Overview
In this lesson, students analyze the influence of media violence and examine the idea of casual cruelty in media messages. They begin by responding to a roll call question about how media violence affects people. Then they read an article about violence in the media and consider how it applies to their own lives. After the teacher defines “casual cruelty,” students read an article about it, and use a series of questions to analyze casual cruelty in the media, its relationship to put-down humor and how it can influence the way people treat each other. As homework, they watch a TV show or some online videos, keep track of examples of casual cruelty they see, and draw conclusions about this aspect of media’s effect on people.
Lesson Objectives
Students will be able to:
- Describe how violence and cruelty in media and technology influence behaviors.
- Use skills for analyzing influences to understand media messages.
SEL Connection
- self-awareness
Time: 35 minutes
Healthy Behavior Outcomes
- V-4: Avoid engaging in violence, including sexual harassment, coercion, exploitation, physical fighting, and rape.
National Health Education Standards
- Standard 2: Analyzing Influences
- Performance Indicator 2.5.5: Explain how media influences thoughts, feelings, and health behaviors.
