Description

Background Information:

Thinking about this chapter on debt and how debt is created and sustained in modern society, this film brings what we’ve read into another area of thought.  That is how our children are culturally shaped into being lifelong consumers. With virtually no government or public outcry, the multi-billion dollar youth marketing industry has been able to use the latest advances in psychology, anthropology, and neuroscience to transform American children into one of the most powerful and profitable consumer demographics in the world. American kids now influence an estimated $700 billion in annual spending, targeted virtually from birth with a relentless bombardment of sophisticated commercial appeals designed to sell everything from Hollywood merchandise and junk foods to iPods, cell phones, the family car and vacations. The result is that childhood itself has been commercialized.

Drawing on the insights of experts, industry insiders, and children themselves, Consuming Kids traces the evolution and impact of this disturbing and unprecedented phenomenon, exposing the youth marketing industry’s controversial tactics and exploring the effect of hyper-consumerism on the actual lived experience of children.

Debt provide to be the burden that initiated a period of what called neocolonialism.

 

Guideline:

All of you do a great job with summarizing (the first key skill you must learn).  The first step to writing is reading actively and thoughtfully, seeking answers to specific questions, such as:

1. What are the main points, ideas, or arguments of the video/reading?
2. How is the work organized?
3. What evidence/support does the author give?
4. What is the primary purpose of the work?
5. Up until this point, this has been what I’ve mostly looked at as I want you to first learn how to write objectively (i.e. recognizing and using direct quotes / ideas from the text, video, etc.); this is what is called descriptive writing.

Critical reflection requires thoughtful and persistent questioning.  Although the basic questions above are super important to demonstrate your understanding, you need to interrogate your own assumptions and knowledge to deepen your analysis and focus your assessment of the reading / video / book; this is called critical / analytical writing (see attached handout).  To achieve this, you should ask yourself questions like:

1. Does the work achieve its purpose? Fully or only partially?
2. Was the purpose worthwhile to being with? Or was it too limited, trivial, broad, theoretical, etc.?
3. Is any of the evidence weak or insufficient? In what way?  Conversely, is the evidence/support particularly effective or strong?
4. Can I supply further explanation to clarify or support any of the main points, ideas, and arguments?
5. Are there sections that just don’t make any sense? Why?

Was there any are where the author / presenter offered too much or too little information?

Is the organization of the work an important factor?  Does its organization help make you understand it, hinder your understanding, or does it not matter at all?

Is anything about the language or style noteworthy or confusing?

 

Assignment:

Write a critique of this film. Below, I’ve included some of the basic elements included in this type of writing.  This is for practice so if you don’t quite get the format, that’s totally ok.

A good review usually contains the following:

A concise statement that tells the reader what the book/film is about.

A statement indicating the type of contribution to knowledge that book/film represents and the type of audience it will best serve.

A clear statement of its major attributes and weaknesses.

The reviewer’s specific objections to any of the treatments the author presents, if any, and any factual errors noted.

Comments on the author’s interpretations, how they are similar to or different from those of others, and any other interpretations the reviewer has to suggest.

A summary statement giving overall impressions of the book/film.

 

Rubric

Organization & Mechanics

Writing is fluent and interesting to read. Discussion is backed up with evidence from the text / video. Entry is to the point, in complete sentences, free of spelling errors and uses correct grammar. Used appropriate format, typed, and double spaced.

Ideas & Content

Information is accurate and response shows good insight using vocabulary / concepts from readings in the course. Direct citations from lectures / readings are used to support response. Discussion makes a logical conclusion or an opinion is offered.

Reflection

The response is very specific and related to the themes or historical events/characters. Many of the ideas are clearly supported with details/evidence. Critical thinking is shown by not by repeating exact ideas but offering original insight after reflection of terminology & course discussions.

Get Homework Help Now