1.What do you like about the digital story? This film was honest and gritty. It was moving and provided insight into the lifestyle of a teenager that is facing the challenges of being homeless.
2.What did you learn from the digital story? I learned about the background of the film-maker. He provided pertinent information from his life, including the child neglect that he has experienced and the relationships with his family members.
3.What surprised you about the digital story? His mother's attitude surprised me throughout the story. She attempted to portray herself as a good mother, which was not the case based on the film.
4.How did the digital story provide an example of how digital story telling can build self esteem, help young people voice an opposition to social problems, or create an alternative to stereotypes of adolescents typically portrayed in mainstream media? It presented issues that are not typically discussed in the media such as homelessness and child neglect. I think that it can also empower young teens who are facing similar situations to realize that it is okay to be honest about their challenges and struggles. I think that this story also provided an alternative to stereotypes of teenagers in today's mainstream media. Teens are usually portrayed as "entitled" and spoiled. For example, television shows such as "My Sweet 16" show teenagers whose parents spare no expense when it comes to their alleged happiness. This story provides a stark contrast to these types of media messages.
5.How can digital storytelling promote critical media literacy? Please refer to the reading for this week's Double Entry Journal to answer this question.
Digital storytelling can promote literacy because it provides a medium for anybody to get a message out to members of mainstream society. Oftentimes, minorities and teenagers are unable to provide a glimpse into the real issues that affect them due to the controllers of mass media. By creating digital stories, those who did not have a voice now have one and are empowered to make changes at the attention of the world.
That was a very powerful video. It really showed how neglect is perpetuated. I also began to understand the anger of kids who been neglected. Unfortunately that anger often leads to failure.
ReplyDeleteI think this video can help teachers understand children who acting out in their classrooms due to neglect in the home environment.