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September 2001, Week 3

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Film and TV Studies Discussion List <[log in to unmask]>
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Anthony Rocha <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sun, 16 Sep 2001 15:18:57 EDT
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Friends,

I would like to tie this societal problem to film, however everything is tied
to film and TV as they just represent us in some form as humans.

Since the study of film and media is such an important aspect of our society
and has such a large influence on our society I feel it is important for me
to share some thoughts.

You after all have a forum, you write and you shape media as well. It is the
critique of media that often prevents it from pursuing any whim it wishes.

I want to note that I am not a firm believer in non responsibility. Just as
the terrorists are responsible for their horrific actions, we are responsible
as well.

We have not been a kind country for hundreds of years. The world largely is
seen as a vehicle to sustain our economic life. We have peddle our ideas and
our media off to humanity to expand markets with no concern for content or
culture.

The climate of economic abuse and cultural disregard is one that has come
back to haunt us. This is more than likely the beginning of years of
problems. I am now hearing and I have heard this before that the idea of a
chemical or nuclear bomb is a very viable threat in our cities.

The media in large part has chosen what we see and how we digest these
tragedies. We as Americans are very uneducated about life and the world. We
have might and economic strength but we seem to use it in the most simplistic
ways.

I am reminded of children who can only get in touch with the emotion of anger
and not filter in reason as well. Of the politicians I have heard few tend to
speak with reason. While there will be military actions in the next few days,
this combine with no thought in our role of setting of this extreme level of
hatred towards Americans will serve no purpose.

We have peddle violent uneducated crap to the world for decades (films, TV).
We have peddle Americans as the heroes and righteous for decades. What type
of emotional reactions do you think this has on young children in other
countries to identify with the American in films and yet have an emotional
conflict with the lack of identification with their own culture.

You have the power to do something about it. You are a teacher. You are
critiques of the media and you have the ability to enlighten.

While I am American and love my country I cannot divorce myself from the
problematic way (in/to) which we interact with the world.

Thank you!

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