How do the Television shows and Movies we watch influence the way we see ourselves, the way we interact with those around us, and the manner in which we respond to the world in which we live?

With this “eStation” you will explore the question of how we are influenced by the television shows and movies we watch as well as the advertising surrounding those shows and films. This will include the following:  Watch a section of the documentary “Consuming Kids” and respond to questions  Read the short essay “Spudding Out” and respond by exploring your own “spudding” habits  Watch a short YouTube video on “What Disney Princes and Princesses Teach Children” and respond with your own ideas about Gender lessons

Use the URL below for the Video “Consuming Kids” and go to the times listed. DO NOT watch the full video. After watching the 8min and 20 second clip answer the questions on the following slide. QCs Time : begin at 10: 33 and end at 18:50

1. Discuss the importance of the following quote: “I am not a film director; I am a toy maker.” 2. What is your reaction to the explanation of the fact that advertisers are taking advantage of children's reliance on television characters as “touchstones” to make money. 3. Did you have any television characters who were your childhood touchstones? Do you view them differently now that you have viewed this clip? Explain. 4. What is your opinion of the creation of television programs and characters whose sole purpose is to sell products? Were you aware of this practice? Are you more or less likely to purchase these products now? 5. Will you look for product placements in movies and television shows? Do you believe that product placements influence your purchases? Explain.

1.What differences does Ehrenreich note between what we see on television and in “real life”? Could we view these differences as a criticism of our lives or television? 2. Why do you think the term “Couch Potato” has not been commonly used in the recent past? Do you think people are still “spudding out”? What are the habits of your family and friends? 3. What is the satirical point Ehrenreich is making in this essay? Do you agree or disagree with her point? Explain. 4. What are your personal television watching habits? Do you crave the “real life” she describes?

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 Take out a blank piece of paper and fold it in half length wise. On one side brainstorm the skills that your ideal job or career require. Do you want to be an artist, doctor, police woman or fireman, lawyer, teacher, engineer, actor, PT, athlete? Stretch your mind and make your list long.  On the second side list all the skills that the Disney Prince or Princess taught children.  Compare the two lists. Draw lines between skills that connect between the two lists  At the bottom write a paragraph describing what Disney, television, and movies are teaching our children about who they are and what they need to be fulfilled as an adult.