To Change the World Campaign – Through Five Core Principles Part 4

All filmmakers, including writers, directors and producers, have a point of view (POV). In fact, we all have a POV. Some people refer to this as a world view. Our POV defines our attitudes and core beliefs. Without a POV, we would not be able to interpret the world around us. It offers a perspective and insight into how we view politics, religion, social issues and personal lifestyle choices. Paul Verhoeven, the director of Starship Troupers, POV has been shaped by his life experiences. As a child, he grew up in The Netherlands, his home country, during the German occupation. He was exposed to a totalitarian and fascist regime that routinely used propaganda to proclaim Nazi superiority. It unquestionably has influenced his political and social views, which are evident in his film Starship Troupers. Understanding the POV helps us to unlock the message within a film, television program or media in general. By using the tools of media literacy, we become more effective in identifying the POV.


Ecclesiastes 8:1 says, “How wonderful it is to be wise, to be able to analyze and interpret things. Wisdom lights up a person’s face softening its hardness.” Understanding the language of media is to be wise. Embracing the concepts of media literacy gives us the ability to analyze and interpret everything we see and hear. I think movies especially have the ability to challenge us to examine our life choices and lifestyles. They can be a doorway to the truth. There have been countless examples of where God has used mainstream films to touch people’s lives. Media is neither evil nor good. It is a conduit that carries whatever message we choose to communicate and by whatever manner we choose to use.


So why are we not teaching media literacy? First, for most people, it is simply not on the radar screen. We just don’t understand what media literacy is. Second, there is a lack of instructors. Media literacy is a difficult subject to teach if you don’t have a background in media. Third, we don’t believe there is a media crisis. Media is no big deal. Fourth, we are not sure what our views are on media. So why get into it.

But what does a good media course consist of? First, the program must encourage people to think for themselves. When I teach media literacy, I tell my students that I am not here to tell you what to think but to challenge you to start to think about what you see and hear in the media. You must come to your own conclusions. Second, the program should be designed as not to paint Hollywood as evil or the villain. We must be objective. Third, it needs to be interactive with a multimedia presentation. Media literacy is a three-step process. First it starts with awareness and education. Second, in order to apply media literacy, you must develop a skill set that utilizes various techniques and strategies. In other words, it offers you a toolbox that you can use to unlock and read the multiple layers of image-based communications. Third, in order for media literacy to be successful, in must be applied daily.

I think the most important elements of media literacy are common sense tools, such as teaching students how filmmakers use editing to create a reality that doesn’t exist. Or how colors can create different emotional responses. Or how camera movement and angles can affect an audience’s perspective.

And the most critical part is challenging students to take control of how the message is impacting them. Should I accept or reject the message? Does it reinforced my beliefs? Does it ignite my passion to live a life consisitant with my Christian principles? Does it challenge me to bring positive change to my life as well as to others? Does it cause me to act on my beliefs? Does it cause me to be more socially conscious? Or do I reject the message because it is not consistent with my Christian beliefs? The more we ask ourselves challenging questions, the closer we are to discovering the truth.

If we want the world to change, it starts with us. We all have a responsibility to become media literate. No, you don’t have to go to film school. By just spending 15 minutes a day, you can start to become media literate. Our website, mediamissionaryschool.com in the future will offer all of the resources necessary to start your journey. We have developed an extensive media literacy program, which can be taught online or in a classroom setting. We offer a 1 – 2 hour program all the way through an 8 – 10 week course.

Principle 2—Christians must become media literate so that we are knowledgeable in the language of media and its influence. And by doing so, we can unlock the meaning of the message which media communicates and take control of how we respond to the message.

If you see the need for media literacy, then you have embraced our second core principle. You are now ready to move on to Principle 3.


Sat. Part 5