Talking Points #4 Christensen

Linda Christensen
Unlearning the Myths That Bind Us

Quotes:

1.  "The impact of racism begins early.  Even in our preschool years, we are exposed to misinformation about people different from ourselves.  Many of us grow up in neighborhoods where we have limited opportunities to interact with people different from our own families... Consequently, most of the early information we receive about "others"-- people racially, religiously, or socioeconomically different fom ourselves--does not come as a result of firsthand experience."  I know that people can be racist except I never thought about how much we are impacted by it, especially at an early age.  We learn from what we are exposed to because childrens minds are like sponges at such a young age.  We learn by observing the many different things around us, but if we are not exposed to it, then as young children, you will not know anything but the "norm" for your society.  Cartoons and movies really do portray many racists topics that children will not pick up on as being derogatory but simply a "norm."  

2.  "Industrially produced fiction has become one of the primary shapers of our emotions and intellect...Although these stories are supposed to merely entertain us, they constantly give us a secret education."  I find the idea of "secret education" very interesting.  It is amazing how many things we learn without realizing we are learning...it happens everyday.  For example, you know when you go to school that you are going to learn and the same thing can apply for going to work.  However, when you turn on the cartoons for younger children, you do not realize what they will actually pick up on from watching a show that probably isn't very educational.

3.  "They were fueled by the opportunity to convince some parents of the long-lasting effects cartoons impose on their children, or to enlighten their peers about the roots of some of their insecurities.  Instead of leaving students full of bile, standing around with their hands on their hips, shaking their heads about how bad the world is, I provided them the opportunity to make a difference."  I think that what this teacher is doing is extremely important.  Not only is it teaching them right from wrong, it is making them realize what is going on in the world and recognize that it is a real problem.  Allowing them to recognize the actions and why they are wrong will help them steer away from those actions and try to influence the people they know to avoid the stereotypical attitude that many people still have.  This teacher is very brave to stand up for what she believes is right and I feel as though it can make a difference in their lives and in the lives of people around them.

Linda Christensen covers very important material in the reading, Unlearning the Myths That Bind Us.  Racism is a very strong topic that is too common all over the world.  As children, we are raised in our own societies and with our own customs and beliefs.  However, we are also strongly influenced by cartoons and children shows when we are young.  Christensen explains many examples of cartoons that would shape a child's perspective of different topics without thinking about it.  I personally enjoyed her concept of a "secret education."  She explains that we learn without realizing it on a daily basis starting when we are very young and I couldn't agree more.  Her article was really informative and enjoyable to read.    
I found this article very interesting and easy to read.  While I was reading it, I really realized how true everything she is saying really is.  It was weird to think of the cartoons she mentioned and how that would negatively affect children.  I, myself, have watched several of the cartoons when I was younger and how everything portrayed seemed to be "normal" to me.  It I was raised and watched shows that portrayed other aspects, I would probably feel as if the different ideas were "normal" also.  This article reminds me of the Carlson piece about the view of homosexuals.  It seems different to most people because many were raised in an area where that wasn't taught or thought of to be accepted.  Everything we are taught influences our outlook on different situations.