Patterns of Socialization: roles of aggression and competition and the influence of media as a provider of role models indicates a need for high level of supports.
Patterns must be taught through interactions with others~ observations, imitation, coercion, persuasion, reward, punishment, instruction, and example.
CHANGE in Family structure: Over the last 30 years activities that were once single-gendered have disappeared. Single parenthood creates undue stress on all involved and time is limited. Many fathers are absent from their children's lives and children of divorce "lose something fundamental to their development-- family structure, the scaffolding upon which children mount successive developmental states, which supports their psychological, physical, and emotional ascent into maturity" is crushed.
Role and Gender Identity:
ROLE> what you do- the part you play in society. "I am a teacher."
GENDER> what you think a man or women is-- what it means to be masculine/feminine.
In poverty, boys and girls are often without immediate role models. Without a community of men, a boy is likely to look elsewhere for role models... he seeks a "tribe" to which he can belong, thus, the increase in gangs, drugs, alcohol, etc.
Boys need relationships with adults who offer support,
have high expectations,
insist on quality work, &
enforce social and emotional behaviors.
Boys need relationships with teachers that are based on
MUTUAL RESPECT!
Students feel respected when adults challenge them to succeed,
give attention to their particularities,
are responsive to their needs,
and foster positive expectations!
Teachers must give students positive feedback, empowerment and a sense of self worth!
Boys feel the pressure to grow up but do not know what to do with their lives.
Boys in foster care MUST go out into the world at 18- ready or not!
Boys in school
Boys aren't as likely as girls to do homework, to participate in class, or generally want to please the teacher.
Boys don't usually "affiliate" with school or adults.
Boys allegiance is usually to other boys.
Boys tend to challenge the teacher.
Researchers believe this is due to the fact that females tend to remain with the family while the male leaves.
MEDIA- creates a view for men
The bumbling fool....
Although adults know this is a joke, children think the dad is just dumb.
The girl must be sexy....
Sadly, boys and girls think that this is they way it must be.
The man must be tough and bad...
Even the title..."I'm not afraid" promotes toughness!
OTHER Media forces:
If you cry... You better do it alone!
Destroy your enemy... You must win!
Males must be physically fit!
These messages are significant because, as we have read, the male brain processes everything BUT it is often incapable of evaluating what it takes in. While adults can distinguish fact from fiction, children aren't always so savvy.
TV & Video games are baby sitters. This creates desensitization because the stimulation becomes more and more to the point of overload and nothing shocks children anymore.
POVERTY & Social Development
Lack of bridging and building capital-- How does a female teach a boy to interact with other males? Poverty is feminized.
Impediments cause by health issues-- Social development opportunities are restricted in poverty.
Absence of support for organized sports-- a primary socialization tool is limited if you do not have the financial resources or support system to participate.
Lack of experience with teamwork-- typical poverty based conflict resolution is zero sum- I win: You lose. Cooperating with a team while competing can be a foreign concept.
Absence of collective efficacy--neighborhoods impact the violence and many times in poverty their is no trust or responsibility
Scarcity or inability to work-- work for males in poor neighborhoods is often intermittent and unstable. It is a "job" not a "career."
Devaluation of education-- the poverty neighborhood does not value an educated man. They value a man who can fight, provide protection, and is sexually potent.
It is scary that the media has such a strong impact on our youth! I try very hard to monitor what my children see...I can see where children in a home that may be unable to monitor them consistently could be at a tremendous disadvantage. It makes me sad :( You hate to say that we have to be 'second mamas' to these babies but sometimes that is what it takes!
Your video examples of the perspectives media gives our society are right on target. It is sad to think about the impact the media has on our society. Our children think that what they see on TV is the "normal"...when in fact, that is far from the truth.
I agree with you both. My "babies" in my classroom are MINE, too and I feel a strong sense of responsibility to them all. We have to help monitor this for them. By the way, I am not sure why those photos aren't showing up... I will check on them. Thanks ladies!
I love how you used the videos to support the descriptions of media from the book. Before reading this chapter, I would have never viewed The Cosby Show as a negative influence on boys. It's scary that if The Cosby Show can that negatively impact our boys how much damage some of the other shows, movies, video games, and commercials can do!
It is scary that the media has such a strong impact on our youth! I try very hard to monitor what my children see...I can see where children in a home that may be unable to monitor them consistently could be at a tremendous disadvantage. It makes me sad :(
ReplyDeleteYou hate to say that we have to be 'second mamas' to these babies but sometimes that is what it takes!
Your video examples of the perspectives media gives our society are right on target. It is sad to think about the impact the media has on our society. Our children think that what they see on TV is the "normal"...when in fact, that is far from the truth.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you both. My "babies" in my classroom are MINE, too and I feel a strong sense of responsibility to them all. We have to help monitor this for them.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I am not sure why those photos aren't showing up... I will check on them.
Thanks ladies!
This was some great information. Gave me a lot to think about when considering some of my children.
ReplyDeleteI love how you used the videos to support the descriptions of media from the book. Before reading this chapter, I would have never viewed The Cosby Show as a negative influence on boys. It's scary that if The Cosby Show can that negatively impact our boys how much damage some of the other shows, movies, video games, and commercials can do!
ReplyDelete