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? Use a quote from the reading to support your answer.

The opportunity for more people to create their own media is negative.  The example at the beginning of the article is using politics.  "In the early 1990s the visual depictions of dead U.S. military personnel, who'd been killed by bands of militants...had a vivid impact on the U.S. public mind."  I realize this is about another country, but if more individual have the potential to create their own media, then the images might have create more negative impacts, especially on a democratic society. 

 

2. Is visual cultural a good thing or bad thing? Use a quote from the reading to support your answer.

Overall I would say visual culture is a bad thing.  We let visual images affect us more than what we should.  Instead of being an individual, we tend to adapt to what we see.  Media can influence people to conform to a worldly image.  "One can observe many examples of such images that have lasting negative impressions on the world stage..."  As of the current time, my viewpoint is influenced by the negative impact of the local visual culture. 

 

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

 

Yes I am a consumer of visual images.  One example is subway. I go to subway all the time because of the way the food looks on their advertisements.  Subway makes the food look appealing and appetizing. 

 

4. How does the article influence your thoughts about teaching media literacy in school? Use a quote from the reading to support your answer.

• "The more we engage in this process the more we can be startled by the findings from such analysis..."

This quote completely supports the fact that we need to teach media literacy in school.  Students need to be aware of how media changes humanity on a daily basis.  Since media tends to expose different values, human culture eventually changes and adapts to new values.  Kids need to know that society changes and media affects their future. 

 

Sources:

Schnell, J. (2008). Suggestions for Addressing the Increased Emphasis on Visual Imagery over Aural Messages. Media Psychology Review. Vol. 1(1).