In a Perfect World...

Utopia: (n) an ideal place or state (see full definiton and source here)

What makes "Utopia" or "the perfect world"? Peace. Justice. Independence. Disney World. Education. "Hotties". Equality. Clean Environment... These are all words that were thrown around in your discussions of what "The Perfect World" would have. We also thought about what keeps that world from happening.
In The Giver by Lois Lowry, Chapter 1 introduces us to a "perfect world".  
What elements does the author say make a perfect world? 
What is needed to keep that world perfect? 
Do you agree? 
Has your opinion changed at all after reading Chapter 1 about what is a "perfect world"?

Please answer these questions in your comment. You may want to include a link to a picture you find on the web or a video that shows what you believe to be "the perfect world", although this is not as neccesary as your ideas on the subject. Don't forget to write your name!

People who have read beyond Chapter 1: PLEASE answer the questions as if you have only read up to p. 10. We don't want to give away any of the juicy parts of the book for our classmates! PLEASE!!!

Mindful Media

Media messes with our minds! For years, your brain has been trained by the media (magazines, television, music videos, youtube, radio, newspaper, etc.)to have certain ideas about what is "right" and what is "wrong", about how society "should" be. 

As we end the 20^th century, young people (and older) are taught- largely through media repetitions of social myths, misconceptions, stupidity, and outright bigotry- to view people as types locked into certain stereotypical, inalterable (and inaccurate) modes

(Dennis & Pease, 1994). 

The media, in other words, help to create a divide amongst people and shamelessly give those labels we all unfortunately have: stereotypes. Media have a huge impact on our perceptions of the world, whether we like it or not.

Every day we are bombarded with biased non-fiction, with fictional stories perpetuating played-out stereotypes, and with distorted images of the world and how it should be. For example, check out this youtube video, "Gender Stereotypes in Media" that compiles clips from different commercials, movies, and TV shows throughout the years that have OBVIOUS gender stereotypes. Each clip tells us  how a man/woman "should" be. 

Unfortunately, the media create certain standards for different races, as well. These we can see instilled in our minds even from a young age, through media you would never expect, like cartoons. We can see several examples in "Racial Stereotypes in Children's Entertainment" of how kids can sublty form misconceptions about different races. These youtube media compliations are only 2 examples, you can find thousands more on TV, in movies, and on the internet.

In our "Mindful Media" project, it was your responsibility to be a critical viewer and make your own judgments about the media, then stand up against the stereotypes you see. You had the power, through your words, to CREATE new media that is free of bias and stereotypes.

This blog is for you to share your work from your "Mindful Media" project, as well as any additional discoveries you may have made since then. Please post the link(s) to the media you analyzed, and a brief summary of your analysis of that media. (Note: If you selected an entire movie, you may want to provide a link to the trailer of the movie, the part of the movie that most impacted you, or the website for the movie). Also, if you would like to upload your new, unbiased media and share with us, that would be great! (Please provide the link as well).

Do not feel limited to comment on your project only. Feel free to share a thought, question, or conclusion your may have come to from other projects, or simply from something you saw in the media that you feel the need to speak out against. Don't let the media mess with your mind anymore!

How to Make a Gr8 Comment

As you know, one period of Literature class never really gives us enough time to discuss everything we want to. This blog is designed to give you the time, space, and powers of the internet to share your ideas with your classmates and internet users worldwide. Remember that any spiteful, mean-spirited, or inappropriate comments could jeopardize both this blog and Literature class, so please keep those unpublished, and hopefully unsaid.

Here's how to comment on a post:
1. Click on the title of the post you would like to comment on.
2. READ and THINK about the post, including any comments that have already been made.
3. Write your comment/question in the blank box provided, where it says "Post a Comment". Check your conventions (spelling, grammar, etc.).
4. WRITE YOUR NAME either at the beginning or end of your comment... give yourself credit for your ideas!
5. In the box where it asks "Comment as", select "Anonymous". Then, click on "Post Comment" and ADMIRE your contribution!

It is very important to note that all comments must be RESPECTFUL to yourself and others... please use YOUR OWN WORDS and make sure that what you write is a positive representation of you and your class... remember that the whole world can see it!