What is Media Literacy?

   The question posed is simply "What is Media Literacy?" Seems easy enough, but there's always a catch. In this example, the writer must take into account the critical and cultural perspectives. As complex as it may look, it's very important to know not only what media literacy is, but also how it works. In this article, the student will research on the topic and hope to explain what the term "media literacy" means. After all, it is what the class is all about.

   According to the Media Awareness Network, the definition for Media Literacy is "the ability to sift through and analyze the messages that inform, entertain and sell to us every day." It can also be defined as "the ability to bring critical thinking skills to bear on all media— from music videos and Web environments to product placement in films and virtual displays on NHL hockey boards." In our world of multi-tasking, commercialism, and globalization, media education isn't about getting the correct answers, but asking the right questions. The result is "lifelong empowerment" of the student and professor.

    Media literacy consists of three stages, according to Elizabeth Thoman (the founder and president of Center for Media Literacy). Stage one is simply making a media "diet"- reducing time watching TV, video games, movies, and print media. the second stage is developing critical skills. Analyzing and questioning specific frames and figuring out how it was constructed and what was left out. The third stage goes even deeper than the frame. Questions include: "Who is creating this media and for what purpose? Who is profiting? Who loses and who decides who loses?" "This stage of social, political and economic analysis looks at how everyone in society makes meaning from our media experiences, and how the mass media drive our global consumer economy."

    This student also read an article written by Douglas Kellner, in which he discusses the effect of media on a specific culture. It is very easy to agree with Kellner's opinion because the facts are based well, and he brings up good points, including the purposes of MTV and Madonna. In conclusion, the critical/cultural perspective is a difficult topic in which to discuss, but media itself is an exciting topic to study and touch base on.