By definition, media literacy is a set of perspectives that we actively use to expose ourselves to the media and interpret the meaning of the messages we encounter. All over the world we are put into categories, or niches, that we let the media define who we are. Being a woman, there is a certain stigma that goes along with that. We are supposed to be lady-like, conservative, polite, entertain any guy that wants to talk to us, not being where we belong in society, being hormonal, and so much more. There is a double standard when it comes to some of these niches such as males and females. The media does everything to control that, but yet they do nothing to stop it. There is so much power when it comes to using the media, that a lot of times it isn't used to help fix those stigmas. The niche of being a woman has become difficult for many and does not seem to be changing. Another example of a niche I would be in is a daughter. I am lucky enough to be able to say that my mom is one of my best friends. She is a huge part of my life and I don't know what I would do without her. Seven years ago my mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. As a young girl, my life was turned upside down. I had to watch as my dad shaved her head and all the nights I could hear her through the walls crying when there was nothing I could do. As a daughter, it was my job to be there for her. I couldn't live without her so I needed her to be happy because somehow that made it all seem okay. As a daughter, I was supposed to lay with her and make her smile. Many girls who are daughters don't have to go through this, but media was also a huge part of me and my mom. We have always been better at typing out what we want to say that actually being able to say it. Writing things out and emailing back and forth has been a long standing communication for us. Without the media, I wold not be the daughter I have been able to become today.
Comments