Talking Points 4: Unlearning the Myths that Bind Us

One of Christensen's student had written, "It can be overwhelming and discouraging to find out my whole self image has been formed mostly by others or underneath my worries about what I look like are years (17 of them) of being exposed to TV images of girls and their set roles given to them by TV and the media...So why dissect the dreams? Why not stay ignorant about them and happy...My dreams keep me from dealing with an unpleasant reality."  I actually agreed with this statement (written by a girl named Justine), more than anything else in the writing.  I feel comfortable with who I am, how I look, and the life I lead.  Granted, I know it is hard for many to deal with their self image (TRUST ME- I've been through 3 pant sizes over the past few months before suckering into buying the ones with the elastic band at the top), but as long as you think you look good, that's all that matters.  It's nearly impossible to not to be influenced by others, you would probably have to completely shelter yourself.  If you just make an effort, put yourself out there and open your mind to others then I believe you'll truly live your life to the fullest, no matter what your shape, size, or color is.

I also liked Christensen's "Charting Stereotypes" section.  That to me, really made me think about how these things can be racist or sexist.  Perhaps Disney is sending a subliminal message to us and children. Should that really stop us from showing them to our children though?

"Pam and Nicole swore they would not let their children watch cartoons". I just can't see telling my child that he can't watch a cartoon or a movie.  As a kid the thought of someone being white, black, male or female never even crossed my mind.  They just were who they were and that was it.  Looking back at the movies I'm thinking "Wow that really is pretty bad.." But at the same time, there never will be avoiding media.  Maybe parents don't have to tell children what's wrong about the movie but maybe they can talk to them or give them insight on people from different cultures.