Countering Structural Violence Through Youth Media Pedagogy

• In Event: 70.067 - Poster Session 15
  In Poster Session: 70.067-3 - The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same

Abstract

This paper discusses the role of youth media as a pedagogical practice to counter structural violence. Structural violence is conceptualized as exposure to destructive actions or forces that cause harm to individual and/or community. Social forces such as: colonization, poverty, and bias in culture, language and heritage are so common that they constitute a “monopoly of legitimate violence”. Youth media explores and exposes the “social machinery” of this violence (Farmer, 2004). Utilizing case studies, we will illustrate media pedagogy as space for youth to critically assess this violence in their communities, developing and engaging youth as change makers and promoting healing. We additionally contend that media produced by these youth acts as public discourse to counter violence and spur action.

Authors

• Katie Johnston-Goodstar, University of Minnesota

• Jenna Kristen Sethi, University of Minnesota