Media Journal Entry #13

In closing the semester, I feel an appropriate journal entry should simply convey the importance of media literacy gained throughout the course. Through deconstructing and delving into different media forms I have a cleaner perspective on massively circulated media. I look at magazines, commercials, films, songs, etc. with a different eye.

Students have commented throughout the semester that critical theory and deconstruction "kills" media. I remember at one point someone asking: "Do you think we're going too far, do you really think we should pull that apart so much?" It is true that dissecting media may take away from overall entertainment value however you cannot deconstruct something "too much". Without a critical eye the media wins. Unless media is taken critically and deconstructed, the social stereotypes and biases constructed present day society will be perpetuated and locked in. Media does more than entertain, it has the capability of "brainwashing" or creating individual mindsets. I find that if all viewers and consumers were more familiar with critical theory the true meanings behind director motives and production costs would shine through more clearly.

The more media literacy is widespread, and the more critical we as consumers grow to be, the better the quality of media. Media will still be one-sided and bias if critical approaches are not taken. I find that through spreading knowledge and insight, quality will increase as ignorance and continued objectification are erased.