Weekly Reading 3

• Identify the main arguments
• Explain whether or not you agree or disagree with the main arguments?
• Do what extent do you think that media can be held responsible for low self-esteem in women and violence behavior in men?
• Make connections between the videos and two quotes from the reading

   The main argument in both videos is that the media puts images of “normalcy” of how men and women should look and act. “Television is probably the most important source of political information in our society and is regarded by most people as the most reliable source of news, perhaps because of its ability to present a visual record of events” (Semali, 2001). People rely heavily on what the media tells them and strive to be what it portrays as “normal”.
   From the media men are taught to be strong, intimidating, muscular, and tough. They are taught from a young age from movies, television, and other advertisements that they need to put on a front of toughness. They are not allowed to show their emotions and many men suffer because of this. Men, especially colored men, are often shown in the media as violent which causes men to feel the need to behave that way. Women, on the other hand, are portrayed as objects in the media. Computer touch-ups and airbrushing have produced and ideal image for women to strive towards that is impossible to reach. It teaches women that if they do not look like the flawless models in the images that they are simply not trying hard enough.
   I agree that media has a huge effect on how both men and women view themselves. I do not know if the media images for men directly leads them to be violent, but it definitely causes them to never want to show emotion. Guys have always been pressured by society to be tough and not cry. This tough persona can lead to violence if they feel that their manhood is being threatened. I think that women are more directly affected by the media. It puts an image in their heads of something they will never be able to obtain. Women are constantly trying new diets or buying the latest products to reach a goal that is constantly changing. The fact that they will not ever achieve the images they see all around them makes them feel bad about themselves.  “It is only a matter of time before schools realize that they must teach students to analyze media texts and visual images critically” (Semali, 2001). Unless children are taught early that what they see in the media is not real, the cycle of low self-esteem and violence will continue. 

Sources
Semali, L. M. (2001, November). Defining new literacies in curricular practice. Retrieved from http://www.readingonline.org/newliteracies/semali1/index.html