Representation is at the heart of media literacy. In this issue of Connections, we invite you to explore representation from two individuals’ perspectives, discussing non-binary and LGBTQ gender identities. We interviewed Alexx Souter, advocate, and Rich Ferraro, Chief Communications Officer of GLAAD, a media advocacy organization for LGBTQ. CML News includes an article by Tessa Jolls and Michele Johnsen, "Media Literacy: A Foundational Skill for Democracy in the 21st Century," published in the Hastings Law Journal.
In our research section, we review current research and trends in professional development for K-12 educators, and discuss the opportunities which recently developed models of professional development present for dissemination of media literacy concepts and pedagogy.
We review the Supreme Court case which struck down the 2005 California law banning sale of violent video games to minors, and explain why media literacy education could have fulfilled the intentions of the law. In our second article, we follow the progress of media literacy initiatives in the European Union, as well as problems that need to be resolved. An in-depth look at media violence was recently published by SAGE, and the Media Literacy Research Symposium brought together media literacy advocates from around the world.
In this issue of Connections, we draw upon current research to facilitate understanding of the nature of video game play by children, and we provide tools for understanding the messages which video games communicate about the world we live in.