An important aspect of any political remix video is the deconstruction of myths and messages embedded into the source material. The political remixer analytically and literally deconstructs corporate media and it’s impact on politics, social norms, economics, culture, race, gender and sexuality. In an effort to aid in the analysis of the process, here is a collection of resources relating to mass media criticism (sometimes also called media literacy). You will find a wealth of knowledge, prospectives and hopefully many remix ideas.

VIDEOS

bell hooks on Cultural Criticism and Transformation
Renowned intellectual bell hooks examines pop-culture in the context of patriarchy, white supremacy, and capitalism. A brilliant 8 part video deconstructing media and mainstream myth in America (created by MEF).

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=32ABA2ACFDE4D308

Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats & Rhymes
A documentary that examines representations of gender roles in hip-hop and rap music through the lens of filmmaker Byron Hurt, a former college quarterback turned activist. Conceived as a “loving critique” from a self-proclaimed “hip-hop head,” Hurt examines issues of masculinity, sexism, violence and homophobia in today’s hip-hop culture.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2020029531334253002

Manufacturing Consent – Noam Chomsky and the Media
The classic Canadian documentary Manufacturing Consent based on the Noam Chomsky/Edward Herman book by the same name. Explores the the propaganda model of the mass media.
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-5631882395226827730

Tough Guise – Violence, Media & the Crisis in Masculinity
A MEF educational video that systematically examines the relationship between pop-cultural imagery and the social construction of masculine identities in the United States.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-9632437500432634

Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies a People
An eye opening documentary film, featuring author Dr. Jack Shaheen, that dissects the degrading images of Arab peoples in cinema from the earliest days of silent film to today’s biggest Hollywood blockbusters.
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-223210418534585840

ORGANIZATIONS

The Media Education Foundation – MEF produces and distributes documentary films and other educational resources to inspire critical reflection on the social, political, and cultural impact of American mass media. Check out their Youtube Channel.
http://www.mediaed.org

Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting (FAIR) – A national media watch group, has been offering well-documented criticism of media bias and censorship since 1986. They also have a weekly radio program CounterSpin, the show that brings you the news behind the headlines.
http://www.fair.org/index.php

Media Matters for America – A web-based, not-for-profit, progressive research and information center dedicated to comprehensively monitoring, analyzing, and correcting conservative misinformation in the U.S. media.
http://mediamatters.org

ALTERNATIVE NEWS

Democracy Now! – A daily web/tv/radio show provides audiences with access to people and perspectives rarely heard in the U.S.corporate-sponsored media, including independent and international journalists, ordinary people from around the world who are directly affected by U.S. foreign policy, grassroots leaders and peace activists, artists, academics and independent analysts.
http://www.democracynow.org

Real News Network – A web-based television news and documentary network focused on providing independent journalism investigating and debating stories on the critical issues of our times. They are viewer supported and do not accept advertising, government or corporate funding.
http://therealnews.com

Al Jazeera (English) – A 24-hour English-language news and current affairs channel headquartered in Doha. They provide in depth reporting on topics around the world often ignored in U.S.corporate-sponsored news media. The channel aims to give voice to untold stories, promote debate, and challenge established perceptions. You can watch the live broadcast free online via the Livestation app.
http://english.aljazeera.net

American News Project – ANP is dedicated to defending and promoting the public interest through high-quality, investigative video journalism online. They see all visitors to their website as potential partners to help fund specific beats, send news tips and story ideas, and join their ranks of video reporters.

http://americannewsproject.com