Talking point #4

Linda Christensen Unlearning the Myths that Blind Us

Premise:

-media
-stereotypes
-the norm
-minorities
-movies
-racism
-sexism
-women
-cartoons
-influences

Authors Argument:

Christensen argues that media influences children to a point that it affects their behavior and by viewing profanity on the televsion it is only going to make them believe that this is okay.

Evidence:

"Many students don't want to believe that they have been manipulated by children's media or advertising. No one wants to admit that they've been "handled" by the media. (128)

"But I want students to understand that if the race of the character is the only thing changing, injustices may still remain."

"Children's cartoons, movies, and literature are perhaps the most influential genre "read"

Comments: All of the evidence shown above is basically showing that media really does influence the children. Kids are in denial of it becuase they dont want to face the facts. But the only way kids will really have a chance to learn is by reading and doing schoolwork. It was once a survey that the show Mr.Rogers was well rated because he was very soft spoken and laid back and kids werent hyped up when watching him, but then shows like powerpuff girls or power rangers get kids all hyped up and i think that this is the reason for ADD because kids are so used to bouncing off of walls, instead of watching tv all the time if they read books then they wouldnt have to worry about some other things. i know my friend as a kid she liked to read and i didnt i always watched tv and she has alot more vocabulary than me and i think that reading has alot to do with that.