SOURCE INFORMATION

 Article Title: Toward Critical Media Literacy: Core Concepts, Debates, Organizations, and Policy

 Author:Douglas Ekllner and Jeff Share

 Source Title: Discourse: Studies in the cultural politics of education

 Date of Publication: September 2005

SUMMARY

 Provide a three- to four-sentence summary of the article.

We face a profound lack of media literacy and media literacy education in our culture. The largest obstacle faced in this deficit is inability to subvert manipulation, inaccurate messages, and misrepresentation.  In order to be effective members of a connected global society, individuals must be able to engage, interpret, and reflect on the media and information that surrounds us. The foundations of this knowledge must begin with educators empowering students with critical autonomy.

PARAPHRASE

 Develop one sentence of paraphrased information from the article.

Teaching media literacy should be collaborative, as students tend to be more immersed in the media culture and knowledgeable of relevant topics. (373)

DIRECT QUOTE

 Provide one direct quote from the article.

“Critical analysis that explores and exposes the structures of oppression is essential because merely coming to voice is something any marginalized racist or sexist group of people can also claim” (371).

ETHOS

 Does the writer make any ethical appeals in his/her argument? Explain.

Yes. As seen in the quote above, the essay notes in many sections that media can be utiltized to either quell the ills of society, or promote the message of a racist, sexist, or ill-conceived group of minority. As stated on page 371, “...homophobic, racist, or sexists tests or readings...opress and subordinate others.”

LOGOS

 Does the writer make any logical appeals in his/her argument? Explain.

Yes. The article uses many facts to justify its claims, using a linear thought process to make it seem reasonable. On page 380, for example, the essay mentions the “No Child Left Behind Act” and the resulting effects on education. Due to a heavy reliance on standardized tests, teachers must teach to the test. As classes are teaching to standardized tests, critical thinking has suffered. Due to the fact that critical thinking has suffered and some students cannot pass the standardized tests, social development can be hindered. This creates a situation where media can more greatly influence the shape that education takes, and what messages the students focus on. This presents the need for media education.

PATHOS

 Does the writer make any emotion appeals in his/her argument? Explain.

Absolutely. The paper makes proclaims overall that it is “irresponsible” and “irrational” to ignore that growing need of critical media analysis skills. I believe that the essay is attempting to persuade the reader with a feeling of inadequacy with the message that there is an obvious problem, an immediate aid if not solution, and it would be ignorant not to follow through after viewing the facts.