Media Issue

Body Image

How do the media shape our ideas of what healthy and attractive bodies look like? From unrealistic beauty standards to popular culture, this section explores how media influences body image perceptions.

Gender Representation

Media plays a significant role in shaping gender identity, often starting before we’re even born. This section examines how media perpetuates gender stereotypes and challenges the biases tied to these representations.

Diversity in Media

Despite calls for greater diversity, North American media often fails to accurately or equitably portray racial and cultural groups. Stereotyping, underrepresentation, and privileging Whiteness as the default are common issues.

Intellectual Property

What are the ethical and legal boundaries of intellectual property? This section dives into questions surrounding fair use, from downloading music and borrowing visuals to citing academic sources, providing guidance on navigating these complex issues.

Marketing & Consumerism

With disposable income and significant influence on family purchases, young people are a prime target for marketers. This section explores the tactics used to engage youth and the ethical questions surrounding marketing directed at children and teens.

Violence in Media

Why do media industries use violence, and how do governments address concerns about its impact? This section delves into the key debates and offers advice for parents and educators on discussing media violence with young audiences.