“Media Literacy” You Tube Style

Enter the words “media literacy” in the You Tube search engine, and you’ll find plenty of viewing material.  I purposely chose to bypass the first page of my search results, and randomly selected two clips: one from page 7, and one from page 9. 

What did I learn from watching both clips?  Nothing.  Well, let me rephrase that – what I already know was reinforced.  Both clips share a common thread: we should be selective, critical, and informed as consumer/viewers.  We shouldn’t believe everything we see, hear, and read; but instead, we should be skeptical and discerning of that which we’re taking in (watching, listening to, reading).

Caleb Young states in "Looking Deeper", “the movie-goer should become more critical and selective – refusing to be pandered to”.  Harold Ramis on Media Literacy Vs. Delivering A Story For An Audience suggests asking yourself, “what are they trying to sell me here – what idea are they selling?”  I completely agree with both Caleb and Harold.  We need to cautious and aware of that which is ‘sold’ to us; we need to be educated – literate. 

Technology will continue to become more advanced, cultures will experience change, and social trends will evolve, but one thing will never change: the end goal of media.  Media will always seek to sell the idea.