1. THE LANGUAGE OF MASS MEDIA & COMMUNICATION
Consider: In what ways does language/text influence the individual’s understanding of culture and society?
Consider: In what ways does media influence the individual, groups and/or society?

2. Bias: What does this word mean to you?
Discuss with your group what you think of when you hear the word “bias.” Record group members’ responses, along with your own.
Where do you feel like you see “bias” at work? Where is it most prevalent?
Do you feel like you have ever been a victim of bias? Try to be honest. In what way? This can be interpreted in many ways.

3. Homework for Wednesday, March 21
Write 1 paragraph about the PERCEPTION of YOUTH your selection promotes...
Video clips: shows, news, social media
Advertisements
Articles
Commercials
Cartoons
Blogs/Posts
Music

4. Group Discussion:

5. Discuss and record your group’s thoughts on the following:
What ages comprise “youth”?
What do you personally think of when you hear the terms “today’s youth” or “kids today”?
When you see stories of teenagers in the news or read stories about teenagers in newspapers, magazines, blogs or online publications, what types of stories come to mind?
When you hear stories about teens and violence in the news, how does it make you feel?
Do you ever see teenagers like you or your friends in the media?

6. Continued…
How would you characterize the balance between negative and positive stories about teenagers?
Does the public/media’s perception of you affect your views about your generation? In what way?
How do you think your parents view your “generation”? Think about how they view you and your friends…are you guys the rule or the exception?
“Media Myth”: describes the media’s portrayal of images/information that are not based in fact. A “media myth” is created when whole groups of people are misrepresented because the extreme actions of a few dominate the media.
Can you think of any examples of groups of people affected by “media myths”?

7. Continued… What media myths have been created regarding teenagers?
Do you think media myths or public perceptions have ever affected how you’ve been treated? Give examples, either general or specific.

8. What do you think about this?

9. Or this?

10. And this?

11. What about this?