Chapter One Questioning the Media

Saturday mornings with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

1) Using music or television as an example, identify a performer or program you once liked but began to dislike as you grew older or your tastes changed. Why do you think this happened? Do you think your early interests in popular music or television have had an impact on shaping your identity? Explain?
When I was younger I enjoyed many different things that I no longer really follow or enjoy as much. One TV that comes to mind is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I followed the show religiously and had all the toys and videos. As I grew older I fell out of getting up early on Saturdays and watching Ninja Turtles. I didn’t really choose to stop watching the show or playing with the toys I just grew up and got involved with sports and school that occupied my time. I do kind of feel that Ninja Turtles had an impact on shaping my identity. The Ninja Turtles had that party and gnarly dude attitude that I kind of still have today, and of course I too, like the Ninja Turtles love pizza.

Children on the Internet

3) Pick an example of a popular media product that you think is harmful to children. How would you make your concerns known? Should the product be removed from circulation? Why or why not? If you think the product should be banned, how would you do it?
Many forms of media could potentially be harmful to children. The Internet could be harmful to children if their Internet use is not monitored and regulated. Anything that is not suited for children’s eyes is only a mouse click away. Also anyone can access the Internet, including pedophiles. Numerous others have voiced their concerns about unsuitable content for children on the Internet, and many people have taken steps to make places where children have Internet access less susceptible for inappropriate content to be viewed. The United States government has also stepped in and passed laws regarding the safety of children on the web. As technology advances hopefully the Internet will become a safe place for everyone to use and enjoy.