Media Literacy


techniques are used to attract my attention? Why is this message being shared? There are encouraging steps being made towards


addressing trends of misrepresentation, there are individual storytellers and organizations that are devoting time and thought to the issue. Addressing media with media, the creation of images, stories and videos can be a powerful tool to address harmful stereotypes because it is through images, stories and videos that we often develop these perceptions. One method is to directly counter the simplistic, harmful and dominant narratives of communities by showcasing, discussing and encouraging viewer-engagement with a narrative that is diametrically opposite to the common stereotype. You can also find everything from ad campaigns that outright mock or challenge these repetitive images, to photography conferences on the ethics of imaging, to well-produced skits and stand up performances by professional comedians who challenge clichés. But if you think this is a job just for the professionals, you are mistaken.


Remember, if you use social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, you are a storyteller too. You


The following is a paid advertisement from Imagine Canada.


choose what you publish, what you post, what you update and tweet. You have become an editor for your community of ‘subscribers’, friends and followers. Our influence with our own peers can be an incredibly powerful thing. If you want to challenge stereotypes it is as easy as identifying what the dominant narrative of a community is, looking for stories that challenge those narratives, posting those stories and starting a conversation. And try to keep in mind that you and I cannot really blame anyone for their simplistic perceptions of others; we all only know that which we are exposed to. Why not expose friends to something different today? Share a different story.


// Joanne Hodges founded the non-profit Good


Evidence in 2006. Good Evidence’s mission is to challenge harmful representations by sharing inspiring models of community-based action. They produce short engaging 10-minute videos that showcase work being accomplished by these ( often misrepresented ) communities on social, economic, and environmental issues. You can read more about Good Evidence and watch their videos here. www.goodevidence.com


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