In relation to chapters 4 and 5 in Jenkins' Convergence Culture (2006), I have to say that as an educator it is a positive thing that young people are not only following creations like Star Wars (1977) and Harry Potter (1997) but are also feeling the need to participate. Of course, being an ELA teacher, I find more value in the fact that the students are reading, watching, and then participating with these adventures. After all "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" (Colton, 1820, #127). When students participate with, respond to, create fan fiction, and interact within and out of the author's, company's, or organization's official site or product, they are making a connection with something that is valued, important, and touches them in some way. I can only hope that Jenkins (2006) is right in his assumption that "the new convergence culture will be built on borrowings form various media conglomerates" and that it will be legal to do so (p.141). Jenkins definition of the difference between participation and interactivity on page 137 were worthy of note.
I had never thought about interactive activities as being controlled by the designer while participation is being more controlled my media consumers. Interesting concept! I also find it compelling to think about the fact that fans feel that the are simply showing expression and interest as they participate in activities created from something that they enjoy while the companies and studios feel that what the consumers are doing is copyright infringement. I do agree that the fair use guidelines and regulations need to be re-written and revised in order to encompass the new convergence culture thereby opening the lines of communication and use of copywritten material for non-commercial purposes thus encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills in the fan fiction consumers and increasing their numbers.
As far as the Christian vs Harry Potter controversy, well, as an educator it seems that there are many so called classic novels that have run into the same barrier. Open-mindedness is an important aspect in learning. Haven't we been asking the students for years to think like the characters that are in the novels we are reading and respond as that character? Haven't we been asking them to imagine that they are in the world of the characters, what it would be like, what they would experience? Most definitely! On page 214, the answer can be found, "Rather than ban content that does not fully fit within their worldview, the discernment movement teaches Christian children and parents how to read those books, critically, how to ascribe new meanings to them, and how to use them as points of entry into alternative spiritual perspectives" (Jenkins, 2006).
I have been curious for the past few years about the newest rage, The Twilight Series (2005-2008). My students -both female and male -have and are reading and totally immersed in this series of vampires and werewolves. Being skeptical especially after seeing the length of these books, I bought books 1 through 3. I have read the first 2 and am in the middle of the 3rd. I must say that they are fabulous. I was reading on July the 4th at the lake and some kids (I did not know them) came up to me and said, "Hey, you're reading Twilight!" When I responded in the affirmative and explained that I was reading it so I could make some connections with my students this year, they were aghast. They said they NEVER had a teacher that would do that just to be able to connect to them. I didn't know what to say so we began a discussion about the books and characters. It was fascinating!
God put me on this Earth to teach! He has blessed me with thirty years of doing so successfully. I am not one to judge what some else is watching, playing, or reading until I too delve into whatever that might me and form my own judgments; I expect no less of my students or their parents for that matter.
These 2 chapters opened up my eyes to a dilemma that I think I already knew existed; it was nice to see someone else's views, opinions, and possible solutions to bring baby boomers together with generation X and any future generations rising on the horizon.
Citations:
Colton, C. C. (1820). Finest quotes: Flattery quotes. Retrieved August 8, 2009, from http://www.finestquotes.com/select_quote-category-Flattery-page-0.htm
Jenkins. H. (2006). Convergence culture: Where old and new media collide. NY: New York University Press.
Not only is imitation the sincerest form of flattery it is part of the learning process when it comes to learning an artistic skill. Apprentices copied their masters' works until they were skilled enough to be trusted with their own creations. Unfortunately media companies have forgotten this and only see dollar signs. Sad.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you are finding all sorts of ways to connect with your students. The fact that you recognize a need to connect is such an important part of what probably makes you a great teacher. :-)