Unlearning the Myths that Bind Us

This particular reading was very interesting to look at. I have had discussions about cartoons and the impact on children in some of my Communications classes. What I did not seem to comprehend was the connection with the topics we are currently discussing about teenagers in the media. This reading seemed to discuss the impact of cartoons on a younger audience.

What I did understand from this reading was the importance of identifying these subliminal messages and dissecting their meaning to comprehend more effectively their impact on our myths of racism, sexism, power, realtionships and family.

"Most of the early information we recieve about "others"-people racially, religiously or socioeconomically different from ourselves does not come as a result of first hand experience. The secondhand information we recieve has often been distorted, shaped by cultural seterotypes, and left incomplete."

I loved this quote from our reading... It is so real that even scares me. Most of the people I have met that have made ignorant comments about other ethnic groups have been individuals with no first hand experience. Emerging yourself to the unknown sometimes is the best way to learn about it.

I also liked the authors comment on Kenya and Sabrina about the "Black Cinderella" where both girls wanted more women of color playing leads in cartoons. However, Christensen hit it home when she explained that regardless of the number of white vs black women portrayed on cartoons, one underlying theme is the gender inequality in ALL classic cartoons.

NEWS FLASH:

Disney to introduce first black princess in 2009.

For more information on this groundbreaking moment visit:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17524865/