Here is our group: Katrina, Jess and Elena and I. We are investigating the relationship between teens and social class, and the way media portrays this relationship, both from an introspective and observational perspective. We will be using video clips from "People Like Us"- one of which is called Tammy's story, and we will be comparing this media to another media clip from the film for some contrast. We will also be utilizing a handful of analytical pieces from Jean Anyon and Gregory Mantsios to pick apart the constructs media chose to emphasize in this film, and also to highlight the oppressive (or very beneficial) nature of social class orientation with regards to education and social/cultural capital.
Here is the entire video segment on YouTube (it was too large to embed)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8VXrHeLqBA
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
Youth & Social Networking - Henry Jenkins interview
I enjoyed reading this interview between Henry Jenkins and Danna Boyd. I was unaware of the Deleting Online Predators Act (DOPA) prior to reading the information contained in their interview. In my opinion, I agree with the two of them. Access to online networking sites offers a host of supplemental resources to the education setting. From interactive sites like Blogger and Wikispaces, teachers can expand on topics derived in class. Such modes of expansion include furthered outside conversation within classmates and teacher, supplemental video/text that can be easily accessed and posted/discussed by everyone, and those who are less likely to speak out in class have a chance to post their ideas. By passing the DOPA legislation, all of this valuable education is likely to be lost, rather then expanded upon. DOPA legislation is also cl assist to a certain extent, because it limits the access to public spaces in Federally Funded locations, I.E. schools and libraries. Kids who use these means to communicate will be disconnected, leaving only those privileged enough to have a computer in their homes. The poverty stricken, lower, and working classes should not have to suffer through another act of oppression in the classroom, which is what this law would be perpetuating.
In regards to the central point of the legislature, the "Predator"t, I think this part of the interview sums this up sufficiently:
In regards to the central point of the legislature, the "Predator"t, I think this part of the interview sums this up sufficiently:
"Predators do not use online information to abduct children; children face a much higher risk of abduction or molestation from people they already know – members of their own family or friends of the family. Statistically speaking, kids are more at risk at a church picnic or a boy scout outing than they are when they go on MySpace. Less than .01% of all youth abductions nationwide are stranger abductions and as far as we know, no stranger abduction has occurred because of social network services. The goal of a predator is to get a child to consent to sexual activities. Predators contact teens (online and offline) to start a conversation. Just as most teens know to say no to strange men who approach them on the street, most know to ignore strange men who approach them online."
The article argues that the 86 million people (mainly teens and young adults) who use sites like MySpace and Facebook are very safe in their navigation through these sites, and that kids use the same common sense while online as they would offline. Fear is a powerful agonist; just a small dose is enough to diffuse like wildfire in a country that has grown accustomed to being on edge-in our country. It would be a shame to lose such valuable, thought provoking resources like the above mentioned to such an exsaderated, unrealistic fear.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Teens in the news!
1)ORANGE COUNTY- Teen sends 14, 528 texts in one month
1/13/2009
This 13 year old girl sent these messages, which average about 1 text every two minutes of awake time. While this may seem less drastic then the whopping total of 14,528, think about it like this: This girl is in school for the majority of that "awake" time, which has people speculating about how much she is learning while in classes. It also has people judging her parents, saying that they are unfit if they allow this girl to continue to have access to a cell phone. Lucky for her parents, they have her on a plan with unlimited text messaging!
---> referring back to "Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants", we know that teens these days communicate more through technology then through personal conversations. Based on this article, how excessive is this case? Is it common for this age group? Just like the teen who can listen to their IPOD while studying, can a teenager text this frequently and still be learning as much as someone who isn't? Should cell phones be allowed in school?
http://www.geek.com/articles/mobile/teen-girl-sends-14528-text-messages-in-a-single-month-20090113/
2)IDAHO-Teen charged with the murder of her parents
8/2008
16 year old Sarah Johnson was convicted of shooting her parents to death. The reason: They prevented her from seeing an older guy, who was 19 years old at the time. He was a Mexican illigal immigrant from the poor side of town. He also allegedly sold drugs and dropped out of school, according to the article. Sarah's friends didn't understand why she would be interested in such a guy, and neither did her parents, which is why they threatened to go to the police if he went near her again. They never made it to the police station.
---> We talked in class about the underdeveloped parts of teenagers' brains, particularly the frontal lobes, particularly the prefrontal cortex. This area can be thought of as the executive center of the brain -- the part of the brain that's responsible for planning, organizing, anticipating the consequences of one's actions. Could this be a defense for the actions of this 16 year old?
http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/story?id=3451371&page=1
3)NEW JERSEY- Girl posts nude pics, is charged with kid porn
3/27/2009
A 14-year-old New Jersey girl has been accused of child pornography after posting nearly 30 explicit nude pictures of herself on MySpace.com — charges that could force her to register as a sex offender if convicted.The teen, whose name has not been released because of her age, was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography and distribution of child pornography. She was released to her mother's custody.
If convicted of the distribution charge, she would be forced to register with the state as a sex offender under Megan's Law, said state Attorney General Anne Milgram. She also could face up to 17 years in jail, though such a stiff sentence is unlikely.Some observers — including the New Jersey mother behind the creation of Megan's Law — are criticizing the trend of prosecuting teens who send racy text messages aka "sext" messages, or post illicit photos of themselves.
Maureen Kanka — whose daughter, Megan, became the law's namesake after she was raped and killed at age 7 in 1994 by a twice-convicted sex offender — blasted authorities for charging the 14-year-old girl.
---> Do you think that charging a teenager who voluntarily posts pictures of themselves on the Internet(or texts these pictures to others) should be charged with distribution of child pornography? Registered as a sex offender?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29912729/
1/13/2009
This 13 year old girl sent these messages, which average about 1 text every two minutes of awake time. While this may seem less drastic then the whopping total of 14,528, think about it like this: This girl is in school for the majority of that "awake" time, which has people speculating about how much she is learning while in classes. It also has people judging her parents, saying that they are unfit if they allow this girl to continue to have access to a cell phone. Lucky for her parents, they have her on a plan with unlimited text messaging!
---> referring back to "Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants", we know that teens these days communicate more through technology then through personal conversations. Based on this article, how excessive is this case? Is it common for this age group? Just like the teen who can listen to their IPOD while studying, can a teenager text this frequently and still be learning as much as someone who isn't? Should cell phones be allowed in school?
http://www.geek.com/articles/mobile/teen-girl-sends-14528-text-messages-in-a-single-month-20090113/
2)IDAHO-Teen charged with the murder of her parents
8/2008
16 year old Sarah Johnson was convicted of shooting her parents to death. The reason: They prevented her from seeing an older guy, who was 19 years old at the time. He was a Mexican illigal immigrant from the poor side of town. He also allegedly sold drugs and dropped out of school, according to the article. Sarah's friends didn't understand why she would be interested in such a guy, and neither did her parents, which is why they threatened to go to the police if he went near her again. They never made it to the police station.
---> We talked in class about the underdeveloped parts of teenagers' brains, particularly the frontal lobes, particularly the prefrontal cortex. This area can be thought of as the executive center of the brain -- the part of the brain that's responsible for planning, organizing, anticipating the consequences of one's actions. Could this be a defense for the actions of this 16 year old?
http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/story?id=3451371&page=1
3)NEW JERSEY- Girl posts nude pics, is charged with kid porn
3/27/2009
A 14-year-old New Jersey girl has been accused of child pornography after posting nearly 30 explicit nude pictures of herself on MySpace.com — charges that could force her to register as a sex offender if convicted.The teen, whose name has not been released because of her age, was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography and distribution of child pornography. She was released to her mother's custody.
If convicted of the distribution charge, she would be forced to register with the state as a sex offender under Megan's Law, said state Attorney General Anne Milgram. She also could face up to 17 years in jail, though such a stiff sentence is unlikely.Some observers — including the New Jersey mother behind the creation of Megan's Law — are criticizing the trend of prosecuting teens who send racy text messages aka "sext" messages, or post illicit photos of themselves.
Maureen Kanka — whose daughter, Megan, became the law's namesake after she was raped and killed at age 7 in 1994 by a twice-convicted sex offender — blasted authorities for charging the 14-year-old girl.
---> Do you think that charging a teenager who voluntarily posts pictures of themselves on the Internet(or texts these pictures to others) should be charged with distribution of child pornography? Registered as a sex offender?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29912729/
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
"19 minutes" by Jodi Picoult
I just finished reading this amazingly riveting novel, and I was struck by how much of the book's content can be related to the topics discussed in class. One of the main themes of this book is bullying, and most of the characters unveiled are teenagers. The reader is taken back in time and discovers the horrors associated with being bullied, and learns of the everlasting effects that it has on its victims. While this is a fiction novel, it raises the argument that the effects of one single act of bullying, harassing, or tormenting can be as devastating and detrimental on the victim as an act of sexual assault. In this novel, we get to know Peter, a compassionate, emotional and sensitive boy, whom his mother describes as having "all of the desireable characteristics of a 35 year old man". The only trouble she said, was getting him to that point so he and his peers could realize it. We travel with Peter from birth through age 18, and we empathize with him because he is the kid who never fit in; the kid who is the target of physical, verbal and emotional harassment; the kid who shot 10 people dead at his high school one morning. We begin to understand how a boy could be capable of executing such a horrific act; how anyone could be capable of executing such a horrific act. We learn of the events that took place that fateful morning through the lens of a judge, a defense attorney, a detective, a mother, a father, a best friend, a bully, and Peter himself. This book is full of gray areas just itching to be discussed. How far would you go to be popular? How far would you go to avoid being the "Peter" of your school? How far does bullying go? Who stops it? Are Peter's parents to blame? Is the school?
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
"Fast Forward" -Lauren Greenfield
I really loved her photographs portraying teens in their natural environments. From smoking in the bathroom, to nitrous oxide hits in the bathroom stalls, aka "whip its", to thirteen year old girls keeping track of their weight, and thirteen year old boys dancing with go-go girls, nose jobs (for girls) and bling (for guys), it was really amazing to see components of everyday teenage life uniquely captured through Greenfield's lens. Monotonous, everyday teenage life-pulled apart and analyzed; creating the illusion that these photographs are unique and risky, when they are really just a part of "being a teenager".
Just as a side note, this passage made me imagine what it would be like if adults were as consumed with new life experiences as teens typically are... How intriguing it would be to enter into a new "puberty" of sorts through the ages of adulthood. Physically, cognitevly and emotionally changing and growing as rapidly as teenagers do...Building foundations of meaning that only a plethora of experience can solidify or destroy. Oh if the naiivity that comes with youth could be granted again... anyways, back to topic....
Now some of these photos captured rebellious and experimental behaviors that are usually experienced by teens behind closed doors. These are things that we assume teens do (either because we as adults can remember doing them or we have knowledge that it is being done in today's youth-a "fad") but we don't actually condone these bahaviors or see them do it. We can't see them do it, because they are usually illegal activities, sexually risky or deviant, dangerous, emotional or what have you else. None the less, these are the things that teens tell us about when they are much older, when they are laughable and labeled as "part of being a teenager". These are the things they joke with their friends, about yielding reactions and memories starting with "I can't believe we did that...". These are the experiences teens share that solidify lifelong friendships; a part of growing together; a time of "firsts".
Moving past the photos specifically depicting teens, I want to discuss the photos of the young children (aged 5-10). These kids are examples of the "Getting older younger" phenomenon, as Greenfield describes, meaning that teens and youth are being influenced by media at a younger age. Actually, let me rephrase that. Media is strategically targeting these kids at a younger age, and the whole process continues to perservere unabaded. Greenfield used the example of her own son, just three years old, who is already familiar with characters on TV and song lyrics that he has not been exposed to at home. Some of the younger kids in the photos are very aware of their physical image, their social capital (through their parents), and have a growing sense of entitlement. Basically, those who are priviledged know they are priviledged.
---> after reading Greenfield, I have a much better sense of what I want to look for in my teen photo project. I don't feel like I'm going into it as blindly as before.
---> i want to see more photos from a more diverse population! Perhaps some more international photos and inner city class comparison photos. Even though Greenfield said that there is a great deal of overlap cross-culturally, I want to see it for myself! Also, it might be fun to see similar activities (birthdays, graduations, work, ect) being depicted across class and gender lines.
Just as a side note, this passage made me imagine what it would be like if adults were as consumed with new life experiences as teens typically are... How intriguing it would be to enter into a new "puberty" of sorts through the ages of adulthood. Physically, cognitevly and emotionally changing and growing as rapidly as teenagers do...Building foundations of meaning that only a plethora of experience can solidify or destroy. Oh if the naiivity that comes with youth could be granted again... anyways, back to topic....
"The explosion of the Internet and its integral place in education and teen socializing makes the filtering of mature content from children a near impossibility."
Now some of these photos captured rebellious and experimental behaviors that are usually experienced by teens behind closed doors. These are things that we assume teens do (either because we as adults can remember doing them or we have knowledge that it is being done in today's youth-a "fad") but we don't actually condone these bahaviors or see them do it. We can't see them do it, because they are usually illegal activities, sexually risky or deviant, dangerous, emotional or what have you else. None the less, these are the things that teens tell us about when they are much older, when they are laughable and labeled as "part of being a teenager". These are the things they joke with their friends, about yielding reactions and memories starting with "I can't believe we did that...". These are the experiences teens share that solidify lifelong friendships; a part of growing together; a time of "firsts".
Moving past the photos specifically depicting teens, I want to discuss the photos of the young children (aged 5-10). These kids are examples of the "Getting older younger" phenomenon, as Greenfield describes, meaning that teens and youth are being influenced by media at a younger age. Actually, let me rephrase that. Media is strategically targeting these kids at a younger age, and the whole process continues to perservere unabaded. Greenfield used the example of her own son, just three years old, who is already familiar with characters on TV and song lyrics that he has not been exposed to at home. Some of the younger kids in the photos are very aware of their physical image, their social capital (through their parents), and have a growing sense of entitlement. Basically, those who are priviledged know they are priviledged.
---> after reading Greenfield, I have a much better sense of what I want to look for in my teen photo project. I don't feel like I'm going into it as blindly as before.
---> i want to see more photos from a more diverse population! Perhaps some more international photos and inner city class comparison photos. Even though Greenfield said that there is a great deal of overlap cross-culturally, I want to see it for myself! Also, it might be fun to see similar activities (birthdays, graduations, work, ect) being depicted across class and gender lines.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Prep - Curtis Sittenfeld
Very interesting read!
The story begins with an ambiguous girl named Lee who has been thrown into a completely new and unfamiliar culture. She moved from small town, Indiana to a private, wealthy boarding school. (Ault) which she attends on a scholarship. Lee suffers from a culture shock; lacking the social, cultural and economic capital necessary to fit in to this very wealthy upper class institution. She comes off as awkward, sexually ambiguous, and confused. As I read, I really felt somewhat anxious at times (when she was reading her architecture report to the class) intrigued, and confused-much like I was experiencing life through the eyes of a teenager again. On top of the normal teenage anguish and alienation that is expected, Lee's experience is multiplied by her situation. We watch Lee struggle as she tries to adapt new social skills, which force her to completely reconstruct her old set of skills that have proven to be non transferable and useless in this environment. She is a foreigner in every way at this school.
Only upon meeting Gates does she attempt to try and fit in somehow. She sees Gates as someone in the middle; not too popular, yet not too unpopular. She can talk to her and learn from her, which she does. Despite learning that flowers are good and ear piercings signify femininity, Lee is discovering her sexuality. Upon meeting Gates for example, she describes her as "very attractive: not pretty exactly, but striking, or maybe handsome." This really made me laugh because, yet again, I was reminded of high school and the process of figuring out your own identity, and how you identify with others. This mixed up description shows that Lee is bonding to another person for the first time at school, and is left confused by her connection to Gates (the line between attraction and friendship can be tricky when your a teen). Of couse, we learn later in the text that this attractive quality she sees in Gates is just simply rooted in friendship, as evidenced by her "real sexual attraction" to Cross.
----->I was confused by the term prefects' while I was reading. I'm not sure what this means when it is used to describe the other students at Ault.
----->I would like to tlak more in class about identifying with the character. I know I identified with the feeling of being a lost teenager in a new place while reading this story, and I would interested in seeing how the class related too, if at all. Its not everyday that we remember what it was like to live as a teen.
The story begins with an ambiguous girl named Lee who has been thrown into a completely new and unfamiliar culture. She moved from small town, Indiana to a private, wealthy boarding school. (Ault) which she attends on a scholarship. Lee suffers from a culture shock; lacking the social, cultural and economic capital necessary to fit in to this very wealthy upper class institution. She comes off as awkward, sexually ambiguous, and confused. As I read, I really felt somewhat anxious at times (when she was reading her architecture report to the class) intrigued, and confused-much like I was experiencing life through the eyes of a teenager again. On top of the normal teenage anguish and alienation that is expected, Lee's experience is multiplied by her situation. We watch Lee struggle as she tries to adapt new social skills, which force her to completely reconstruct her old set of skills that have proven to be non transferable and useless in this environment. She is a foreigner in every way at this school.
"It had already been obvious to me that I was different from them, but I'd imagined I could lie low for a while, getting a sense of them, then reinvent myself in their image. Now I'd been uncovered. " (P. 6)
Only upon meeting Gates does she attempt to try and fit in somehow. She sees Gates as someone in the middle; not too popular, yet not too unpopular. She can talk to her and learn from her, which she does. Despite learning that flowers are good and ear piercings signify femininity, Lee is discovering her sexuality. Upon meeting Gates for example, she describes her as "very attractive: not pretty exactly, but striking, or maybe handsome." This really made me laugh because, yet again, I was reminded of high school and the process of figuring out your own identity, and how you identify with others. This mixed up description shows that Lee is bonding to another person for the first time at school, and is left confused by her connection to Gates (the line between attraction and friendship can be tricky when your a teen). Of couse, we learn later in the text that this attractive quality she sees in Gates is just simply rooted in friendship, as evidenced by her "real sexual attraction" to Cross.
----->I was confused by the term prefects' while I was reading. I'm not sure what this means when it is used to describe the other students at Ault.
----->I would like to tlak more in class about identifying with the character. I know I identified with the feeling of being a lost teenager in a new place while reading this story, and I would interested in seeing how the class related too, if at all. Its not everyday that we remember what it was like to live as a teen.
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