We are living in times where we are instantly connected and we spend our time on-line getting our news and other information. Most students are technology literate but might not be media literate. Media literacy involves using media and popular culture to engage students in critical thinking and analysing the image that is displayed for them. Sturken and Cartwright in Practices of Looking: An Introduction to Visual Culture propose that power and knowledge are achieved by visual communication. Popular culture is defined as culture and knowledge passed through the mass media; magazines, television, radio and internet which contribute to and shapes human thoughts and world view (Strinati:2004). Students should be aware of this power and know how they might be affected by it and how they can utilize it. Visual culture proposes that in order to create meaning, humans first visually identify objects then interpret them.

Images provide meaning by including factors for comparisons for the viewer to interpret. This offers more of a sense of ‘fairness’ of perception.  However, contrasts, which are called ‘binary oppositions’ have been introduced into modern images as compositional elements signifying accepted/unaccepted norms, goods/bads, value/detriment. These oppositions further the direction of the viewer’s analysis by making a stronger case for establishing a certain preconceived outcome (Sturken and Cartwright. p. 102).

Students are surrounded by media made images that convey invasive messages about genders, roles, class, groups, identities, etc. The media has a crucial role in reversing by the way of redefining stereotypes and diffusing new definitions and meanings. “And the issue is not freeing ourselves from representation. It’s really about being enlightened witnesses when we watch representations, which means we are able to be critically vigilant about both what is being told to us and how we respond to what is being told” (Hooks p. 8). If students wish to envision different and better possibilities for themselves and their image, they must be informed by a critical understanding and awareness of current and potential representations.

bell hooks. Cultural Criticism and Transformation. Transcript. Retreieved from: https://www.mediaed.org/assets/products/402/transcript_402.pdf
Sturken, Marita and Cartwright, Lisa. Practices of Looking: An Introduction to Visual Culture. New York. Oxford University Press. 2001.