A few things about this ad: (see update, No. 4 item, below) 1. It's inspiring. Marketing does have an effect on all of us, but especially children. There are many girls who are going to see this ad and be inspired to make cool stuff. Older girls … [Read more...]
Art inspired by marketers who unfairly target children
A special treat today. Works of art, one a poem and one a mixed-media drawing/collage, that draw inspiration from a sense that children are unfairly targeted by marketers in our society. This is a work by Massachusetts mixed-media artist Edward … [Read more...]
Save the world with video games?
Ever since PD started learning to program, he's been planning his video game company. This weekend, I told PD I wanted to watch a talk about video games with him, but he was reluctant, saying "It's just going to say video games are terrible." And I … [Read more...]
Time to learn how to create your own video games
I told my 13-year-old son, PD, that if he was going to spend so much time playing video games, then he would have to learn how to program his own games. Because if there is one thing I have learned over two years of writing about the subject, Media … [Read more...]
Where in the world is Jane? New research finds strong female characters missing from children’s shows
Do you love Geena Davis? She’s putting her time, and presumably her money, into the cause of gender fairness in media. Take a look at this delightful new PSA created by her organization, the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. New … [Read more...]
The ongoing great digital experiment on the brain development of children
Recently, two organizations surveyed teachers to learn their opinions of how digital technologies and media are effecting students, both academically and socially. The results were fascinating and if you have the time, take a look at the reports, … [Read more...]
Teen filmmakers win at film festival
Positive media and media literate students. That’s our goal, right? That’s why I am pleased to relaunch the blog with this inspiring story. Reading High School senior Vanessa O’Connor, along with her team, Violet Tacito of Reading High and Anna … [Read more...]
Movie review: Brave – Funny, wise, original. Bring the kids.
Princess Merida in my own backyard? My 13-year-old son, PD, asked me if I thought the movie Brave would pass the Bechdel test. I said, “Let’s go and find out.” We grabbed 16-year-old son, RL, as we headed out the door. It was such a great … [Read more...]