A Queer learning week !

In the previous Media class we spoke about being Queer. I found this to be a coincidence, because a few days before, I had went to the movies and watched "Milk" which is primarily a movie about the evolution of gay rights, starring Sean Penn as Harvey Milk, who was in fact one of the first people in San Fransisco to establish gay rights in th 1970's.

What we discussed in class was definitely portrayed in the movie, and really helped to summarize concluding information on the topic. I can pretty much say that this was a very 'queer learning' week for me.

Being so impressed by the movie 'Milk' (which by the way, won the Oscar this year for best acting), makes me want to share my thoughts about it-

First off, I had no idea that gay rights began in San Fransisco- this was very interesting to know, especially because I might go there this summer with my parents, who, let's say aren't the most open minded people.
Second of all, this movie really touched me because I found out that it had been based on a true story. Throughout the movie, I really connected with the main character, (Sean Penn) who faught and struggled to send out the message that gay people should have rights and they are human beings who deserve equal respect in a society that does not respect them at all. In fact, the movie showed police beatings and extremely discriminating remarks and acts to portray this. It surprised me how hard it was for the gay community to gain a voice and gain respect from their community.

In the end, Sean Penn (Harvey Milk) gets shot after finally gaining the majority vote to have gay rights, by a member in the opposition party who believed he should be shot because of his success.

Although this ending was extremely upsetting, I believe that this movie overall, sends out a very powerful message that can hopefully open the minds of people who still believe in inequality and/or brutality regarding gay people, whom are simply trying to live in peace and acceptance.

Suicide

In today's media class, we spoke about a very disturbing, but real topic; suicide. Many people don't like talking about or dealing with it, but it is, unfortunately our reality and as future teachers we need to be aware of the signs of suicide in children so that we can properly deal with the issue and prevent unwanted behavior.

Teen suicide is getting more and more common these days. I was surprised to learn that there are so many websites that tell children how to commit, and how it's cool to do so. Instead of websites such as these, there should be more preventative type websites that teach children and teens why you should NOT commit suicide, and that it is NOT cool.

The media plays a huge role in popularizing suicide. More and more teens find comfort in the idea when they hear so much about it in movies, television shows and on many websites. Teens begin to identify with other people their age who have the same beliefs and as a result, we get a huge population of people who don't see past the illogical thoughts and stupid ideas they hear.

I can go on and on about the topic because it is very serious and there is so much to say, but I am no expert and I think I have to learn more about it myself first.

Happily Ever After

Today in our media class, we were discussing Disney misrepresentations in movies and popular TV shows. I was very surprised to hear that many people seemed to have different opinions on the topic.
Looking at Disney princesses, one is quickly able to gather that they all have skinny bodies, they are all white, most of the also have blond hair. They have one basic mission, which is to get the prince and live happily ever after. The problem with these movies is that it gives children the idea that that is the norm, and that being a girl requires the pretty hair, the white features and all the materialistic things money can buy to make you look that beautiful. It causes a problem when children who cannot afford all of these things start getting down on themselves and feeling as if they are not as good or as pretty as the girls they see in the Disney movies.

On the other side, people can argue that in the past few years Disney has included more minority figures, including 'Mulan' or 'Pocahontas' for example. In television shows, there's 'That's so Raven' for example which includes African American families and characters. Although I do agree that Disney has been making a greater effort at including more than just the typical white upper class family, I still think that the general image remains one full of materialistic wants and female sexuality and beauty- an image I don't think will ever change.

Slumdog Millionaire and children

In today's media class we discussed racism and prejudice. This discussion was followed by watching a short part of the movie Slumdog Millionaire. I thought that this movie choice was very relevant to our discussion as it most definitely portrays the elements discussed.
I have seen this movie twice already and I'd still love to see it again. Although it is maybe too violent for young children to watch, I think it would be a good idea for them to see a world outside of their own. Many children are not aware of the hard life some people have, and some exposure to that could be more beneficial than not.
Regarding the amount of violence in the movie, it may be slightly inappropriate for children in the younger grades, and as an alternative to watching this specific movie, I think that other cultural movies should be shown and discussed at a level that would be more comprehensible and more appropriate.
Too many children grow up sheltered from the reality seen in Slumdog Millionaire, and I really think it is time that teacher's to open their eyes to this, and do something about it.