English Concept 6 PDF

# Key Concept #6: Politics & Social Matters ## Concept Overview Media literacy is a process with 7 key concepts, each with a primary goal and opportunities for critical thought. Key concept #6 - "Media Exists in a Political Context" - is about how political forces influence the media and its con...

# Key Concept #6: Politics & Social Matters ## Concept Overview Media literacy is a process with 7 key concepts, each with a primary goal and opportunities for critical thought. Key concept #6 - "Media Exists in a Political Context" - is about how political forces influence the media and its content. Though there are new avenues for media production and consumption, key concept #6 reminds us that mainstream ideas are always shifting and changing. ## What is the Mainstream? Mainstream media is any media text or News Outlet that has a wide reach and influence over public opinion. Traditionally, media texts break into the mainstream by hitting the right brand and being relatable in some way. Access to the mainstream has shifted with the internet, but conversations about mainstream media have rarely changed. ## What is Commodification? * Media texts have been known to either conform or challenge societal norms. * Despite an increase in representation and relatability, these conversations don't always lead to long-term change. * This is due to commodification, a power imbalance that allow shareholders and CEOs to treat media texts as JUST products to be bought and sold. ## For Example... * In 2023, Mattel released Barbie; a toy-based movie with explicitly feminist messaging that made $1 Billion at the Box Office. * Following the success, Mattel responded by pivoting towards more toy-based films. So far, their plans do not seem to include similarly deep messages. * Through commodification, these toys will become valuable media properties for generating revenue rather than for exploring similar issues. ## Familiar Messaging * A power imbalance occurs when one person or group has significantly more control, authority or influence over another. * The internet has created a platform for increased activism, but it has also increased the presence of disinformation and bad faith actors. * This is especially dangerous with already influential figures like politicians, who use the media to influence voters through nostalgia or repeated slogans [e.g. "Make America Great Again" or "Axe the Tax"]. ## The Political Spectrum * Key concept #6 gives us the Political Spectrum; a tool for expanding our investigation skills when faced with Bad & Good Faith policies. * The spectrum is often presented like a scale for three major areas of thought. * Sections include the Middle, Left, and Right. Media texts are generally more disingenuous the closer you get to an extreme [i.e. Far Left & Far Right]. ## Sections of Thought * The Middle refers to a neutral perspective; often using elements from both sides to find common ground. * The Left refers to ideas that emphasize progressive, innovative and forward-thinking viewpoints. Equity and rapid change is often "left-leaning". * The Right refers to ideas that emphasize traditional, conservative, or preservationist viewpoints. Tradition and gradual change is often "right-leaning". ## Asking Deeper Questions When analyzing media, think about key concept #6 as a lens for intention. Ask yourself: * Who does this message make look informed? Is that depiction accurate or misinformed? * Who does this message make look good / bad? * What conclusions do the producers want you to reach?