Literacy

Media literacy may be more important now that it ever was before in human history. The link here describes media literacy as "the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media. Media literate youth and adults are better able to understand the complex messages we receive from television, radio, Internet, newspapers, magazines, books, billboards, video games, music, and all other forms of media". Many of the forms of media around us, for example radio and television, never existed centuries ago, and it is not hard to imagine that there might be forms of media that will develop in the future that never existed today. Regardless of whether we have reached the 'ceiling' so to speak in terms of making and using media platforms, you could make the argument that we have our plates full as it is. In today's society unless one is a hermit or an extreme recluse it is safe to say that they come across some form of media on a daily basis. Therefore, when it comes to something that affects the vast majority of us on a daily basis, is it not only logical that it is extremely important to educate ourselves on our young ones about it?

The subject is complex, and its depth is only matched by its breadth. The one aspect I find most valuable and pertinent is the aspect of media skepticism. By skepticism I mean that I would like for students to question whatever information the receive and to think critically of it, and whenever possible, to remain in a state of suspended doubt until irrefutable evidence is presented to them.

There is a Ted-Ed video that is titled "How to use rhetoric to get what you want" which discuss how there are many ways that people may use media to manipulate us into getting us to act in a way that is desirable  to them (even if it may be detrimental to ourselves). For example there may be commercials about certain foods and beverages that are not very nutritious (and whose consumption can lead to many health complications such as stroke and various types of cancer), however, the company's intention is to make the most profit possible, hence they will try by any means possible to convince us to buy their products. As educators we must became aware of these types of situations ourselves and then pass on information to our students in order to prepare them to make informed and intelligent decisions in the future on their own.

 we have to be aware and conscious about what we are watching, if for nothing else, our own benefit.

http://themindunleashed.com/2014/04/7-ways-children-brainwashed.html

There was a Proverb with a lesson embedded within it that stated that it is just as foolish to trust no one as it is to trust everyone. This points us towards that healthy middle. To a Point where we are not too naive to believe anything and everything, while at the same time not being so cynical of everything and everyone. The middle path allows us to: take in information with an open mind, analyze the information, reflect on it, search for evidence, and finally make decisions.