitle Christensen talks about how media is deceptive and how easily teens are manipulated by this. Christensen gives an example of her students, she says that teens do like to admit that they have been manipulated by the media. "They assure me that they make their own choices and the media has no power over them - as they sit with Fubu, Nike, Timberland's or whatever the latest fashion rage might be." At this part in the article I can relate this to my own self, I always try to say that what celebrities wear or do doesn't affect me. But I have come to realized that if this wasn't advertised than I probably wouldn't have an interest in it. And sometimes this manipulation can go as far as taking certain diet supplements that famous people are advertising. Regular people see these things and think "if they look like that than I should take that pill to look that way" when there is much more to it.
Charting Stereotypes- This section of the reading talks about the stereotypes that are portrayed in TV shows, movies, and media. Who the main characters are, who are the servants, how a female character acts, how they portray over weight people, etc. These are all exampled of things we may not take in while just casually watching a show. To go back and actually recognize these things alters how you will watch a certain show/cartoon again. "Indians in "Looney Tunes" are also depicted as inferior human beings. These characters are stereotypical to the greatest degree, carrying tomahawks, painting their faces, and sending smoke signals as their only means of communication. They live in tipis and their language reminds the viewer of Neanderthals. We begin to imagine Indians as
savages with bows and arrows and long black braids. There's no room
in our minds for knowledge of the differences between tribes. like the Cherokee alphabet or Celilo salmon fishing." This is an example that Christensen gave by one of her students after they took a serious look at a famous childhood cartoon. When children watch the cartoon they form the same stereotype of Native American people because this is the only knowledge they have gotten. And this goes for any stereotype that is portrayed in media, people believe them and they never go away.
A Black Cinderella?- This section talks about how for a very long time only white women were portrayed as princess' in Disney movies. This could have a very powerful impact on a young girls life especially a young girl of color. They watch these movies and see only white princess' it makes them feel as though they can't be a princess because of the color of their skin. Not until recently has Disney movies incorporated women of color to have the lead role in such a film. I understand why this would anger some people, it angers me too. Another thing the author sees wrong with these princess' is the idea that they need a prince charming to save them, "nor do I want them thinking that the pinnacle of a woman's life is an "I do" that supposedly leads them to a "happily ever after." I don't want my female students to see their "sisters" as competition for that scarce and wonderful commodity- men."
Discussion- What can we do to expel these very common stereotypes? Will they ever go away?
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