EMOTION: Tranquility

STATE OF BEING: Proud

REACTION: Laughter

This image inspires me to promote positive media showcasing urban youth in Detroit

Outline of Media Project

STATEMENT: There is a lack of positive media showcasing Detroit's urban youth.

I. ISSUE: The mass media contributes to the lack of positive images showcasing Detroit youth by continuously feeding the community negative images.

1. Detroit's urban youth are rarely represented in a positive light by mass media.
2. Detroit's urban youth are rarely presented with an opportunity to showcase their talents in the mass media.
3. The news reports are often negative and only showcase violence, illiteracy and dropout rates.

II. DIRECT ACTION:

1. Interview a Detroit student who is doing positive things.
2. Spotlight the positive things that the Detroit youth is doing, including grades, current reads, etc.
3. Spotlight a different Detroit youth each month
4. Create a Facebook contest for the youth to be spotlighted each month

III. SOLUTION:

1. Create a website, including video which showcases the positive work and images of Detroit's urban youth.
2. Widely distribute website/video.

DFM WRITING PROMPT # 1

What is your vision statement for your major project?

Answer:  To represent the urban youth of today with images that will constructively shape their image of tomorrow.

What ideas do you have for your major project?

Answer:  I would like to produce a documentary or video which will highlight the talented urban youth who attend the schools that are not regularly recognized for their achievement. I want to shed light on areas that are often neglected, thereby countering the negative media that so often plagues them.

What are you planning to investigate and how does it support your vision of Detroit’s Future?

Answer:  I am planning to investigate the art programs that are available in the inner city schools that are not regularly showcased in a positive light by the mass media. By investigating these programs and showcasing the youth who participate in them, I am supporting the mission of Detroit Future by shedding a positive light on Detroit's inner city youth.

What media skills do you need/want for to complete your major project?

Answer:  I want to learn how to dissect media images and how to interpret them in words. I would also like to learn how to produce and edit video as well as how to create a clear and descriptive script/story board in order to produce a solid, clear and concise video or documentary.