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We get hit with messages all the time. From the moment we wake up to the minute we go to sleep, we hear music, we see ads, we watch TV, we see clothing logos, we read books, we hear commercials, we surf the Web, we view music videos, and a lot more. In may public bathrooms there are even ads in the stalls!
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Not all the information says the same thing. On one hand, for example, an ad will tell us that doing drugs is bad. But then we'll turn on the radio or open a magazine, and we'll get a different message. One minute they'll tell us that smoking is bad, and the next minute they'll show us super-happy models smoking. One minute they'll tell us that steroids are bad, and the next minute they'll be showing us over-the-top muscular people having a blast on the beach.
Many people say that the media has a major influence on how they feel about themselves. Seeing pictures of rich and beautiful people all the time gives them feelings of low self-esteem. They feel they can't really be happy unless they're like those people: thin, or rich, or constantly partying, or whatever. They believe the hype, and do anything-including drugs-to get there.
We know you're smarter than that. We know you'll make up your own mind about the messages you see and hear. We know you're able to put media in its place, and separate real life from the fake stuff. But we know it's not easy. And if you aren't careful, that stuff sneaks up on you.
To help you through this mess, we've come up with ten important things to keep in mind all day long. Oh, and don't just think about it alone -- get out of your head and talk about it with other people: like, "Can you believe they're telling me that coloring my hair will get me a date?" or "Yeah, like that logo on his T-shirt makes him Oooooooh so cool!"
The Media: Ten Things to Think About
- When you hear that first song of the morning on the radio, think about the lyrics. Write them down, if you have time. Say them out loud, without the music. What do they really say? And who is singing or rapping them?
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- When you see that first commercial of the morning on television, think about what they're selling. Are they showing you a product? Or are they showing you something else, like a lifestyle?
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- When you see that second commercial of the morning on television, think about what they're saying. Are they telling you that the product they're talking about is really good? Or are they saying that you'll be a better person if you use it? If they are saying that, how would they know?
- When you see that billboard on the way to school, think about who put that ad there. Why would someone agree to put something there for you to see? Do they want to educate your mind? Or do they want to influence you to give them your money?
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- When you see that first clothing ad in the magazine you're flipping through over lunch, think about how you would explain this ad to an alien from outer space. What are they selling? Is it clear? If it's not clear, why? Why did they choose the picture or words that they chose?
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- When you see that second ad, have another imaginary conversation with that alien. How would you explain how this ad makes you feel?
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- When you're at the bookstore/café later on, check out what they're selling in the windows. What are these books about? Are they pushing them because they're good? Or because they're popular? Or because they want you to feel like if you read them you'll be cool?
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- When you're watching your favorite TV show, think about the characters. Are they realistic, or are they stereotypes? What do they represent? Do you want to be like them? How? Why?
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- When you're still watching that TV show, think about how YOU feel. Does the show make you feel better about your own life? Does it make you feel worse?
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- When you're surfing the Web, think about who put up the Web site you're looking at. Do they really know what they're talking about?
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The bottom line is, if you want to be smart, independent, and able to make your own decisions about your life, you gotta use your brain. All the time. So next time you see or hear messages-in ads, TV shows, online, wherever-think about it a little. And talk about it with whoever you're with. They'll be shocked at how smart you are.
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