Within the readings, we see a concern for the engagement of youth with politics. One way youth engages in politics is through media outlets, whether this be through news, blogs sites, social media networks, or so on. W. Lance Bennett discusses the concern of this change in citizenship in his text: Changing Citizenship in Digital Age (2008). He states: “A key question thus becomes how to nurture the creative and expressive actions of a generation in change, while continuing to keep some positive engagement with government on their screens” (Bennett, 2008, p. 2).
As a cultural issue, we question the validity of youth involvement in politics through media.
As an operational issue, we question HOW youth engages in media.
The paradigm of engaged youth emphasizes change in social identity in the growing importance of peer networks and online communities. Along with that, this paradigm emphasizes the “empowerment of youth as expressive individuals and symbolically frees young people to make their own creative choices” (Bennett, 2008, p. 2-3). Through this, we as educators must understand the impact we have on the development of youth identity through their use of the Internet. Education will bring them the sense of proper citizenship. Just like Cathy Davidison, quoted by Bennett, “...we have the unique opportunity to take advantage of peer-to-peer sites for creative, imaginative, activist learning purposes. That is peer-to-peer sites for creative, imaginative, activist learning purposes... I want to be attuned to what youth themselves say about the alternative forms of learning and social networking afforded by Web 2.0” (2008, p.3).
We must take into consideration the factors of our curriculum influencing our youth. We see all to often a stripping of “independent opportunities for young people to embrace and communicating about politics on their own terms” (Bennett, 2008, p.7). Offer the opportunities, by keeping in mind the communication skills to be taught. Bennett touches on this thought through the suggestions of Howard Rheingold. Rheingold has concerns of youth “living” online lacking the skills to communicate common concerns in effective ways to large audiences, and “suggests building a public communication digital media skill set” (Bennett, 2008, p.8).
All in all, we need to be concerned about communicating to youth effectively in thought of their involvement online. Online tools to express oneself can be used to make a difference. Why not work with them on their identity in this world and let them make an impact?
Bennett, W. L. (2008). Changing citizenship in the digital age. Civic life online: Learning how digital media can engage youth, 1, 1-24.
Britt,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that students' engagement with politics is a repeating concern within the readings. Specifically, I like how you pointed out that we as a society now question the validity of youth's political views and involvement within social media. I think where the concern really is here, how do we get students involvement or young people's involvement from social media to the real world. It's great that young people can come together for a common political cause, but I think we need to work on how they can transfer these ideas to make real life positive actions. I also like how you brought up the fact that we should be embracing students identity and what they want to work towards and help them make a difference. My question is, how do we utilize the curriculum that we already have to assist in helping students make these positive changes?
-Shayna
I like the Bennett quote you included: "A key question thus becomes how to nurture the creative and expressive actions of a generation in change, while continuing to keep some positive engagement with government on their screens” (Bennett, 2008, p. 2).
ReplyDeleteWhile I was writing my own blog post, I got a notification from facebook that NPR was broadcasting a live video. I clicked over to it, and saw correspondent Tom Bowman reporting from Afghanistan. There were about 1000 people watching, and people could also post comments while viewing. After the initial report, the producer of the segment asked Bowman to respond to some of the questions being asked. To me, this is an incredible way to engage people - especially young people - in the news. Being well informed is an important part of being an active citizen, and this seems like an exciting new way to deliver the news.
Britt,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your point about youth engagement in politics as I wrote in my blog that an important problem with young engagement, or should I say lack of engagement, in politics is due to the ‘withering away of civic education in schools’. you bring up a good point as our role as educators!