On Sat, 16 Mar 1996, Chester Gates wrote...
...
> Somehow I think we're missing something when we blame TV, or anything or
> anyone else, for what we are actually doing. ...
One of the best resources I use on media violence is called _Beyond
Blame_. You are absolutely right.
> Except for the stout of heart, I think this is very difficult. And even
> if you could do it, I don't think you should. Part of being human is to be
> engaged in the world around you. On the brink of the 21st century that
> world has grown. That world is now even bigger than this planet, if we
> care to remember the international crews in the space above our heads. We
> can see television pictures of violence, tragedy, famine and war. But we
> can hear those images in radio and read them in books. Some of us are
> even unfortunate enough to live with them as part of our shattered
> communities. Fortunately, we have other images of friendship, peace and
> helping. Should the goal of our lives be to shut the bad
> parts of
> life out from our minds our our children's or, should it be to
> learn how to help those in need and to help ourselves?
Exactly! That is why I said that turning off the TV is not the best
solution, but that media literacy is! If we learn how to critically deal with
theme, chacterization, metaphor, etc. in literature, should we not
also learn how to use critical thinking with media messages (as well
as in "real world" service experiences)?
> So, I suppose what I'm saying is that we cannot and should not blame
> technology that we have created... What I
> need to do is be aware of each action I take, whether it is talking,
> watching TV, or walking to the store. I need to be aware of these
> actions and then if I don't like some of the results, see what I can
> change. Maybe watch less TV. Maybe watch more National Geographic.
> Maybe work with the schools in my neighborhood. Or maybe sit down and
> write a long email to a bunch of people who are now part of my community.
Amen! You have very nicely captured the heart of media
literacy--awareness (that usually leads to positive changes)!
Peace,
Nick
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Nick Cardilino "A different world cannot be built
University of Dayton by indifferent people."
Center for Social Concern --Horace Mann
E-mail: cardilin@trinity.udayton.edu
Phone: (513)-229-2524 Fax: (513)-229-2035
homepage: http://www.udayton.edu/~campmin
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