Unlearning the Myths that bind us- Argument

Unlearning the Myths that bind us
By: Linda Christensen

Argument:  In this piece Christensen argues that today's society, pop culture, and the media are responsible for skewing our images of ourselves and others in today's world. She states that Disney, and other cartoon producers portray multiple stereotypes throughout their cartoons and characters that subliminally affect children and shape their view of themselves and the world. She also believes that because these messages and stereotypes start influencing kids at such a young age that some of these kids will grow up believing that these ideas they have about themselves and/or others are their own ideas when really they are the ideas of the society that influences them. She also argues that it goes beyond the typical racial stereotypes, and depicts many other  stereotypes that cast a bad light on people who do not fit into the "pretty" or "white" categories.

Points to Share: I believe that this is true, that society affects the way children/people view themselves and others. But it is hard to avoid every possible media outlet that might stereotype. As Christensen says, it goes beyond cartoons and Disney Movies. It includes movies, cartoons, books, television
shows, songs and the list goes on and on. So although some part of me feels that we should keep children from such media so they can create their own perspectives on life, however that seems impossible due to the sheer volume of aspects of the media that include negative stereotypes. As Christensen suggests we can try to change this part of society, however difficult this may be, I think we must try, as I agree with Christensen that this is our only option, if we don't fight this than we are consenting to having more children grow up believing that the lens society gives them is always crystal clear, when in reality is cracked and distorted they just don't know it because they have always only seen the world through that lens.
Here is a list of 10 books that have recently been banned in different elementary schools across the country for different reasons. Number 2 on this list is "And Tango makes Three" which was mentioned in class. By banning books in schools we shape the experiences that children can have, which will later shape their views about the world.