Media and Critical Thinking

Media literacy refers to the ability to discern the messages conveyed by the mass media (including print ads, TV commercials, news reports, movies, TV shows, and web sites), to identify the underlying assumptions those messages reveal, and to understand the goals of the media producers. It requires critical thinking skills to uncover the underlying intent of media messages and to expose efforts to influence our conscious or unconscious choices and beliefs. For this discussion, select from any media listed (underlined above) above and view or read the media. Carefully note the following:

1. What feelings does the commercial, news report, or Web site try to create in you?
2. What beliefs does it assume you have?
3. What critical thinking skills did you use to determine this?
4. Please include the link or tell us which form of media you read or view