Talking Point #4

Unlearning the Myths That Bind Us                                                                                            Kyle Garcia

By Linda Christensen

"Our society's culture industry colonizes their minds and teaches them how to act, live, and dream."

-Chistensen states this because he thinks that pop culture today is brain washing kids in what their desires and goals should be in life.  This is shown because children are so heavily influenced by what they see on television, hear in music, and see in magazines.  Some kids may not feel happy if they do not accomplish everything that happens in a fairy tale.

"They assure me that they make their own choices and the media has no power over them-as they sit with Fubu, Nike, Timberlands or whatever the latest fashion rage might be."

-Christensen makes this statement because it shows how students will not admit to the obvious fact that these children are influenced by the media.  Some of these children might not even like the styles that these brands come out with.  They probably just buy them because the media says "that's what the cool kids are wearing". 

"And often the world depicts the domination of one sex, one race, one class, or one country over a weaker counterpart."

-I agree with this quote by Christensen.  It seems like when you watch television today you see the same social group being used or the same race or class over and over again.  You also see the "bad guy" as someone of a different race or gender from the main character.  This can give children the wrong impression as to what is good versus bad.  Children can not be brain washed to thinking that there is perfect world outside, like the movies and shows exemplify. 

Christensen's piece shows many good points about the current ideas that may be in young peoples minds today.  I feel like kids should be watching less TV and getting more experience in the real world.  By watching television their brains are being corrupted into thinking things that they do not really want.  Kids may think they want one thing because that is what is shown over and over again in all types of media.  They should go out in the real world and form their own opinions on what they want.  All girls are not going to be princesses and they should not feel like the have to find a prince charming like the movies portray to be happy.  Instead they should go after whatever it is that makes them happy and do it.