National Media Education Week

“Media education is the process through which individuals become media literate - able to critically understand the nature, techniques and impacts of media messages and productions” (Media education week, 2008). In the sense of this aspect, studying media has enabled me to become aware of the analysis of media related contents. I am now aware of aspects in television and magazine ads that I was not aware of in the past. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to provide insight on media literacy to anyone but myself, but I was able to participate in various unintended and intended small activities.

As the media education week website encourages, I decided to participate in media education week by refraining to purchase any consumer products that are the usual ‘wants’, which are unnecessary and fuel further materialistic habits. Coincidentally, I also participated by picking an essay topic for my media class that analyzed and criticized the devaluation in the portrayals of women in magazine advertisements. A survey was also presented in my media class and I participated by providing my previous media related experiences in high school. Unfortunately, I did not participate in an activity that educated children in elementary schools, nor did I have the privilege of joining an activist movement. However, by not purchasing any unnecessary products and through my essay (although that was purely coincidental) I was able to contribute in some form even if it wasn’t colossal.

I should have been more apprehensive and active in media education week. Although I did not participate in stimulating conversations and debates I was able to engage in discussions during my media lecture. My professor was discussing copyright issues and individuals in the classroom including myself provided our viewpoints and debated whether we considered it a fair practice. In my opinion, I believe that copyright restrains the concept freedom, specifically when it reaches to the degree in which the human genome is patented.

“National Media Education Week.” 24 Nov. 2008
< http://www.mediaeducationweek.ca/101_whatis.htm >.