Alison Anderson
Lecture
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To Read
Media, Environment and the Network Society (Introduction + Chapters 3 & 6)
In Media, Environment and the Network Society, Chapters 3 and 6 explore the intricate connections between media, environmental activism, and the shaping of public discourse on sustainability. The authors examine how environmental movements leverage digital media to amplify their messages and mobilize support. Chapter 3 focuses on the role of social media in facilitating environmental activism, highlighting both the opportunities for grassroots movements to gain visibility and the challenges posed by the digital divide and algorithmic biases. Chapter 6 extends this discussion by analyzing how environmental narratives are constructed and contested in the media, emphasizing the role of journalism and public relations in framing environmental issues. The chapter also addresses the commercialization of environmental discourse, where sustainability is often co-opted by corporate interests, leading to tensions between genuine activism and "greenwashing."
how does this workin a global media context. How might we think of environmental documentaries filmed outside of the US and how do they change our perspective?
- Digital Activism: The use of digital platforms, especially social media, to promote, organize, and support social and environmental causes. Digital activism has become a powerful tool for environmental movements but also faces challenges related to visibility, credibility, and digital inequalities.
- Framing: The way media and communicators shape the presentation of information and narratives to influence public perception. In the context of environmental issues, framing plays a crucial role in determining how problems and solutions are understood by the public.
- Greenwashing: The practice of companies or organizations presenting themselves as environmentally friendly through marketing and public relations, while their actual practices may not support sustainability. Greenwashing complicates the public’s understanding of genuine environmental efforts and can undermine trust in environmental campaigns.
To Watch
The documentary Virunga combines today’s reading with the theory of Global Media. Think through how this documentary was filmed, produced, distributed, and the impact it may have had when it was released ten years ago.
To Write
- How do environmental movements utilize digital media to gain visibility and mobilize support? What are the benefits and limitations of relying on digital activism in the context of environmental advocacy?
- This question encourages students to think critically about the role of social media in environmental movements. How does digital activism empower grassroots movements, and what challenges might it face in reaching diverse audiences?
- What are the implications of media framing on public perceptions of environmental issues? How can the framing of sustainability in media narratives influence public understanding and policy-making?
- This question asks students to explore the power of media in shaping environmental discourse. How do different frames affect the way environmental issues are perceived, and what impact does this have on public behavior and government action?
- In what ways does greenwashing affect the credibility of environmental campaigns? How can consumers and activists differentiate between genuine sustainability efforts and corporate greenwashing?
- This question prompts students to consider the ethical implications of greenwashing. How does it distort the public’s view of sustainability, and what strategies can be employed to promote transparency and authenticity in environmental advocacy?