Education Resource: Influence of the Media on Democracy

Influence of the Media on Democracy

Influence of Media on Democracy

Suggested Age Group: High School to College

Thematic Summary

The media does not only provide entertainment and current events. It also organizes our understanding of the world around us. This set of clips will help students think about media critically. Not only should students reflect on how they consume media, but also how they produce it in this age of ubiquitous recording technologies.

Student Activities

1. Ask students about what they think about media, TV and Movies. Also what do they think about making media of any format, why do they do it?

2. Ask students to search the Media Burn Independent Archive and find 1 or 2 videos that they found interesting for any reason. Have them produce a writing assignment to express why they chose that/those video(s).

3. If there is time in the school year, ask students to plan and produce a short piece of media of any type or format so long as it allows the student to express their perspective on the world around them.

4. Reflective presentation - oral or written - as to how making media has affected their perspective or not

Discussion Questions

Is media a tool or a barrier to a better society?

What is independent media? After having viewed examples, how does independent media compare to mainstream media?

Gil Scott-Heron wrote a song in the 70's called "The Revolution Will not Be Televised", what do you think he meant? Is this true?

According to Abbie Hoffman, the media is not all bad. How do you think media should be used to make a positive impact on society?

Recommended Clips

Media Burn Educational Sampler

Suggested Clip Times: 6:10 - 7:56

Theme: Is media destructive or constructive, does TV make us weaker or stronger?

Description: Clip begins with taxi driver complaining about TV as a negative influence, continues onto how video cameras propelled the Velvet Revolution in the Czech Republic.

The 90's -Pilot

Suggested Clip Times: Select based upon current and past class topics

Theme: Various examples of independent media

Description: Video contains many short clips of documentaries, news, and human interest stories from independent sources.

Operation "Storm the Media"

Suggested Clip Times: 0:00:00 - 0:17:00

Theme: Modern Mass Media and Depictions of War

Description: Explores the unrest some feel towards the mass media and what they feel to be its inaccurate depiction of the Gulf War, "Operation Desert Storm."

Abbie Hoffman raw #1

Suggested Clip Times: 13:15 - 17:35

Theme: Is media good or bad?

Description: Infamous radical, Abbie Hoffman, explores the idea that the media is harmful and explains that it can have a positive role in society if used properly.

Back to Educators Homepage