Talking Point #4

What is the Article About:

• secret education


• dominance of one's sex, race, class or country


• children's cartoon and media, influence children's view of the world


• the absences of "minority" group in the media


• misinformation about people different than us


• students realizing the misinformation

Argument

Linda Christensen argues that children are victims of the "secret education." Books and cartoons shape the way children view society, creating misinformation that can later affect society. We can stop this misinformation by introducing the true facts in schools through observations and critiques.

Evidence:

Children as victims of the "secret education"

" The 'secret education,'...delivered by children's books and movies, instructs young people to accept the world as it is portrayed in these social blueprints." (pg. 126)

"When we read children's books, we aren't just reading cute little stories, we are discovering the tools with which a young society is manipulated." (pg. 126)

"...Although these stories are supposed to merely entertain us, they constantly give us a secret education." (pg. 128)

Children influenced at an early age/ not accepting it

"The impact of racism begins early. Even in our preschool years, we are exposed to misinformation about people different from ourselves." (pg. 126)

"Many students don't want to believe that they have been manipulated by children's media or advertising. No one wants to admit that they've been "handled" by the media." (pg. 128)

Books and cartoons shape the way children view society

" Children's cartoons, movies, and literature are perhaps the most influential 'genre' read." (pg. 127)

" Indians in 'Looney Tunes'....we begin to imagine Indians as savages with bows and arrows and long black hair." (pg. 131)

" Have you ever seen a black person, an Asian, a Hispanic in a cartoon? Did they have a leading role...[w]omen who aren't white begin to feel left out ugly because they never get to play the princess." (pg. 131)

"Duck Tales...Uncle Scrooge and the gang teach children that money is the only important thing in life." (pg. 136)

"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles...teaches a false sense of violence to kids: fight and you don't get hurt, or solve problems through fists and swords instead of words." (pg. 136)

"Popeye... Americans are the best and conquer all others." (pg. 136)

Introducing the true facts in schools

"...I want students to critique portrayals of hierarchy and inequality in children's movies and cartoons. Then I want to enlist them to imagine a better world, characterized by relationships of respect and equality." (pg. 127)

"They are 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... I provided them the opportunity to make a difference." (pg. 137)

Comments

New/old cartoons have affected tremendously the way children view society. I have a younger brother who watches a lot of cartoons. One of his favorite cartoons was Dexter's Laboratory. I always pick this cartoon because it's a perfect example of the meaning of misinformation. Dexter's mother is always in the kitchen cooking or washing dishes. As a matter of fact she always has cleaning gloves on. This cartoon teaches students that women's role is to be in the house cleaning or cooking. When that is not the case in today's society. Parent believe that when children are watching cartoons they are learning. However, this is not the case. Children are learning about the wrong society.