I'm Me

B.$myth

Topics In Media Class

In this class, we have covered a broad spectrum of topics. We discussed stereotypes, portrayal of women, the portrayal of inner city school children, school violence and its causes and the incompetence of our government. This class changed my perspective of the things I view. Now I put a critical lens to everything I see. For instance, upon watching the seemingly harmless movie "Ironman", the portrayal of the "Afghanistan Freedom Fighters" was extremely stereotypical. The viewer automatically had sympathy for the American soldiers killed in Afghanistan (though ironically enough their purpose for being in that country was never elaborated). Now, the children are learning that the "freedom fighters" are antagonists and a far more superior, American icon comes to the rescue and save the people from being brutally tortured by the insurgents. In all actuality, America has invaded another country for reasons I still haven't wrapped my head around. WE are the antagonists in real life, but the movie (which was meant for kids and young adults) portrays us as heroes. Before this media class I would have just let that very important observation blow pass me.

Media Class's Influence

I've learned much about media then ever before. The discussions that took place in the class room were about real important issues that shape the world we live in today. Issues like stereotypical behavior, stereotypes, racism, classism, politics, how women are being portrayed in the media, music videos message and view about women, and many more. We attack these issues and try to find a solution to them as best as we can. In my opinion these shapes us into leaders rather then followers. I can't look at a movie or even a music video without questioning the issues that they are feeding into. How can we ever move forward if we keep taking steps that lead us backwards? I feel the "YES WE CAN" speeches was the best project we've done so far because we gave our own opinions, our own insights of issues that affected us. We talked about how we would make that problem a solution for all people. In conclusion I now know I have a voice and I can use that voice to help others in need, uplift those who are down, abolish stereotypes that portray many people. I have a voice and media class is my influence.

The Wire

In media class we viewed a clip from the HBO series THE WIRE. In this clip we viewed many stereotypes being perpretrated. For one, many young black males were being portrayed as criminals, drug dealers, and even robbers. Hispanics as well were portrayed the same way. We even seen the negative portrayal the media has given all inner city school kids. If your an inner city school kid your subjected to violent and disrespectful acts. Other then that we also saw how some of the kids interact with one another in such a negative environment. We looked at two girls in particular. One of those girls was being bullied and in retaliation to the bully she cut her face. This gives us a thought in the back of our minds whereas we have to think about how others feel before doing anything.

The Wire

In class we watch the wire and an inner city school in Baltimore. This particular clip displayed inner city youth as violent unruly and having no sympathy or compassion for others. It showed old desk paint peeled walls and wild and rambunctious children. The classes were crowded and hard to control along with the students not taking the new teacher seriously. This shows how schools are now and also perpetuates that films only depict African American inner city schools in one way.

Themes Learned This Semester

This semesters themes were politics including Barack Obama's Yes We Can Speech and the conflict with reverend Wright, stereotypes portrayed by the media against women and African Americans, violence in inner city schools and racism as still a powerful issue in the world. These themes have opened my eyes to a more in depth way of thinking as well as a new way to carry myself. They have made me try to break out of societies usual stereotypes and standards. If I have learned anything thing from media class its don't let the media display who you are just be yourself.