Positive Ways To Fight the Negative Effects of Media
The average American sees 3,000 advertisements a day. Each of those ads has a media message that reinforces the beliefs and financial interests of its creator. The media not only tells us what to wear, buy, eat, think, but it also has a strong impact on how we act. Many teens and young people are affected by the media without even knowing it. Feel overwhelmed by this information? Well, don't! We interviewed several people and here are some suggestions:

1. Surround yourself with people who love you for who you are and not for what you wear, watch, eat and buy. Mainstream media tells us we have to be or act like Britney or Snoop Dog to be "cool". Don't believe the hype. Be yourself and do, wear, and say what you think is cool and is attractive to you.
2. Question what the media tells you. Be a filter of the media you consume. Know that everything you hear isn't true. Think about why you enjoy certain artists or media. How does playing violent video games make you feel? Or listening to certain music? Do you feel different when you listen to Marilyn Manson or Nelly as opposed to Bob Marley or Bob Dylan? Reflect on how you feel when you watch and listen to different media.
3. Research and find the truth about the media. Is there a story in the paper about an event that you think is off the mark or out of place? Check out alternative newspapers, and read several stories on the same subject from different sources. Then you'll be ready to make an informed choice and opinion.
4. Make conscious and informed choices. Watch TV programs that attempt to portray young people and their communities truthfully and thoughtfully. Don't believe the hype sold to you by artists and producers whose sole purpose is to make money. The more you are exposed to positive messages, the more you'll feel positive about your own life.
5. Involve yourself in positive activities. Engage with the world, don't just watch it on TV. Try self-esteem building activities that build skill, focus energy, release frustrations and fill your spare time. Some of our favorite activities are karate, skateboarding, and yoga or you can write or draw to express yourself.
6. Make your own media. Express yourself and inform others through art, poetry, video, filmmaking, music... the list is endless.
7. Educate yourself and others. Have you found your truth? Is there an issue you are passionate about that isn't getting covered in the media? Learn all you can about it, then share your knowledge.
8. Know that the corporate world that controls a lot of media is just out to make money. If they don't really care about you, should you really care about them?
9. Choose a new hero (or heroine). Identify or seek out leaders, mentors, and role models from your life not from the latest top 10 video.

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