Talking Points #4

Unlearning the Myths that Bind Us
Christiensen

Premise
- media
-influence
-stereotypes
-power
-roles

Arguement:
Christiensen argues that mass media perpetuates roles, stereotypes, and politics in order to maintain the codes of power in society.

Evidence:
1. " Many students don't want to believe that they have been manipulated by children's media or advertising. No one wants to admit that theyve been "handled" by the media.

2. "There should be more women of color who play the leads in these white on white wedding cake tales. Of course, there should also be more women of color on the Supreme Court, in Congress, and scrubbing up for surgeries."

3. (In the interest of brevity)Examples brought to our attention by Christiensen in older cartoons, his Popeye, Disney, and Daffy Duck stories all strongly highlight racism, sexism, and perpetuation of the system of power.

Questions/Comments/Points to Share
Here is yet another example similar to Johnson, Delpit, Carlson, and Kozol, of very clearly stating in a way that demands attention what most of us already know but try to ignore. I was struck by Christiensens use of Disney as a main example thoughout his piece. I am an avid "worshiper" of all things Disney, and have been since I was a little kid. However, as I get older and rewatch my favorite movies, revist the parks (for the 23rd time in July) I have grown to notice their use of power, media, and stereotypes in their works. I will also be the first to highlight this to any of my friends and aquaintances despite my love. It is also why I found it so ironic and amusing that in a media mogul whos very basis is on a heterosexual stereotypically gender oriented pair of mice, the character of Mickey portrayed in the parks must be worn by a female because of the height, size, voice etc characteristics demanded by Walt Disney. My acknowledgement of Disney's role in the culture of power does not deter me in any way from their things, BUT it does make me a more educated consumer and stronger participant in educating others about Disneys methods, and madnessess if you will.