Linda Christensen-Talking Points 1.

Linda Christensen, "Unlearning the Myths that Bind Us"

Christensen makes numerous claims in her piece regarding popular culture and media in relation to youth. She argues that (p. 126) "Our society's culture industry colonizestheir minds and teaches them how to act, live, and dream." Throughout the article she continues to support this point with numerous examples from past student work. Given the background context and various examples I understand the weight of Christensen's arguement entirely.
One other point of interest that I understood on the basis of personal experience with its implications was that of the "Cindy Ellie" story and the difficulty of finally seeing an example of women of color in a story yet, the message for women was still the same- new clothing, new hairstyle, and you'll get the man.(133) I understand this type of outcome when all the other variables on which blame could be placed(race, class etc) are removed the message about women's co-dependancy and need to follow fashion trends to achieve the female ideal of marriage remain. Christensen clearly demonstrates this dilemma in her "Cindy Ellie" example.

I can't say at this time that there were points that I did not understand given I have read this article a handful of times previous.

Due to the fact that we have not yet had other course readings or themes that have emerged I cannot connect this piece adequately to other material.

Point to share:
Christensen makes a good point about the need for release of negativity that can be associated with learning the control the media has over identity politics and classroom/ relationship interactions. I like how she makes it clear that she needed to find the students an outlet for the frustration that would help allow them to feel like they were making change, and I think its an important step, even if students have to find a way to do it on their own.