Newsletter Entry #1 - A Critical Introduction

My name is Xavier Gardner, and I have been surrounded by the media for all of my life. Whether I am watching a movie or show or scrolling through my favorite social media platforms, the media has played a role in my life. I do not view the media as just an area of entertainment; I see it as a reflection of our culture, society, and even the things that we experience.

As I have grown up in an age nearly all digital, it has allowed me to engage with a wide variety of media including television, films, video games, and social media. Essentially all of these have shaped my life and have driven me to study media during my undergraduate studies. The exposure to media throughout my life and during my undergraduate studies has caused me to view media from a critical perspective. When viewing media I look to analyze how messages are being portrayed and why they are being shown along with the effect that it has on its consumers.

As a critic and daily media consumer, I am intrigued by social media and its ability to influence and impact cultures through content creators, trends, and viral content. Through platforms like TikTok and Instagram, these platforms give content creators and trends the opportunity to influence the way we engage with our community. In addition to social media, I am also fascinated by the impact movies and television have on society. Similar to social media, movies and television have the ability to influence the way we interact, however, this form of media allows us to take it a step further. Movies and TV capture themes of identities and changes in society.

One key point that is important in my critiques is representation. In recent years social media has become a space for marginalized groups to have their voices heard globally. While it serves as a great tool for people who want their voices to be heard, social media is also a place that houses many stereotypes and inequalities. My critiques will highlight content that supports equal representation and opposes stereotypes. In the film and television industry, movies and TV can shape and influence the way people think and view things based on what creators portray. My critiques analyze how movies and shows portray marginalized groups and the stereotypes that are shown.

Readers of my newsletter can expect critical reviews, analyses, and reflections on the content produced across social media in addition to films and television shows. I ultimately look to dive into how these media platforms shape our identities and the way we interact. I also look to understand the cultural impact that movies and shows have on people. My overall goal is to not only provide insight in an entertaining way but to also inspire consumers of media to reflect on the media that surrounds them today. I want readers of this newsletter to have a complete understanding of how media is shaping the world through the things we consume daily.