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.
