Media Study Guide: Super Size Me by James Chen and Andrew Lemon

When I first saw the outline for the media study guide assignment, the first film that came to mind was Super Size Me by Morgan Spurlock (2004). I felt that the documentary was very appropriate for the purpose of this assignment because I wanted students to think about how big corporations can influence the decisions that people make through the media and be cognizant of the affordances offered through media technology by creating their own media production.

An important concept underlying our media study guide was information ethics. Both Andrew and I felt that corporate conglomerates such as McDonald’s should not be considered as conducting business in an ethical manner when they bombard children and parents with messages such as “good food, great taste, at low prices” to encourage business while knowing that their products may easily contribute to an unhealthy diet. We hope that by working through the study guide students will be able to see how big companies (re)interpret “information ethics” and be conscientious of the intention of the messages portrayed through the media.

This assignment also helped me realize how media literacy skills can be applied to help students analyze information outside of the digital realm, for example, while reading the menu or knowing what to say when he/she is asked whether or not to “super size” his/her meals. I hope that by working through activities such as the media study guide, students will gain the skills they need to critically examine the information they receive from any source in order to make decisions that will have a positive impact on their lives.

Reference

Spurlock, M. (Director & Producer). (2004). Super size me [Motion picture]. United States: Samuel Goldwyn Films & Roadside Attractions.