January 5, 2012
Slumdog Millionaire, 2008 [*]
For a compare-and-contrast between this film and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, please click here.
For a compare-and-contrast between this film and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, please click here.
_Sexuality and the Media (Children, Adolescents and the Media) [*]
One of the common contemporary complaints of media is that the subject matter is becoming more hyper-sexualized than ever and has thus become an alternate, if flawed, source of sex education for young children. The subject matter can range from innocent innuendo to overt displays of sexual activity. The greatest effect is probably on teenagers, as they are sexually active at this point in their lives. Usually, it is considered the parents' role to explain "the birds and the bees" to their children, but they often have problems on where to begin for fear of creating an awkward discussion. Also, there are stark differences in the frequency of sexualized images of women compared to sexualized images of men, something especially present in music videos and advertising spots. At the same time, there are initiatives formed to educate teens about sexual health, particularly with respect to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and teen pregnancy.
The educational take on sex by the media is a helpful one, but it still contradicts the amount of highly sexual content available. This means that parents and guardians have a greater responsibility to not only talk frankly about sex, but also about media depictions of sex and the potential impact they would have. Note that the conversation will depend upon the age of the child(ren) and the willingness to have such a discussion.
One of the common contemporary complaints of media is that the subject matter is becoming more hyper-sexualized than ever and has thus become an alternate, if flawed, source of sex education for young children. The subject matter can range from innocent innuendo to overt displays of sexual activity. The greatest effect is probably on teenagers, as they are sexually active at this point in their lives. Usually, it is considered the parents' role to explain "the birds and the bees" to their children, but they often have problems on where to begin for fear of creating an awkward discussion. Also, there are stark differences in the frequency of sexualized images of women compared to sexualized images of men, something especially present in music videos and advertising spots. At the same time, there are initiatives formed to educate teens about sexual health, particularly with respect to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and teen pregnancy.
The educational take on sex by the media is a helpful one, but it still contradicts the amount of highly sexual content available. This means that parents and guardians have a greater responsibility to not only talk frankly about sex, but also about media depictions of sex and the potential impact they would have. Note that the conversation will depend upon the age of the child(ren) and the willingness to have such a discussion.
Constructing the Heroine ("'Nothing Like a Brisk Walk and a Spot of Demon Slaughter to Make a Girl’s Night'" by Magdala Peixoto Labre and Lisa Duke) [*]
The television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer has developed a great amount of success since its original run between 1997 and 2003. Based on the less popular film of the same name, Buffy was the story of a California teen summoned to fend off evil beings such as zombies, demons, and - yes - vampires. The show not only redefined the action genre, but brought forth a strong female hero unlike any other. Its immense success has become a gateway to a massive franchise, and among the merchandise was a video game, released in 2002 by Fox Interactive. The authors examine the unique nature of a female protagonist in a fighting game, since combat games are usually associated with males aged 18 to 34 - that is, the vast majority of gamers.
It is noted, however, that the way that Buffy's character is developed is still problematic. While she has a great degree of strength, she is still portrayed with feminine stereotypes. Purportedly, this is to avoid making her "too masculine" and to eliminate fans' speculations that she may be a lesbian. Also, her style of speech makes her seem intellectually bankrupt, compared to the standard archetype of the intelligent male character. I believe that in order to retain the popularity of the franchise, writers and producers felt that some compromises nedded to be made to her character. Otherwise, she would have been dismissed as "trying too hard" to match characteristics of the male hero. Unfortunately, viewers' expectations are quite difficult to change, but this change is still there, even if it is slow and gradual.
The television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer has developed a great amount of success since its original run between 1997 and 2003. Based on the less popular film of the same name, Buffy was the story of a California teen summoned to fend off evil beings such as zombies, demons, and - yes - vampires. The show not only redefined the action genre, but brought forth a strong female hero unlike any other. Its immense success has become a gateway to a massive franchise, and among the merchandise was a video game, released in 2002 by Fox Interactive. The authors examine the unique nature of a female protagonist in a fighting game, since combat games are usually associated with males aged 18 to 34 - that is, the vast majority of gamers.
It is noted, however, that the way that Buffy's character is developed is still problematic. While she has a great degree of strength, she is still portrayed with feminine stereotypes. Purportedly, this is to avoid making her "too masculine" and to eliminate fans' speculations that she may be a lesbian. Also, her style of speech makes her seem intellectually bankrupt, compared to the standard archetype of the intelligent male character. I believe that in order to retain the popularity of the franchise, writers and producers felt that some compromises nedded to be made to her character. Otherwise, she would have been dismissed as "trying too hard" to match characteristics of the male hero. Unfortunately, viewers' expectations are quite difficult to change, but this change is still there, even if it is slow and gradual.
January 12, 2012
Towards a New Body Image (Body Knowledge and Curriculum) [*]
Everything you thought you knew about body image is wrong, says Springgay in her second chapter. The typical means of viewing the body revolves around issues of weight and health risks, as well as media depictions of the "ideal" figure. However, posits Springgay, it is mistaken to think of people as having a single body image, for there are many images of the body constructed through lived experiences and interactions. Specifically, she talks about the realm of the fantastical in imagining the body and the self.
This is quite an interesting take on the term "body image", and not one I have heard before. Hopefully it will get people focused not only on how others see them, but also how they see themselves at present, and what they want to become eventually, should they decide to change their mind.
Everything you thought you knew about body image is wrong, says Springgay in her second chapter. The typical means of viewing the body revolves around issues of weight and health risks, as well as media depictions of the "ideal" figure. However, posits Springgay, it is mistaken to think of people as having a single body image, for there are many images of the body constructed through lived experiences and interactions. Specifically, she talks about the realm of the fantastical in imagining the body and the self.
This is quite an interesting take on the term "body image", and not one I have heard before. Hopefully it will get people focused not only on how others see them, but also how they see themselves at present, and what they want to become eventually, should they decide to change their mind.
Eating and Eating Disorders (Children, Adolescents and the Media) [*]
One major issue concerning children as of late is that of nutrition, body image, and whether kids are living healthy lifestyles. Much discussion on children's health revolves around increasing obesity rates, rates that were not nearly as high in the past. Also increasing is the rate of eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa. This is usually due to a lack of confidence in body image atrributed to media portrayals of the "perfect" body type. The media are also being held accountable for questionable amounts of food advertising. Another dynamic of interest is that if children remain sedentary for long periods of time - especially at the television screen - obesity would potentially follow.
While the charges against the media are not without merit, I believe that the problem comes down not to the media producers, but to how the producers' content is being legislated. If they must advertise food to children, they should at least keep it to a minimum. Also, school cafeterias can play a role in helping children make conscious eating choices. Less of the standard, pre-packaged food would be a good start.
One major issue concerning children as of late is that of nutrition, body image, and whether kids are living healthy lifestyles. Much discussion on children's health revolves around increasing obesity rates, rates that were not nearly as high in the past. Also increasing is the rate of eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa. This is usually due to a lack of confidence in body image atrributed to media portrayals of the "perfect" body type. The media are also being held accountable for questionable amounts of food advertising. Another dynamic of interest is that if children remain sedentary for long periods of time - especially at the television screen - obesity would potentially follow.
While the charges against the media are not without merit, I believe that the problem comes down not to the media producers, but to how the producers' content is being legislated. If they must advertise food to children, they should at least keep it to a minimum. Also, school cafeterias can play a role in helping children make conscious eating choices. Less of the standard, pre-packaged food would be a good start.
January 19, 2012
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, 2008 [*]
For a compare-and-contrast between this film and Slumdog Millionaire, please click here.
For a compare-and-contrast between this film and Slumdog Millionaire, please click here.
Media Violence (Children, Adolescents and the Media) [*]
There is a concern in the United States about high levels of violence. The country remains first among industrialized nations when it comes to violent crime. While public officials and academics are trying to find solutions to curb this spate of violence, they focus on some possible social and familial factors that trigger this will to act violently. One of the most cited catalyst for crime rates is the amount of violence in the media. Strasburger et al. focus heavily on television and video games as media that depict violent acts. Questions arise as to the extent that youth are attacted to media violence.
I believe that even with the dramatically high rates of violent crime, violence in media does not directly equal violence in real life. Although there are those that unfortunately act on their aggression based of heavy media use, the reality of the situation is far less extreme than it is made out to be. Also, since this book comes from an American perspective, it does not quite translate the same way in Canada or elsewhere. Between 1992 and 2010, police-reported crimes in Canada had decreased, despite the continual prevalence of media violence (Statistics Canada, 2011) [*].
There is a concern in the United States about high levels of violence. The country remains first among industrialized nations when it comes to violent crime. While public officials and academics are trying to find solutions to curb this spate of violence, they focus on some possible social and familial factors that trigger this will to act violently. One of the most cited catalyst for crime rates is the amount of violence in the media. Strasburger et al. focus heavily on television and video games as media that depict violent acts. Questions arise as to the extent that youth are attacted to media violence.
I believe that even with the dramatically high rates of violent crime, violence in media does not directly equal violence in real life. Although there are those that unfortunately act on their aggression based of heavy media use, the reality of the situation is far less extreme than it is made out to be. Also, since this book comes from an American perspective, it does not quite translate the same way in Canada or elsewhere. Between 1992 and 2010, police-reported crimes in Canada had decreased, despite the continual prevalence of media violence (Statistics Canada, 2011) [*].
January 26, 2012
Children in a Multicultural Society ("Postcolonial Play: Constructions of Multicultural Identities in ABC Children's Projects" by Adam Brown and Leonie Rutherford) [*]
My Place, an Australian children's book first published in 1988 by Nadia Wheatley and Donna Rawlins, is a glimpse into Australia's culturally diverse society. To mark its 20th anniversary, a television series based on the book was produced in 2008 by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), the country's public broadcaster. The topics explored include immigration, religion, war and Aboriginal affairs. This is in line with the ABC's commitment to produce content reflecting the nation's identities. From there, My Place had also inspired various multimedia "projects", such as an online component. The idea behind these child-geared projects is to create a "town square" discussion among Australian children with nationhood as the basis.
Living in Canada, I can certainly relate to the idea of a national desire to embrace many cultures, just as in Australia. It is interesting to see how the ABC uses multiple platforms to weave together many stories into one great experience. Having children become engaged as part of the project would certainly help them learn the basics about their own environment, so that they can make room for more developed and critical thought later on.
My Place, an Australian children's book first published in 1988 by Nadia Wheatley and Donna Rawlins, is a glimpse into Australia's culturally diverse society. To mark its 20th anniversary, a television series based on the book was produced in 2008 by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), the country's public broadcaster. The topics explored include immigration, religion, war and Aboriginal affairs. This is in line with the ABC's commitment to produce content reflecting the nation's identities. From there, My Place had also inspired various multimedia "projects", such as an online component. The idea behind these child-geared projects is to create a "town square" discussion among Australian children with nationhood as the basis.
Living in Canada, I can certainly relate to the idea of a national desire to embrace many cultures, just as in Australia. It is interesting to see how the ABC uses multiple platforms to weave together many stories into one great experience. Having children become engaged as part of the project would certainly help them learn the basics about their own environment, so that they can make room for more developed and critical thought later on.