Question

How can we view media products so that we are not “taken in” by the messages they give us about our age, social class, gender, race or religion?

Answer 1

In order to view media products so that we arent 'taken in' by the messages they give us about our age, social class, gender, race or religion we need awareness and objectivity. This objectivity and awareness needs to be in line with what the product is actually about and the awareness about what are they trying to make it about by either playing on our insecurities surrounding age, race, religion, gender etc.

For example let us for instance imagine an ad campaign for a skin lightening cream which claims that after its usage you will be able to find the love of your life. Observe and realise how a link is being formed between two unrelated issues feeding the idea that one needs to be fair skinned in order to find love. Ask yourself, start asking questions if this is really true.See examples of people who have a beautiful tanned, olive skin and have found the love of their lives. This would then bring up awareness and then objectivity which would then help us to view media products neutrally.