In this reading, Linda Christensen argues that children grown up with predisposed information within the texts of children's literature, the cartoons within the TV shows they watch and any other form of information that is thrown at them VIA the media. The truth is, even before this class I was aware of the media's power and infiltration to the human psyche. I knew that for most women watching TV commercials that the goal would be to look ageless and skinny and they could conquer the world. After this class I see more directly what Christensen is talking about in regards to children's literature and the prevalence of certain cultures being in power over other ones as depicted in stories. The values mentioned in Cinderella's story are not good ones- A rework of the story to celebrate an African American background for the character remade into Cinder Elly was good at incorporating Cinder Elly's braided hair and native adornments- but as far as changing the values of the main character from winning a man and becoming more well dressed and rich- that was non existent. Our culture has a problem with instilling false values into the minds of children- it has a problem not addressing all of the people within our world and focusing too much on the idea of women being beautiful, fat people being goofy or buffoons, people of different races and culture not holding important significance in the stories. There is a huge problem with children's literature, cartoon shows and role models that children seek after. Christensen's piece discusses all of this and also how students were allowed to have published works expressing the problems they believed prevalent in the culture of media and impact on youths. The following link shows Christensen's new book and a video describing her work.
Teaching for Joy
I agree with you that the remake of Cinderella into Cinda Elly, while entertaining is still not addressing any of the major problems with the original story. Also, that heavier people are most often considered goofy and never the lead of the story sends a negative message to young minds. I think our culture has become so obsessed with the way we can be viewed that is has distorted the value of the message we are trying to convey.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you. Our society has become obsessed with looks and materials that nothing else matters. If a movie came out with a lead character who was not as attractive, it would do horribly in sales. People want to watch beautiful people, and the media prays upon insecurities to get what they want. Messages in cartoons go completely overlooked, as long as the character is pretty to look at and she ends up with the prince in the end.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on the remake of Cinderella in to Cindy Ellie was nice and entertaining but it still doesn't address the major problem with the story itself. Good post.
ReplyDeleteGreat job on your blog. I understand your point of view and your reasons for it. I also like your website.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the media always portrays women on TV or in magazines as being "flawless" when we know that is not the case...and that is okay.
ReplyDeleteThe way women are portrayed in the media is so inaccurate and creates this impossible image for young girls to try to achieve.
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