Jamie Taylor: Are You Media Literate?

Can you tell the difference between actual information and advertisements? What about factual information from fiction? Everyday I see many different forms of Media such as when I watch television which includes countless commercials. I also am on the internet frequently which is filled with more ads. Today, I am still learning how to analyze advertisements and ask myself questions such as:

-Who is this message for?

-And who wants to reach this target audience and why?

Most people are without a doubt media illiterate. It is very easy to fall into this category with all of hidden messages and motives sent through media. Roland Barthes, the author of “Myth Today,” describes how words and images have layered meanings and can be what he calls a “myth.” Basically they can be decoded and uncover an interpretation of what the image and words are really communicating.

“Myth hides nothing, and flaunts nothing: it distorts; myth is neither a lie or confession it is an inflection.” (p10). -Roland Barthes

Media literacy means you have the capability to examine and inspect messages that entertain, sell and inform us on a daily basis. It is very important to pay attention to what you are hearing and experiencing in regards to the media. The commercial below on the “North American House Hippo” is a prime example of how easy it is to believe what is said in the media. This particular commercial has a strong message stressing how you can be fooled by the media very simply.