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“We live in a media ecosystem,” writes Sophia Dembling in the current issue
of Scouting, a magazine produced for all adult leaders serving with
the Boy Scouts of America.
Thus
she advocates
“media literacy” for our children. Of basic concern are pervasive messages
of
“More, Easy, Fast, and Fun,” coupled with an absence of subtext perception
and the sort of hand’s-on counsel from parents (often one of the first
casualties of divorce).
Advertising, as does most mass media, conveys much more than just desire
for individual products.... It conveys attitudes and values and
lifestyle choices.
The key to parenting and step-parenting in the face of this challenge is
to avoid strong-arming, criticizing and sharing the child — and young adult.
“The goal is teaching kids to think critically, not telling them what to
think.” The balance is a
“healthy skepticism, not dark cynicism.”
Dembling lays out a sidebar on the Socratic Method, in effect, asking
directed questions that lead your son or daughter to consider consequences,
potential for exploitation, and hidden agendas.
Or,
as the article asks:
“Who’s putting this message on ... and what is their motivation?”
As a
rather sobering reminder that nothing is every free, especially not on the
Internet, this Scouting article concludes with commentary on social
networking websites.
“...
I don’t think young people realize when they’re on MySpace, that
companies are monitoring everything they say, everything they post,
everything they do. They’re collecting that information and using it to
market to each individual.”
Very
much along the lines of what I write here regularly: The process and best
chance for positive outcome is largely up to you. Educate yourself to
maximize this potential.
—posted by Dell Deaton @1:08 PM EST 10/7/2008
REI 114270
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