Media Literacy Week 2010: Exploring Gender Representation in Media

The Media Education Network and the Canadian Teachers' Federation (FCE) organize the 5^e edition of Media Literacy Week 2010 which will take place across Canada from 1^er as of November 5, 2010.

This year, the theme of the week will be “Genres and Media”. Participants will reflect on body image, stereotypes, sexualization and the role of media in social relationships. They will question how the media shape role models for young people and influence their social identity.

Media Literacy Week 2010 is an event that serves "to promote mastery of media literacy as a key component of youth education", according to their website. Since last year, the official sponsor of the event is the You Tube group. Public libraries, school boards and organizations like Access to Media Education Society and the Girls Action Foundation collaborate on the event.

The organizers define media education as the process by which individuals acquire a critical view of media and understand the nature, production techniques and influence of their products and messages. In addition to traditional media, they are interested in toys, fashion, shopping malls and theme parks.

The development of cyberspace has of course given rise to new questions, on the place of the Internet in our relations with others, for example. Organizers worry about the use of new media "without oversight or thought. Several key concepts of media education are explained on the event website.

During the first week of November, activities will take place in all Canadian provinces: forums, media production workshops, debates, information sessions for parents, professional development workshops and conferences.

For example, a petition against "ultrathin" in the media is currently in circulation. Also, Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax will host a conference on body image on November 4 and 5. Consult the calendar as well as the suggested activities on the website of the event.

Media Literacy Week also encourages young people to participate in the activity One day on earth. On October 10, artists, citizens and students all over the world will capture 24 hours of human experience through the lens of their camera or their camera. This media education platform will allow participants to take a critical look at the world around them.

The Media Education Network is a non-profit organization with expertise in media education and digital literacy. The network wishes to develop the critical spirit of young people towards the media sphere while providing them with the necessary tools to use the internet in an efficient and prudent manner. The Teachers' Federation (FCE), which co-organizes the event, has represented 200,000 teachers across the country for 90 years.