Weekly Reading 6

"Teaching and learning involves genuine dialogue.  Digital and media literacy education emphasizes personal agency and an awareness of the way symbols are used to construct a culture.  It cultivates a deep appreciation of history, economics, technology, and politics as forms of social power (Hobbs, 2011, p. 62).

I thought this quote from the text was very thought provoking.  The author goes on to explain that for this reason, digital media literacy has become the new humanities education.  Just like humanities education is necessary to a whole and complete education, so is digital media literacy.  It provides students with the key to unlocking the messages around them.

When I was browsing through current ads, I came across one that struck me.  This ad was so simplistic, two objects, no color, barely any text (and what was there was microscopic).  Yet, despite the minimalist appearance, this ad spoke volumes.  I would present this ad to a class simply because of the ease at which social issues can be pulled out of it.  It may not relate specifically to my content area, but it relates to daily life, in or out of school.  The ad is for Veet - a hair removal cream.

Here is my deconstruction, according to the prompts in the text:

1.  I am not sure of the direct author of this ad, but the company is Veet, a hair removal cream.  2.  The creative techniques used to attract attention is the minimalist approach.  The smooth lines and stark appearance draw attention to the subject - a perfectly smooth, hair free, bar of soap.   3.  This is where things get...hairy.  My first reaction was to chuckle at the implication this ad makes - when you don't have any hair, there's none stuck in your bar of soap.  (I think we've all been there).  But then, my eye made it's way to the text.  "No Hair is Better".  This made me think about the expectation that women shave their bodies to be socially accepted.  Sure, many women choose to shave, but is it really better?  Am I less of a person when my legs are stubbly?  I think this ad implies more, that no hair is better in places beyond legs and armpits, but I don't feel like I need to delve in that deeply.  I also think this ad can be interpreted differently by people who aren't white.  The soap is white, the dish is white. The message is implying that this is something people want - smooth, white, clean crisp.  4.  This represents the lifestyle of women, but from the point of view of men or people who interact with women.  The message seems to be intended toward all, and imposing views on anyone who has body hair.  5.  Color is omitted.  There is no color in this ad whatsoever.  The idea that people can be any way they want to be and still be something is also omitted.  By stating that "no hair is better", this ad imposes this view on the reader and leaves out the will to choose.