Professional Reading-week 11

Discussion for Week 10:

What are the media messages tweens receive and how can libraries (public and school) engage tweens in a critical approach to media - consider media literacy, information literacy, etc.

Is there a way to use literature to interact with media and tweens?

With in the media there is a thin line between positive bubble-gum icon vs. an over-exposed pop-icon. As I watched the Disney channel this weekend, I noticed a few Disney actors who have not been overexposed and mass produced by the media. As I watched Good Luck Charlie, an annoying, over-top sitcom about high school, I thought about all the other Disney stars who have had their names smeared across magazines and trash news shows, for bad behavior and choices. I wondered if these young actors are going to meet the same fate.

In the past the expiration date for many of these stars was short lived, however more recently teenie-bopper icons have been long lasting. “Just look at the success of Miley Cyrus: According to Forbes, in 2009, she is the fifth most googled person, net worth over 25 million, and has become a global brand. You can find her image on everything from pleather jackets to granola bars. Gone are the days of just one doll in the likeness of the person. Now you can buy clothes they design, go to movies they are in, attend concerts they perform and sleep on sheets with their likeness. In addition, you can go to chat sites, fan sites, video sites and learn and see more about them than ever before (Miller,2009).” For many stars their journeys through popularity are the same; small tv actress -> big TV actress ->merchandise, music, commercials -> negative actions (bad choices) ->negative media exposure -> increase in exposure-> decline in wealth -> popularity is negative but still high. Even if these pup-icons have negative media exposure it increases their interest and popularity. This type of media demonstrates to tweens that it is ok to behave poorly and make bad choices because you will still be noticed and acknowledged. Todays’ tween stars seem to feel that they to do not have to follow laws, rules and guidelines set for all people. They act as if they re invincible and will be held at a higher standard then others and many times they are. Stars will be given slaps on the wrist for crimes and breaking the laws. This does not set positive examples of tweens.

Creating literacy and library connections with the media can be done in many ways; creating a collection of pop-culture figures, creating tween clubs for certain shows, music, movie or star. Allow tweens to create a website about their favorite pup-culture icon, have tweens review media websites, create an open conversation about certain icons, by using biographies or books about stars to create a book club or fan club etc. All of these ideas are ways for a school or public library to connect literacy and literature with popular trends and media interests of tweens.

When connecting popular media trends with libraries, it is important for librarians to be aware of the backlash from certain parents, which might occur. Some parents may not want their child to be exposed to pop-culture trends or images, which librarians must be prepared to defend or support. By having a well defined and clear library policy librarians will have the written support for any decisions and book purchases the library has made.