The First Day of Class

Today was my first day of class in Comms 101 with Dr. Robinson. I'm really excited for this class, and I can already see how the media has an increasing influence in my life. I'm realizing that it is important for me to spend time to stay up on what is going on in the media in order to be more competent and balanced in life. I really am fascinated by the subtle influence the media has on us and the "manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth," (D&C 38:30). 

As I sat in class I thought of all the influences that media has on me directly in my own life. The first example that came to mind was simply the distortion of women's figures in magazines, billboards, commercials and movies. It seems that the media presents the image of a "perfect" woman, a woman that we all have to somehow live up to. The problem is that we compare ourselves to this image and we fall short, extremely short. Then we try and do whatever we can to conform ourselves to this image, whether we realize it or not. The problem is that not only are women affected by this fake imaging, but men are also. As men view these images and are surrounded by the same media as women, they too, develop distorted images about what women should look like. They then compare us (real women) with the fake images that the media feeds us. What an issue, eh? 

Another thought that I had later today was that in studying the media I would develop an eye of discernment. I think this is so important, especially in our day and age. I want to be able to see past it all and to know and understand the messages that the media is trying to send. I feel this will be helpful as I raise my own children and work with youth in the future. If I can help them to see the real messages, or to avoid the fake ones, they will better be able to avoid the influences of negative media in their lives.

I've been a little behind when it comes to TV watching, radio listening, internet surfing, and the like - so this will be a change for me. It's important to stay up-to-date on what is going on in order to be both faithful and competent, (the goal Elder Bednar said we should be striving for in our education). I guess that's about it as far as my thoughts from the first day of class. Until next time...:)