Exploring Media: Photovoice

In the media there is a significant amount of violence. There is violence portrayed in ads, in movies, numerous television shows, and cartoons. We hope that most adults have the capacity to think critically about the images that they see, but of course not every adult will do so. What is troubling is that children have not yet learned how to analyze and construct meaning from what is shown. Children are not shielded from advertising, because it is everywhere, on billboards, buses, television, and the web. They are exposed to even more violence when they watch regular daytime television, even in cartoons, especially in cartoons. Children find the content appealing and entertaining, therefore, it is the responsibility of the adults to monitor the programming that their children are exposed to.
In the photo I have chosen, there are two four-year-old boys, in the back yard of the daycare where I work, with their fists in the air and angry looks on their faces. But they are having fun, they do not see anything wrong with these poses or behaviors. It never fails to amaze me how violently the young children play at daycare, even despite the fact that they are reprimanded for doing so, and are reminded endlessly why it is not appropriate to engage in games of violence. Even toddlers, only 18 months old make gun shapes with their fingers, aim, and say “Pow! Pow!” And as they get older, the games get more intense, they build guns and play soldiers, bad guys and good guys, chase each other, tackle, kick, punch, bite, hit and push others. It is all fun and games until somebody gets hurt. Before this happens, children do not see what is wrong with these behaviors. And even if an adult intervenes and explains to them why their behavior is not acceptable and that it hurts others, they cannot understand the gravity of the situation, because they are desensitized by the amount of violence that bombards them day to day through the media. Violence has become “normal.”
When violence is a form of entertainment, it is no wonder that children play violently. It is necessary for parents to monitor a child’s exposure to violence and when they are exposed, to explain to the child the context and severity of the situation. Once children reach elementary school, teachers need to take part in teaching media literacy, analysis, and critical thinking. If children are made aware of the images that surround them, can dissect them in order to make sense of the messages, and make their own choices, hopefully they will be more positive choices in behavior and improve interpersonal development.