Reading #9

Quote #1

“Concerns about misogyny in hip-hop music, violent video games, cyberbullying, sexting, and easy access to pornography are trivialized..” (Hobbs, p. 111).   

I wanted to comment on this being a big source of concern for me, as a big sister, aunt and teacher.  All of these are topics of worry and wondering how best to tackle these struggles and encourage my students to be better and rise above some of the trash and hate that is out there.  In a classroom of 30 kids, it is difficult to keep tabs on verbal comments in the class and to administer immediate action to those students who are misbehaving or encouraging others.  Mine is an art classroom and students are encouraged to talk and socialize while they are working to facilitate friendships and enhance their creative experience.  I often move about the room visiting with students individually and helping as needed, so many times I do not hear rude, or bullying comments until it is too late to take immediate action, and then it becomes a he said she said situation where I cannot discern truth from fabrication. 

Luckily these instances do not occur frequently and students are all honest and cooperative with each other for the most part, but the concerns listed in the quote are increasingly upsetting. 

My school had an anti-bullying speaker come in this week for an assembly Wednesday.  He was very good.  He had some sobering pictures and stories to share, which brought chills down my spine and caused the audience to think and reflect frequently.  He talked about sex, drugs, alcohol, bullying, and school shootings/violence.  It was all subjects relevant to our teens and very truthful, heart-wrenching stories.  I only hope some of it sinks in and students take time to reflect on their current choices of entertainment. 

My brother (freshmen in high school) is very involved in these violent games (Grand theft auto) and (Black Ops whatever), which makes me worry immensely.  These games foster a desire to hurt and destroy, kill and damage, which I find repugnant.  I wish kids could rewind back to harmless Mario who just wants to save his princess.  The idea of beating obstacles to achieve a goal.   I am all about building and creating in my efforts with future generations of kids.  Trying to make the world better, or at least doing your best to be a positive influence on those around you as often as possible. 

Kids are losing their abilities to be role models.  Or if they are influencing others, often it is in negative ways that cause hurt to others.  I feel today parents have to be superstars to get their kids on the right path. 

My solution for these violent acts would be to ban them in my home and in my family.  I’m not sure what we can do to change the entertainment climate of our youth when so much junk, negativity and reality is on TV for them to witness.  The smut is there, and we can’t stop it.  

I definitely have gone on a rant here, but my point was to mention my concerns and muse about solutions.  I am at a loss of what to do.  I think parents need to say NO more, and refuse certain viewings of violent games or inappropriate tv, but these things start with parents who follow through on what they say and actually punish their children for breaking rules.  Parents today seem to be losing their ability to stand up to their children, which scares me too.  I am not a parent yet, and I know you want to give them everything, but it is common sense to protect their integrity and souls by preserving good morals and emulating positive behavior to them daily.  We can try to influence these behaviors at school, but teachers can only do so much in the short time we see them. 

Quote #2

“As a parent, I am a proud protectionist.  The parent role is to guide children through life in ways that help them best develop as sensitive, caring, fully human beings” (Hobbs p. 112)

In my above rant, I want to state that I am not placing 100% of the blame on parents for student attitudes and aggressive behaviors.  I feel many factors are involved and parents can help shape the way for their kids in both positive and negative ways.  In the chapter, Hobbs discusses the way she fosters open-mindedness and discussion on topics, but also the extreme relevance of discussion and open dialogue with ones kids about disturbing news, tragedies, etc.  Parents can help their children be sensitive, caring and thoughtful by talking and being open about their opinions and directing their children to make better choices.  Hobbs mentions limiting media to a point, because it is something all consuming.  The idea of devoting your ears to listening to music only, or your eyes to watching a movie.  Today kids multitask and are looking at facebook, snap-chatting a friend, eating dinner, all while watching tv and rarely are their attentions focused on one thing to consume them.  It is sad that our society is becoming increasingly distracted. 

I am guilty of this media multitasking myself, but find myself pointing these things out as I am doing them, and becoming aware of these actions and adjusting my habits to revert back to giving things more undivided attention.  We often lose friendships and other important things in our lives if we don’t recognize where we need to change our habits or adjust our priorities.  I do not need to be on facebook everyday, or post to instagram. 

These things can be important and provide me with satisfaction and joy, but I need to recognize that people and living things are far more important than digital things that feel nothing.  Unplug and give a hug.  Find personal contact and conversation.  We need to not forget how to be sociable.  I am loving some of these commercials and adds that highlight “disconnect to reconnect.”  We need to!

Quote #3

“Women’s inferiority—in fact their malevolence – is as ingrained in American popular culture as it is anywhere they’re sporting burkhas” (Hobbs, p. 113-114).

It is so sad to be referred to as the “weaker” sex.  A role we have not easily bent or changed.  We still ARE viewed in many ways as inferior, but have made substantial progress.   Many of us ladies like to be considered fragile, graceful, and elegant.   I personally enjoy having my door opened for me, a chivalrous husband who gives me his jacket when I’m cold, and an arm to guide me along the path of life.  I enjoy certain characteristics, but do not consider them as being “weak” or “inferior” – just nuances of love and gender roles, to a point. 

I do not know how women are to reverse our stigmas on tv, in movies and ads?  How can women be sources of power and strength, when much of tv depicts objects of sexual desire and ditzy blonde bimbos.  I guess one must hope and do what we can to show kids today that women are strong and fierce and not objects to be looked and pawed at.  (Definitely not objects).   We must provide positive modeling for these young minds and be encouraging and intellectual figureheads.   Women rock and are equally as capable as men in doing almost anything (within our bodily limitations).

 References

Hobbs, R. (2011). Research As Authentic Inquiry. Digital and media literacy: connecting culture and classroom (pp. 111, 112, 113 & 114). Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Corwin Press.