news media – Critical Social Educator

Media Literacy Resources

A treasure trove of Media Literacy resources:

Prompt: ‘Being the Change’ in Divisive Times

Consider this short article & video/interview, Facebook shows you what you want to see post-election re: the informational ecosystem that we live in. It argues that we are placed into insulated bubbles of like-minded ideology and hyperpartisan news that results in profound division and the inability to understand each other:

Facebook’s algorithm knows what you like based on the videos you watch, people you talk to, and content you interact with. It then shows you more of the same. This creates something called “filter bubbles.” You begin to see only the content you like and agree with, while Facebook hides dissenting points of view.

Reply to this prompt in at least 3 paragraphs (on your site by class on Monday): in light of these times of fear, suspicion, and distrust, how can you (to quote Gandhi) “be the change you wish to see in the world”? In at least three paragraphs, clarify:

a) At least one explicit social change that you’d like to see in the world and,

b) What specifically you could do (as a teacher & citizen) to promote that change by ‘being’ that change.

We look forward to reading your responses!

Satire Paradox Prompts

Prompts for The Satire Paradox by Gladwell to be posted on your website, by Monday’s class:

FYI, Satire is defined as…

1) Talk about the argument being made in the podcast, in 2-4 sentences: what is ‘The Satire Paradox’ exactly? Further, and more specifically, how does Tina Fey’s portrayal of Sarah Palin illustrate this phenomenon?

2) Critically react to the argument of The Satire Paradox, in 4-6 sentences: After hearing from Gladwell, what does satire do to influence (or not influence) public/perspectives on political figures? Is satire effective in persuading opinions & critiquing individuals, or does satire miss the intended mark by only entertaining and watering down the true issues and figures being addressed?