Media literacy

It’s HIP

With sensei Deidre Pike (formerly “Sarge”)

Criticism—not cynicism

Cynical: A quick judgment, often based on little or no information; Usually involves some intolerance.

Criticism: Developing a knowledgeable interpretation; Judgment based on careful observation and consideration; Tolerance required.

High/low culture?

HIP Not exactly the height of fashion, style or

cultural expression – it’s a media literacy tool

H Honesty

I Independence

P Productivity

Honesty What’s the difference between honesty and

truth?

What gets in the way of both?

How can we tell?

Independence

What media bias? Ownership of media

Advertising (the business model)

Sourcing (in news media)

Flak/ratings (audience demands)

Ideology (political correctness)

Productivity Jonas Salk: Our greatest responsibility is to

be better ancestors.

John Dewey’s philosophy and practice of hope

(Gratitude to nature and our ancestors; intelligent reflection on goals; living in this moment that culminates from our history and informs our future)

Ask: Does this media make us better ancestors? Does it produce gratitude, intelligent reflection on goals, forward-thinking decisions?

Case study Reality TV

2011 SAT question

American Idol

Let’s meet Snooki

Five stages of criticism Description: careful observation

Interpretation: look for patterns

Analysis: what do patterns mean

Evaluation: make informed judgment

Engagement: Be an activist, write a short letter about findings.

Class projects Global media presentations – How do media

in other countries compare (content, ownership, audience reached) with U.S. media?

News innovations – What kinds of new ways might journalists use to reach wide audiences?

DIY propaganda – Is all media propaganda? What’s not? Create a propaganda campaign for something important to you.

Electronic media fast – Spend 24 hours with no cell phones, computers, radios, TV, video games, etc. Keep a handwritten journal.

Tools I Use PBS Frontline

Merchants of Cool, The Persuaders, Growing Up Online, Digital Nation, News Wars

Control Room documentary followed by Daily Show interview with Josh Rushing. (If time, preceded by Daily Show bit on Al Jazeera)

Pom Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold.