EDUC 6810 Reading and Discussion #2

1.  In your opinion, is the potential for more people to create their own media a positive or negative influence on our democratic society?

Because we live in a free democratic society people can create their own media. In my opinion it can be a positive or a negative influence. It depends on what the person reading the message wants to believe. There is nothing worse than arguing with someone who says I saw the front page picture or in a magazine.  “Such meanings can be conveyed at abstract visual levels and consumers will receive the meanings as intended to varying degrees but there is minimal accountability required because claims are not explicitly defined in verbal terms.”(Schnell, 2008) People will always believe what they want regardless of what they see.

2. Is visual cultural a good thing or bad thing?

 Visual culture without explanation can become a bad thing. “With the increased emphasis on visual images, at the expense of aural messages, there is less of a standard for truth because subtle visual images are more seductive in their claims.” (Schnell, 2008) People are getting lazy about reading what is attached to the picture, especially if the print is real little, or if there are many paragraphs. During the last presidential campaign who actually read their platforms?  I remember hearing a person say they voted purely on how they liked how the candidate looked.

3. Do you think you are a critical consumer of visual images?

To me seeing, is not believing. I need proof before I believe a picture. I am familiar with the programs that alter pictures and how photographers stalk to get the “money” shot, good or bad. I have become more critical as I get older. When I was looking for a house, I would look through realtor magazines to get a feel for what was available. Much to my despair the house pictured did not nearly resemble the real thing.

4. How does the article influence your thoughts about teaching media literacy in school? 

Media literacy should be taught in preschool or before. It most assuredly should be part of a curriculum in kindergarten where pictures tell their stories. By the time they reach grade school, ipads , iphones, etc are already in their hot little hands and they need to be taught responsibility.

 “Thus, we are more challenged in this regard in that we need to engage our critical thinking skills without any prompting from the senders of such visual images.” (Schnell, 2008)  

 

Schnell, J. (2008). Suggestions for addressing the increased emphasis on visual imagery over aural messages. Media Psychology Review, 1(1),