Modern Day Romeo & Juliet

Sean Kingston Beautiful Girls Sample Lyrics

You're way too beautiful girl
That's why it will never work
You'll have me suicidal, suicidal
When you say it's over
Damn all these beautiful girls
They only wanna do you dirt
They'll have you suicidal, suicidal
When they say it's over

Now we are fussing and now we are fighting
please tell me why, I'm feeling slighted
and i don't know, how to make it better
your dating other guys, your telling me lies
oh I can't believe what I'm seeing with my eyes
I'm losing my mind, and I don't think it's clever

This song is an example of how suicide among young couples is romanticized in the media. The text Media Literacy, states "Vulnerable and emotional teens of both exes often perceive the loss of a relationship as fatal, but girls are more willing that their male peers to kill themselves over the loss of love" (pp.497). I first came to understand couple suicide in high school with the famously noted play by Shakespeare "Romeo & Juliet". This very romantic storyline reveals a disturbing reality for many young people. It is a dangerous game when two fragile teenagers intertwine their lives so much so that the threat of separation leaves them hopeless. What is scary is the fact that young teens often rely on others to define their existence. Furthermore relationships for vulnerable teens that have not formed their identity away from their peer groups can lead to dangerous realities. I think that especially during ones youth, life can feel so dramatized, being teased, not having the right clothes, losing the game or breaking up can feel like the end of the world. What we as influential figures have to teach today’s youth is that these things don't solely define them. Teens in this day and age are battling cyber bullying and impressionable media messages; with all of these elements teens have to develop their self esteem and be able to adopt effective problem solving skills.

Lives of the Young & Dead

Kelly Rowland - Stole

The video above by Kelly Rowland, tells the story a young man who was alienated by his peers at school and decided to take his life with a gun in the bathroom. This video also highlights how the life of a fellow classmate was changed after she found him. I really think this video is important because it allows us to see how a teenager whose life is isolated and lonely could cause them to take drastic measures to end their life. This video also shows us the effects our words or actions may have on some who is vulnerable.

When I think back on all the school shootings there seems to be a reoccurring theme; the perpetrator is often someone who was isolated and an outcast from their peers. I also noticed that the perpetrator often male, kills them self in a violent rage after taking the lives of many. School shootings have become a popular trend among troubled youth and this is partly because of the media's glamorized image of the perpetrator. We often hear more about the shooter and their life as oppose to the victim. More disturbing are signs that we as educator and fellow peers ignore.

In class we discussed the shocking rate of teens who commit suicide, what was even more shocking were the number of websites that promoted the successful efforts of teens who desire to kill them self. These websites are appalling and do nothing for teens that are in a bad place, they turn to these sites as a form of crying out, seeking solitude in finding someone desolate like them, but instead they find sick minded individuals encouraging them to kill themselves rather than deal with life.

Look up in the sky, it's a bird, it's a plane... No it's Supergirl

Power puff girls and several other girl super heroes, have managed to break through stereotypes of the typical male hero. In these programs we begin to view women and girls as not the “damsel in distress” in need of a male savoir but rather as the very capable hero. These shows have an empowering message for girls who are usually the delicate princess in need of rescuing. Not only are these girls hero's, they are attractive and intellectual as well.

One of my favourite super hero's is elastic girl from "The Incredibles", in this character we see a woman who has it all; she is sexy, can cook diner and save the world all in a day’s work. To me her sexiness and ability to be desirable are important traits because she does not have to become this butch, or muscled being to take on the world. Therefore the mould of a super hero does not only have to exist within masculine traits and I think this image being portrayed is empowering for women. Even more popular is the program "Totally spies", where young teenage girls are the ones battling secret identities and saving the world. The idea here is that women are smart and capable and no longer need prince charming to rescue them from the perils of the world. "Riordan describes the logic behind girl power; “if we start to value girls more an celebrate their culture, girls in turn will feel positive about themselves and will achieve higher self-esteem" (Media literacy 396) It is so important for young girls to see themselves as contributors in society beyond the home front. The world is changing and girls can be super heroes too!

Disney and Sexism

I found this movie very revealing in terms of uncovering some of the stereotypes in regards to women and men and their roles within society. As a child and even now as an adult I love Disney films, I find that they are entertaining and allow children to believe that dreams can come true. At times I find it hard to critique Disney films because there are some things in life that I view as pure entertainment. When I went to Disney land for the first time I was overcome with this magical and fun element and I think that it is important for children to have that opportunity especially growing up. My fear is that when we start to dissect these films, we loose the innocence and fun within them. Children don't want to be bombarded with all these adult realities. As a child there is nothing wrong with wanting to be a princess but they also have to know that they can be lawyers and doctors as well and not limit themselves to typical women dominated fields.

Even more striking, revealed in this short film are the expectations for male characters within many Disney movies. Often the main male character is dubbed with strong muscles, bravery and chivalry traits (Gaston, Beast, Aladdin, Cinderella’s Prince). All other characters that do not fit this mould are simply the side kicks or bumbling fools who get in the way of a real mans work. (Belle's father, Gaston's sidekick, Quasimodo) Focus on such physical appearances, may leave young men with values that are unrealistic.



I also acknowledge that the messages these movies send have an impact on the way children view the world and therefore Disney should also keep in mind that we can entertain and empower at the same time.

Race and Media

As a product of racism myself I am proud to say that I have seen an improvement in the way the African American culture has been portrayed on television. When I look back shows like "The Cosby's" and "Fresh Prince of Bel-air" provided a refreshing view of the usual portrayal of poor black families living in the hood. These shows were about dispelling some of those stereotypes and replacing them with positive images. For me it was a new goal, something better to look forward to. The text states, "the increasing visibility of entertainers of color, the supposed changes in artists' possibilities, and the adoration America has for Denzel Washington, Jay-Z , Halle Berry, and Will Smith are posited as evidence of racial progress an color blindness( Media Literacy pp. 199). Obama holding one of the highest positions in the world as a black man is self evident in the progress that has been made. Like the Cosby family, African American families who are typically bombarded with images of fatherless homes, Obama although a product of this stereotype allows us to recognize that our past makes no excuses for striving for a better tomorrow. One reality show that I am particularly impressed with is "Baldwin Hills" their opening line for the show is "Not all black people live in the ghetto; some of us are the children of successful lawyers, doctors, actors and athletes". I find this opening statement to be empowering because it portrays a more positive image for African Americans. This show stems from the popular reality show "The Hills" where young white females from wealthy families are often the model for success. In this program you rarely see people of minority groups and this is evident of society’s view of culture and success.


Although this might be a small percentage of blacks, negative images of hustlers, drug dealers, single mothers and rappers are not all the black community has to offer and a continuous portrayal of these although true images just continues to perpetuate the cycle. I believe that when youth see "Grey's Anatomy" and "ER" with young black doctors they begin to broaden their horizons and therefore these limited expectations become excuses of the past.

Reponse to "SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE"

In class we watched what I felt was a brilliant movie. Although I have never been to India, the portrayal of class and poverty were highlighted themes within the movie. It's depiction of filthy children playing baseball on a tarmac and running through fields of trash where people live is one of the striking images that called attention to India's environment. The children’s' ability to survive on their own after there mothers death relied on the provisions of their local garbage dumb. When we compare this to North American societies this kind of life for a child would be simply unacceptable. What was even more troubling was when a seemingly savoir comes onto the scene and takes the children to his home; however it is merely for his gains (prostitution and theft). This film uncovers the mass of corruption that exists within India and it reveals a stunning reality that makes India one of the most prevalent capitals of child slavery. When your justice system is corrupt it creates a society wherein everyone is living for them self; where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. It is interesting that the premise of the movie is based on an American program often referred to by Latika as a "chance to escape"; this highlights the view that the "American dream" is the best dream. That like many of our programs such as Gossip girls, money equals power. Chapter 28 states "Only few films highlight social issues, and the ones that address these issues don't become "hits” at the box office" (Media literacy 336). That’s why I think that the rawness of this movie is what makes it so captivating. Although it has a Hollywood feel to it, it is very much authentic in keeping with the culture of India.