Blog #4: Unlearning The Myths That Blind Us

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“We are not only taught certain styles of violence, the latest fashions, and sex roles by TV, movies, magazines, and comic strips: we are also taught how to succeed, how to love, how to buy, how to conquer, how to forget the past and suppress the future. We are taught, more than anything else, how not to rebel.”
This quote represents the overall control the media has on our everyday life. It is through media that people learn most, if not all, of their information. People watch and read the media then dream of having this impossible lifestyle. The media teaches us what to think and how to think. The media guides us in the direction that it’s broadcasters what us to go in. Thus, controlling our every move and teaching us not to rebel.

“Many who watched cartoons before we start our study say they can no longer enjoy them. Now instead of seeing a bunch of ducks in clothes. They see the racism, sexism, and violence that swim under the surface of the stories.”
This quote is essential in understanding the outcome of Linda Christensen’s classroom research. The children start the course by just enjoying a cartoon, they do not see the stereotypes and manipulation subconsciously happening. However, after studying the cartoons, researching on them, and discussing their opinions with their classmates, the students see the racism, sexism, and violence portrayed in the cartoons. By the end of the course, Christensen accomplished her goal and taught her students to analyze all information given to them by the media. Her students have written brilliant pieces on this subject matter. To see their work, you can buy Rethinking School Reform by Linda Christensen and Stan Karp.

“As TinkerBell inspects her tiny body in a mirror only to find that her minute hips are simply too huge, she shows us how to turn the mirror into the enemy.. “
This quote written by Catkin, a student of Ms. Christensen, illustrates how cartoons influence the lives of its viewers. Millions of girls today follow in TinkerBell’s footsteps and jude the way they look in the mirror. They are constantly trying to fix themselves, to become skinnier and prettier. This has started an emotional epidemic, poisoning the minds of young girls.

Comments

  1. Nick BerlingOctober 7, 2018 at 5:57 PM

    Emily, your last quote analysis was very moving. I agree that cartoons such as, TinkerBell, put unrealistic expectations and pressure on the minds of young girls. This example made me think of which types of girls certain brands use to present their clothing lines. With the editions of curvier models, manufacturers are finally acknowledging that the esoteric size 0 "perfect" girl, is not actually the only beautiful girl. But in fact, any and all sizes, skinny or curvy are beautiful and able to model just as well.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownOctober 8, 2018 at 5:40 PM

    Emily, as I read your blog I found that we had very similar points regarding the "overall control" media has on our everyday lives. I also liked the connection you used to Tinkerbell

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  3. Joshua AbreuOctober 9, 2018 at 6:30 AM

    Emily, super powerful quote, "This has started an emotional epidemic, poisoning the minds of young girls." It is truly disheartening to see these unrealistic imposed on girls at such a young age.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AlexandraOctober 9, 2018 at 6:23 PM

    Emily, I agree that it really has poisoned the minds of young girls. We see it everyday with woman that are social influencers on social media. Many woman compare themselves to one another, pointing out their personal differences and imperfections. The real problem lies in how we teach young girls to love themselves for who they truly are, and that beauty is no competition.

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  5. ROctober 9, 2018 at 6:34 PM

    Hi Emily, I did an extended response of this blog post on my blog. I agreed with everything you wrote and I enjoyed all of the quotes you picked. If you would like to read it here is my link rachbar.blogspot.com Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownOctober 9, 2018 at 7:49 PM

    I used Disney as well to make my argument many movies we see as kids reflected on us one way or another and we didn't realize it

    ReplyDelete
  7. UnknownOctober 21, 2018 at 5:33 PM

    I didn't even remember that scene in Peter pan depicted above. I can see how it can e=affect how people think in the terms of body image. The scene happens so quick yet has the potential to implant the thought into youths heads that their bodies may or may not fit what they think they are supposed to look like.

    ReplyDelete

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