Prior To Participating In This Discussion, Revisit Harros Cy ✓ Solved

Prior To Participating In This Discussion Revisit Harros Cycle Of S

Prior to participating in this discussion, revisit Harro's "Cycle of Socialization" and take note of where media falls within this cycle. Though it is undeniable that forms of media and media companies play a significant role in shaping and influencing young children, it is essential to remember that those working in the field of media are themselves being socialized by a much larger system. Media and the large companies that create it often reinforce stereotypes, but it is important to recognize that they are passing on biases that are deeply embedded within society, rather than solely creating new stereotypes.

For true long-lasting change, it is necessary to change individual perspectives as well as institutional practices that perpetuate societal biases. To prepare for this discussion, explore the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC) website to understand its mission and review 2-3 of their current social action campaigns, which can be found on the homepage under "The Latest" or "Get Involved" > "Take Action."

Additionally, select a classic or contemporary animated film marketed to children or families, such as one produced by Disney, Pixar, or DreamWorks. Critically view this movie from a child's perspective, paying particular attention to the messages related to social identifiers such as class, education level, gender, ability, body size, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, accents, hair color, skin tone, and age.

By Day 3, analyze the following:

- The title of the animated movie.

- The characteristics of the hero or heroine.

- The characteristics of the hero’s or heroine’s sidekick.

- The characteristics of any villains.

- Which social groups are represented and which are absent? For example, are there different abilities, racial groups, or ethnicities? How are socioeconomic classes, ages, body sizes, sexual orientations (such as gay or lesbian characters), same-sex couples, transgender individuals, and people of varied religions portrayed?

Reflect on how you might feel if you resembled the hero, sidekick, or villain. Consider how this representation could influence your worldview of these roles and social groups. Discuss ways in which adults can help young children critically analyze and challenge stereotypes embedded in media.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Media plays a pivotal role in shaping children's perceptions of society, influencing beliefs about gender, race, class, and other social identities from an early age. Understanding the cyclical nature of socialization, particularly through Harro's Cycle of Socialization, reveals how media acts as both an agent of societal norms and a reflector of existing biases. This paper critically examines the role of media within this cycle, evaluates the messages conveyed in children’s animated films, and explores the potential for adults to foster critical analysis in young viewers.

Theoretical Framework: Harro's Cycle of Socialization

Harro’s Cycle of Socialization delineates the process by which individuals internalize societal norms and biases through various social agents, including media, family, educational institutions, and peer groups. Media, specifically, acts both as a mirror and a mold, reinforcing stereotypes related to race, gender, socioeconomic status, and other social identities (Harro, 2000). As media professionals are themselves socialized by the dominant society’s values, they often unconsciously perpetuate stereotypes, which are then transmitted to children, influencing their worldview.

The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC) and Its Mission

The CCFC advocates for healthy childhood development by limiting commercial influence and promoting media literacy. Their campaigns aim to reduce exposure to stereotypical portrayals in advertising and programming that influence children’s perceptions of social roles and identities (CCFC, 2023). One ongoing campaign promotes restricting advertising targeting children that perpetuates gender stereotypes, highlighting the importance of counteracting the normalization of certain social biases from a young age.

Critical Analysis of an Animated Film

For this analysis, I selected Disney’s "Beauty and the Beast" (1991), a film with longstanding cultural significance. The protagonist, Belle, embodies qualities of curiosity and kindness, challenging traditional gender roles of passive femininity. The sidekick, Lumière, provides comic relief and represents a French cultural identity, but is also characterized by extroversion and flamboyance, reflecting stereotypes associated with sexual orientation and nationality.

The villain, Gaston, exemplifies toxic masculinity and superficial attractiveness, with a narrow ideal of masculinity rooted in physical strength and dominance. The film’s representation includes various social identifiers: Belle as an avid reader challenges gender stereotypes; the Beast’s form hints at body size diversity, but there is a lack of racial and ethnic representation.

The film features only white characters, with no racial or ethnic diversity. There are no openly LGBTQ+ characters, and the portrayal of social class is centered on Belle’s modest background versus Gaston’s affluent status. The absence of characters with different abilities or religious diversity highlights the limited scope of representation.

Personal Reflection on Media Representation and Worldview

As someone who identifies with Belle’s curiosity and love for reading, I felt empowered by her independence and intelligence. Conversely, if I had resembled Gaston, I might have internalized a narrow view of masculinity that values physical dominance and superficial attractiveness. Recognizing these stereotypes emphasizes the importance of diverse and inclusive representations to foster broader understanding and acceptance.

Role of Adults in Fostering Critical Media Literacy

To cultivate critical analysis of media stereotypes among children, adults can engage in active discussions about the messages conveyed in films, questioning the portrayal of characters and social roles. Encouraging children to recognize diversity and challenge stereotypes helps develop their capacity for critical thinking. Additionally, providing access to diverse media options and creating space for conversations about inclusivity can counteract limiting stereotypes.

Conclusion

Media’s influence on socialization is profound, particularly through its reinforcement or challenge of societal stereotypes. While media companies often mirror societal biases, genuine change requires efforts at both individual and institutional levels. Educating children to critically analyze media messages and advocating for diverse representations can promote more inclusive perspectives, ultimately contributing to a more equitable society. Recognizing media’s role within Harro’s Cycle of Socialization underscores the importance of active engagement by adults to foster media literacy and social consciousness in future generations.

References

• Harro, B. (2000). The cycle of socialization. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, 28(3), 137-149.
• Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood. (2023). About us. Retrieved from https://commercialfreechildhood.org/about
• Disney. (1991). Beauty and the Beast. Walt Disney Studios.
• Halliwell, S. (2007). Children’s Literature in the Digital Age. Routledge.
• Wilson, C. (2017). Race and representation in children's media. Journal of Children and Media, 11(2), 142-155.
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