Linda Christensen
"Unlearning The Myth That Binds Us"

In this document the author Christensen argues that the media is a distortion and that they way we are conditioned to act and think is based on the what we are fed by the media. Her belief  is that it is  not one targeted media source that contributes to this. We are influence by multiple media outlet and majority of the times we don't realize this. Methods used by the media to instill it's messages in us are: TV shows, commercials/ advertising, billboard, music, the books we read etc.
Her belief is that it starts as early as watching cartoons as children, that there are undertones of several different messages going on when we view these programs. At first glance it might seem as if we are watching a silly little cartoon or a wonderfully enchanted fairytale with the most beautiful ending ever. However, after taking a closer look one can observe discrimination on so many levels. from racism, gender inequality to the perception of what body type is right and accepted.
Take for instance the disney fairytales. These princesses sit around and wait for a prince charming to come around and sweep them off their feet. This i think teaches young women what to think of themselves and give an unrealistic expectation of what a relationship should be like. It also teaches boys to objectify women. They carry this image and way of thinking into their adult lives which leads to an array of problems.
Another thing that bothers me is the fact that the leading characters in these children cartoon are always muscular and tone or have an hourglass figure and are well endowed. Young girls and boy see this and thinks "this must be what i should look like." Again, this gives an impractical expectation to who's watching it. We can't all look like that and for the most part don't look like that. This image is also carried into adulthood if the proper guidance is not there to sway them to a more realistic point of view. Sadly, these misconception leads to one not accepting who they are as an individual. Some may have low self esteem,  body dysmorphia, eating disorders and i think it definitely contributes to the steady rise in cosmetic procedure.
Like Christensen's students i haven't been the same since reading this document. I started looking into things deeper, i've become more aware of the programs my daughter watches and i ve never been one to follow fads but i am able to identify the ways in which the media pulls people in to do so.
I really like this piece and would love to do this with my students one day






https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xAbAeZ-Gog