adminWhile many of you are interested in the content of my articles, I’d like to share with you why I focus on media for my articles.
I grew up consuming media. Throughout the 2000s, technological advancements really began to thrive. Apple came out with iPods and later iPhones, Facebook and social media platforms became globalized, and we all looked to the next innovation.
Because I grew up in a revolutionary time for media, I often saw it as normal. Now that I am in university and can reflect on different pieces of media, I enjoy delving into analyses and critiques.
I’m finding myself to be more critical. Learning about framing theory, I like to apply it to different forms of media. When watching CNN, are they using specific language to make their viewers agree with a certain mindset? When reading an article by FOX News, are they using emotive language to condemn the democratic party? I find that American news media has become very polarized.
Even in movies, which demographics are being represented? Is it one I align with or relate to? Audiences have fueled movements and their outcry for more authentic representation has made TV and movie media become more diverse.
In my video, I discuss the article I’m most proud of, which you can find here. Media representation in the 1990s was broadening from a very narrow demographic, showcasing communities that hadn’t been respectfully represented in the past. It’s been found that a lack of media representation has a profound effect on self-esteem, especially in BIPOC or AHANA youth.
So as a media creator and lover, I think it is necessary to continue to critique and push boundaries embedded in media. The people of the world want to see themselves reflected authentically, and media has always been a beacon for showcasing stories to the world. I think staying vigilant when consuming media and striving to improve it is how we, as media-lovers, can create media that we actually want to see.
