Arguably the sexiest aspect of English Language Arts, media literacy involves the interpretation and analyzation of media representations from a variety of media forms. Media representations, the ways in which the media depicts particular groups, communities, worlds, topics, or issues from a particular ideological or value perspective, go beyond "simply mirroring reality to actually constructing and shaping reality" (Beach). According to Beach, media literacy requires students to ask such critical questions as:
-Where do these representations come from?
-Who produces the representations?
-Why are they producing these representations?
-How is complexity limited by these representations?
-What is missing or silenced in these representations?
As I reached a deeper understanding of media literacy through Beach's article, one question lingered in my mind. I still wondered what the end result or objective of media literacy was. What is the purpose? What do students gain from being media literate? As I considered these questions, I realized that there seems to be differing opinions on this issue.
According to Beach, "the issue is not freeing ourselves from representations. It's really about being enlightened witnesses when we watch representations". This enlightenment can naturally lead students to create relevant counterexamples to the current media representations. Having the opportunity to depict someone or something from a different perspective can help students expand their media literacy and be more critical interactors with their culture and media.
Scharrer, on the other hand, explains how a critical view of the media does not necessarily lead to diminished media influences or create a permanent resistance to its effects. This conclusion is based upon the notion that every person is a unique individual with a unique background and personality; therefore, each person approaches media differently and is influenced differently by it.
One final perspective is brought to us by Fisherkeller who says the general goal of media literacy is to help students recognize the limits and strengths of different forms of communication. This connects back to Beach's point that media literacy requires students to interrogate the plethora of media representations that they encounter on a daily basis and recognize the power of media in our lives and the ideological and economic agendas the media producers have.
There are various, complex facets of media literacy that need to be addressed; the final outcomes of teaching media literacy is merely one of these facets that I found most intriguing. I look forward to learning more about this fascinating topic through my classmates' blogs.
Always so insightful and well-thought out blogs! When I think of ELA, I personally do not think of the word "sexy," but I completely understand what you are saying. Media literacy, for both teachers and students, is a very interesting topic to discuss and work with in the classroom. I remember growing up in my elementary classes absolutely loving the media and technological resources. Unfortunately I do not recall discussing much about being critical with media. Maybe that is because media literacy is now a mandated strand to teach in classrooms, while before I do not think it was. Always a pleasure reading your blogs.
ReplyDeleteCourtney, I appreciate your hunt for the "purpose" of teaching media literacy. While I agree with you and the three authors, I also ultimately think that being able to be critical of the media is simply another way to learn to think. It's a way to challenge reality--challenge authority--and live life as an active learner and not as a passive blob.
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