No Thank You

What is it all about?

Use an award ceremony format to support students in analyzing the influence of media on perpetuating negative images and messages about mental illness, harassment, violence, and relationship abuse. Students then adopt the role of advocates for change by promoting actions to reduce or eliminate stereotypes, harassment, violence, and relationship abuse and to promote healthy behaviours and attitudes. This activity may be used at the beginning, during, or at the end of a unit of learning.

Curriculum Connections

Grade 11: C3.5

Grade 12: C3.2, C3.4

How is it done?

• Have students work in small groups to identify a sample of a specific movie, television show, commercial, music video, or song that they think communicates a negative image and message about mental illness, harassment, violence and/or relationship abuse.
• Have groups analyze the media sample and messages to determine how these contribute to stereotypes, unhealthy relationship behaviours and attitudes, harassment and/or violence, and biases towards others.
• Have students generate ideas about how the media samples and messages could be changed to be positive, inclusive, and affirming in order to promote healthy relationship behaviours and attitudes and eliminate stigma and bias.
• Have groups each create a “No Thank You” speech about why they would not present an award for their chosen media sample and what they would expect to see change in order for their chosen media sample to be considered for a “Yes, Yes, We Applaud You” award.
• Hold the award ceremony in class, having each group show a clip from their selected media and present their No Thank You speech.
• Facilitate a group debriefing session. Have students reflect on what they learned, their and others’ reaction to the work of their peers, and what the group as a whole can take away from the activity to support the well-being of both self and others.

What may be needed?

• Media samples for students to view and critique as a class (for example, clips from specific movies, television shows, commercials, music videos, or songs)
• Technology for students to show their media during the awards ceremony

Opportunities for assessment

• Observe the small group conversations in order to assess students’ application of critical thinking and interpersonal skills.
• Use the small group analysis and awards “ceremony” to assess students’ understanding of the influence of media and strategies to advocate for eliminating unhealthy behaviours and attitudes and of strategies for change.

Ideas for Extension

• Extend the awards ceremony by creating two categories: “No Thank You” and “Yes, We Applaud You”.
• Have groups also select a media sample that conveys positive messages and create a speech to present for a “Yes, We Applaud You” in addition to a “No Thank You” award.

Educator notes

• Encourage students to develop critical thinking and inquiry skills for complex and multifaceted issues. Such skills include questioning, predicting, analysing, synthesizing, examining opinions, identifying values and issues, detecting bias, and distinguishing between alternatives to make a judgement or guide decision making.
• Encourage reflection on how media has shaped students’ own views and values.