Christensen "Unlearning the Myths that Bind Us"

In Christensen's article she argues how in today's society we are all manipulated on how to act and portray ourselves. Basically that some children books and movies are brainwashing children to all think, dream, and act the same. That they are giving them all of these unrealistic fantasies, that they will one day become a prince or a princess like in the movie Cinderella. Like in another article, it describes the stereotypes of princesses and how you're suppose to look and act. Christensen also believes that  media portrays an "ideal" sex, race, class, etc. 

In my opinion, I agree that some Disney movies and children books portray negative gender and racial stereotypes. For example, in the movie Peter Pan that she mentioned, this video (#5) on YouTube explains how the song that the white characters sing along with the Indians, is an example of a racial stereotype. This video also mentions the movie, Lady and the Tramp (#6), the Siamese cats have slanted eyes and buck teeth, they're even introduced with the sound of a gong in the background. This is an example of a Asian stereotype and was also in the making not too long after the World War II Era according to the video. 

                                                            (realistic looking Siamese cat)

Christensen's intentions in this article are to teach students the values of equality and how to avoid using stereotypes. "Then I want to enlist them to imagine a better world, characterized by relationships of respect and equality" (Christensen 127). She wants to teach her students that although mass media is meant to cause entertainment, it can reveal some negative stereotypes that can impact children and affect their mindset on the issue later in the future. That's why Christensen is trying to teach her students at a young age, she even has them each keep a journal to express their thoughts on the topic. Obviously no one wants to admit that they are being manipulated, which was a problem that they were faced with at first. Moreover, as she introduced clothing brands such as Calvin Klein, Guess jeans, and Chanel lipstick, you notice how all of the models are either extremely jacked or have a perfect slim figure. Some brands I noticed are more accepting of thicker women more than others.  For example, the clothing line Torrid. 

Overall, I agree with Christensen's argument and her ideas of trying to give the youth of our society more of a positive mindset on equality and how to not be stereotypical. I think that everyone should learn the real value of loving yourself, to not become discouraged from mass media and to be respectful of others.

Point to share in class: How has mass media made you feel conflicted?