Talking Points #4

Article #1

Linda Christensen

Unlearning the Myths That Blind Us.

Christensen argues that through the media and things such as childrens television programs, there is a bias and stereotype created. The children watching these shows are then aware of the bias' and stereotypes and apply them in their lives. This has to be taught to the children that not everything they see on television is true about a person and if the world wants to be a more peaceful place this has to take affect.

1. "Our students suckle the same pap. Our society's culture industry colonizes their minds and teaches them how to act, live, and dream. This indoctrination hits young children especially hard."

I like this quote because I think she is basically saying that TV is taking over childrens lives. Children learn everything they do from mockery and where do you think they watch it from? The TV obviously!

2. "Young people, unprotected by any intellectual armor, hear or watch these stories again and again. Often from the warmth of their mother's or father's lap."

Parents should take an initiative to help their children and teach them about stereotypes from a young age that way they are less likely to use a stereotype against someone.

3. "Students have also said that what they now see in cartoons, they also see in advertising, on prime-time TV, on the news, in school. Turning off the cartoons doesn't stop the sexism and racism."

I think this is ridiculous. Sexism and racism are everywhere because they are topics that people like to watch! Its like a really gory movie. It sells. That's why people, esp children, are seeing this all the time.

I like this article alot because it has to do with children learning bad habits from sources that do not always tell the truth. A person can watch a Disney cartoon from the past decades and see stereotypes of Asians and African American. It's time that things are brought to attention and are taught the proper way of things. This article also reminded me of the book Ishmael. It's more or less about types of people and how they can change the world by listening to Mother Nature but it ties to this article because of how we can teach our children to change the world.