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Articles
Media Literacy Week 2010: Exploring gender representation in media
Every young person looks up to and wants to emulate individuals they admire, and often these role models are found in popular media. Whether it’s through characters or celebrities that appear on television and in movies, or the bands and artists they listen to, popular media can influence how young people determine their social identities and self image, understand relationships, and develop values.
With this in mind, Media Awareness Network (MNet) and the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF) have chosen Gender and Media as the theme for Canada’s 5th Media Literacy Week – November 1-5, 2010. As co-hosts of the annual event, MNet and the CTF are encouraging teachers, parents, and professionals working with young people to explore issues related to gender representation in media – body image, stereotyping, sexualisation, roles and relationships – as well as how media can be harnessed to provide more realistic and empowering role models for youth.
Every year, during the first week of November, schools, communities and families across Canada participate in activities that raise awareness of the importance of media literacy and digital literacy in the lives of children and youth, and that promote the teaching of these essential skills throughout the year.
MNet and CTF welcome a wide variety of returning and new collaborators for Media Literacy Week 2010, including: Access to Media Education Society, Atwater Library and Computer Centre, Concerned Children’s Advertisers, English Montreal School Board, Girls Action Foundation, London Public Library, Manitoba Education, Media Democracy Day, One Day on Earth, Ontario Library Association, Simon Fraser University, and West Island Youth Action. YouTube is back as the week’s presenting sponsor for a second year.
There are many ways to become involved in the week, whether through joining in the events taking place across the country or by planning activities of your own.
Need some ideas to get you started?
- Teachers can take advantage of hands-on media production workshops from the National Film Board of Canada, The Director’s Cut and Pacific Cinémathèque. For example, in 2009 the Vancouver-based Pacific Cinémathèque hosted workshops for high school students studying social justice. The resulting videos were posted on YouTube to encourage further discussion and comments from the participants' classes and from youth around the globe.
- In recognition of the importance of digital literacy skills for youth, each year the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada invites young people between the ages of 12 and 18 to create their own video public service announcement on the issue of privacy.
- English Montreal School Board organizes a media event where teachers and students from local high schools are invited to participate in panel discussions with local media personalities, who share their thoughts on working in the media industry.
- Secondary schools can book a Canadian film festival through REEL CANADA. This project raises awareness among the high school population of the incredible achievements of Canadian filmmakers past and present, and ultimately enhances young people's appreciation of our national culture.
- The London Public Library hosts public events throughout the week each year that explore popular culture and digital media.
To access a list of events that are taking place across Canada leading up to and during the week, check out the Events Calendar on the Media Literacy Week Web site. Visit the Ideas for Activities section for a list of activities teachers and parents can implement in their classrooms or homes.
Media literacy and digital literacy should be an essential part of all young people’s education. Adults – parents, educators and community leaders – have an important role to play in ensuring young people have the critical thinking skills they need to thrive in our global media world. You can help by celebrating national Media Literacy Week this November in your community.
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Media Awareness Network (MNet) is a Canadian not-for-profit centre of expertise in media and digital literacy. Its vision is to ensure children and youth possess the necessary critical thinking skills and tools to understand and actively engage with media. MNet's programs are funded by its public and private sector sponsors and partners, who include: CTVglobemedia • Canwest • TELUS • Canadian Internet Registration Authority • National Film Board of Canada • Bell.
Canadian Teachers' Federation (CTF) represents nearly 200,000 Canadian teachers across the country. For 90 years, CTF has advanced the cause of children, defended the rights of teachers and promoted a strong public education system. Further, they have championed the increase and strengthening of the practice of media education in Canadian classrooms.
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