ACME Discuss: On the Importance of Critiques

On Nov 12, 2008, at 10:15 AM, Valerie Baul wrote:
Wow...that was an amazing article, although very pessimistic about the future. I understand the problem, now what's the solution? Too many of our critiques these days simply line out the problem after problem after problem, but I see very few that actually offer viable and helpful solutions...I want solutions...not more focus on the problems...

On Nov 13, 2008, at 10:32 AM, Bob McCannon wrote:
Valerie, with all due respect, you note that this incredibly literate and detailed article, describing a media-retated problem "amazed" you. I would augur that it educated you. Certainly, it motivated you to write a response.

You continue, saying you want no more such critiques; you only want solutions.

Wrong. I suggest that the most powerful parts of the solutions to the dozens of media-related problems in our society ARE critiques of the problem. Descriptions of the problem are integral and essential. They are primary.

No one values solutions without them. Far too many educators avoid describing the problems today. Please note an important caveat: there are very good ways to do this and very bad.

There are two reasons that many shy away from critiques (not necessarily you). One is that we live in a Hollywood/advertising fantasy world of happy endings, jarred only by the occasional sports loss. It is a major reason that many avoid the news, why, as Hedges says, so many grope for simplistic, fantastic solutions.

The other is that too many media educators are amateurs who cannot present the problems in ways that motivate kids, parents, educators, citizens, etc.

Lastly, proper evaluation (read choice here) of solutions comes only with detailed, historical, descriptions of the problem.

Best,

Bob

Winner: The Holroyd-Sherry Award for Excellence
in Media Education by the American Academy
of Pediatrics, Boston, October, 2008

Presenter, Media Educator, Consultant
www.bobmccannon.org

Co-President, Co-Founder
The Action Coalition for Media Education,
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Author, "Media Literacy/Media Education
Literature Review" in Children Adolescents
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Executive Director, 1993 -2005
The New Mexico Media Literacy Project (founded 1993)