Book review: Packaging Girlhood

An alien anthropologist, studying North American culture, might wonder why it is that despite the increasing economic and political power of women over the last forty years, appearance and behaviour seem to be more gender-typed than ever. A walk through any department store would give this anthropologist a clear notion of gender roles in children and teens: boys are warriors and superheroes, clad in camouflage (the new blue); girls are princesses, dressed always in pink. Packaging Girlhood, by Sharon Lamb and Lyn Mikel Brown, acts as a guide to parents and teachers who – perhaps remembering a time of boys and girls in t-shirts, jeans or unisex overalls – may be as perplexed by all this as our alien would be.

Election and Political News

Journalism has been described as the lifeblood of democracy, and elections, likewise, have long been journalism’s bread and butter. The relationship between the two, however, has always been fraught. ”

Common portrayals of Indigenous people

Media have always shaped the public’s perception of Indigenous people: the wise elder (Little Big Man); the princess (Pocahontas); the loyal sidekick (Tonto)—these images have become engrained in the consciousness of  North Americans.

Child Studies

In the Nova Scotia child studies curriculum, media literacy outcomes are included under the general outcomes requiring students to integrate knowledge, skills and practise required by caregivers to influence the welfare of children; explain the importance of providing healthy food choices for children; and explore how children develop and learn through daily experiences.

Science

“Science and technology both exist in a broader social, cultural, and economic context. They are affected by the values and choices of people and governments and in turn have a significant impact on local as well societal issues.” K-6 Science and Technology Curriculum (2004)

Media and digital literacy enable students understand the ways in which science and technology affect and are affected by their social contexts by helping them to develop critical thinking habits and skills and to interpret the ways in which they gain information about the world around them.

Happy Holidays

Best wishes from the MediaSmarts team

As 2014 comes to an end, we reflect on the busy and exciting year that’s just passed.

Understanding the Internet Lesson 2: Pathways and Addresses

In this lesson, students will gain a greater understanding of how messages are sent and received over the Internet. They will analyze three videos to identify key information and vocabulary that will help them to continue constructing their Online Dictionaries from Lesson 1.

Outcome Chart - Nova Scotia - Child Studies Grade 9

Outcome Chart - Nova Scotia - Child Studies Grade 9

The Girl in the Mirror - Lesson

In this lesson, students look at how gender stereotyping may discourage young women from becoming involved in politics.