Media Literacy: Versions of Reality PDF

Key Concept #2: Versions of Reality https://understandmedia.com/media-literacy-basics/14- core-concept-1-all-media-messages-are-constructed  Concept Overview Media literacy is a process with 7 key concepts; each with...

Key Concept #2: Versions of Reality https://understandmedia.com/media-literacy-basics/14- core-concept-1-all-media-messages-are-constructed  Concept Overview Media literacy is a process with 7 key concepts; each with a primary goal and opportunities for critical thought. Key concept #2 – “Media Creates Versions of Reality” – is about how different perspectives shape media messages. It’s a reminder that media texts show us a world that is selective rather than objective. By the end, you will be able to assess media texts for their facts & opinions 2  Producers & Contradictions Media texts are produced by people who make decisions and pitch ideas. These materials do NOT grow on trees; they come from the relationship a producer has with their society. The final product can define our perceptions, but it can also contradict other media texts, creating ‘versions of reality’! 3  For example… In 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped away from the Royal Family due to an intense media scrutiny. Meghan was often the subject of more negative and aggressive media when compared to Kate Middleton. These media texts influenced public perception – Kate was often the “Perfect Royal” while Meghan was the outsider! 4  For example… 5  For example… 6 Media is Fickle The media was heavily relying on outdated – and racist – stereotypes when reporting on Meghan. Kate was traditional where Meghan was rebellious, selfless where Meghan was selfish, and a respected insider where Meghan continues to be an outsider. HOWEVER, media is fickle - when Kate was dating Prince William, the media called her a gold-digger and social climber who didn’t fit the royal role. 7 Media is Fickle 8 How do we Respond? Audiences can respond to media bias through Facts and Opinions These ideas may not be new, but the media has blurred the lines between them. It is possible to separate the two by thinking critically and paying attention! 9 Facts vs. Opinions Facts are true statements that are observable or found to be true through investigation. Opinions reveal how a person thinks or feels and rarely require evidence to be argued. As an audience, we encounter issues of disinformation when opinions are presented as facts. 10 Versions of Reality When analyzing media, think of key concept #2 as a lens for motivation. Ask yourself: What message is being communicated? Something with evidence or something about feelings? Can this media text be fact-checked? Is context being left out? If so, how and why? 11