Cultivating critical thinking and activism in our media culture to build healthy and just communities.
New Mexico Media Literacy Project - www.nmmlp.org
Skoal Citrus "Local Flavor"

Deconstruct this magazine ad using these questions:

1. Whose message is this? Who created or paid for it? Why?

2. Who is the “target audience”? What is their age, ethnicity, class, profession, interests, etc.? What words, images or sounds suggest this?

3. What is the “text” of the message? (What we actually see and/or hear: written or spoken words, photos, drawings, logos, design, music, sounds, etc.)

4. What is the “subtext” of the message? (What do you think is the hidden or unstated meaning?)

5. What kind of lifestyle is presented? Is it glamorized? How?

6. What values are expressed?

7. What tools of persuasion are used?   See "The language of persuasion"

8. What positive messages are presented? What negative messages are presented?

9. What groups of people does this message empower? What groups does it disempower? How does this serve the media maker's interests?

Read a sample deconstruction of this media example
Don't know what this means?
See "Deconstructing media"
Browse our deconstruction gallery
Want more?

This media example is featured in NMMLP's forthcoming DVD-ROM, Media Literacy for Prevention, arriving late fall 2008!

Media Literacy for Prevention is a five lesson unit that focuses on issues related to tobacco, alcohol, and food marketing.

To be notified when it's available, please sign up for our free e-newsletter.


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NEW MEXICO MEDIA LITERACY PROJECT