Today I had a few discussions surrounding the importance of the responsibility of media producers versus the responsibility of media consumers. These aren’t easy subjects to talk about, they’re things that require people to be very critical and ask a lot of questions. They’re things that aren’t always clear, but I feel like there are things that should always be done in order to improve everyone’s way of life.

First, I like to think that it’s the responsibility of a media producer to be aware of the content they’re putting into the world and the message they are trying to send. Media exposure to events and situations frames and normalizes these situations the more we are exposed to them. Things like romanticizing abuse, criminalizing mental illness, and reinforcing prejudice stereotypes are all major issues that should always be watched for, as they will generally have a very negative impact. However, it’s also important to note that that doesn’t mean these topics should be avoided entirely. Instead, if they are to be used, they should be framed in appropriate lights as to promote a proper understanding of the situation.

As an example: the movie The Help portrays racism prevalent in the United States in the 1960s. The white characters in the movie will make inappropriate jokes about the black characters, or say offhanded offensive comments. The movie makes sure to frame these as negative. They might be funny to the white characters, but the audience is reminded that these things aren’t appropriate.

Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the media to have an understanding of the material they are using as a reference. Ignoring the tonality and emotional impact of an event when referencing it can cause lasting harm. It can reflect an event improperly and spread misinformation about reality. We cannot expect people to be informed if we constantly present them with misinformation.

But the media is not solely responsible in these matters.

Media has no impact without a consumer or the consumer’s interpretation of the media in question. Commercials, movies, television shows, video games, art, stories, music, and so much more rely on their ability to attract an audience in order to be successful. Each of these requires us as human beings to approach it with a critical eye and an understanding of the messages we see and what those mean. It is equally important that we are able to discuss these understandings with others.

Often the biggest argument that is brought up in regards to these sorts of things are children or other people who lack a critical understanding of things. In order to protect people, we need to shelter them; is essentially the argument. When media that might be considered troublesome is consumed by someone who might not have a full understanding of the subject matter, the first jump of the gun is usually to blame and demand punishment of the media producer.

This isn’t always the case.

In some cases, the media producer did their part and placed a disclaimer or warning on their media or went to certain lengths in order to limit exposure to younger audiences. In these cases, the media producer shouldn’t really be blamed for their production; the fault lies in the consumer.

Example: Cartoon Network ends their programming at some point in the evening and clearly shifts into Adult Swim. The programming block is framed with a disclaimer that the shows might not be appropriate for some audiences. Furthermore, warnings and TV ratings (such as PG or M) are placed throughout the block. If a child or other inappropriate consumer consumes the material, it is not the fault of the producer, but of the consumer.

Speaking in less broad terms: if a kid sees something inappropriate that has been suitably detailed as inappropriate, it’s not the media producer’s fault.

But pointing fault gets us nowhere but angry, so here’s a proposed solution:

If you have a problem with a piece of media and you notice it is not properly attributed: attribute it.
Example: Asking an artist on tumblr to politely tag something. Warning people ahead of time if a destination you have linked to might be upsetting. Warning people that some unmentioned movie or story content might be questionable.

If you have a problem with a piece of media because you believe it might be normalizing harmful things; politely tell the media producer that their media could be harmful to others and then work to warn and educate others on the subject.
Do not yell. Do not guilt trip. Do not use absolutes. Stay calm and promote a discussion, even if you are upset. It is better to talk about an issue and promote a discussion.

If you are a guardian and your child has consumed a piece of media that you do not feel was appropriate:
1) Talk to the child about what they saw. Ask them what they thought about it. Treat it like it’s any other thing.
2) Ask them about the questionable things portrayed in the media. Get their thoughts on it.
3) Explain how some of the things could be harmful to others, and get them to try and understand from their perspective how they might feel.
4) Encourage them to consider these talking points and to ask questions and be critical of the media they consume
5) Always be open to a discussion
6) Explain why you feel the material isn’t appropriate without outlawing the material (forbidden fruit is the most sought after)

The best thing we can do is talk about the media we consume. It’s best not to shut down others as this causes more harm than good. The issues we face in life are not clear cut and the more we talk about them, the more we can work through them in a positive way.

Thanks.