Annie in wonderland

Difficulty, Not Discrimination: Literacy, Critical Thinking and Learning to Question What We Think We Know Why difficult conversations matter One thing I have been thinking about a lot lately is literacy, media literacy, and the importance of critical thinking — especially within disability and support conversations. We live in a time where people are surrounded by information constantly. Headlines. Short-form videos. Social media debates. Opinion pieces. Algorithms deciding what we see. Outrage cycles designed to get attention. In this environment, one of the most important skills we can develop is not knowing everything. It is knowing how to think. Critical thinking does not mean automatically agreeing with someone. It also does not mean automatically rejecting someone. It means listening. Questioning. Researching. Comparing information. Looking at evidence. Understanding context. And then deciding where you personally stand. That applies to everyone. Disabled people. Non-disabled pe...

The Evolution of Media Literacy: From English Class to Everyday Essential In an era where information flows incessantly and media influence pervades every aspect of life, media literacy has emerged as a critical skill for navigating the complex landscape of modern communication. Once confined to the realms of English class, media literacy now demands attention as a standalone discipline. This shift is driven by various factors, including the rising cost of living, evolving family dynamics, and the pervasive influence of digital media. Let's explore this transformation and the influential voices shaping our understanding of media literacy today. The Changing Landscape of Media Literacy Traditionally, media literacy was embedded within the English curriculum, where students analyzed literature, evaluated sources, and developed critical thinking skills. However, the rapid proliferation of digital media has necessitated a broader and more focused approach. The ability to critically eva...