The media has a huge impact in today’s society. This obviously isn’t anything new; nevertheless I am here to give some examples that I have observed myself that the media can influence real-life problems. I believe that pop culture is one of them. Watching T.V. is a common thing to do after a long day at work or school, you like to watch the entertainment. But, have you ever stopped and thought what we are watching might be leading teens/ young adults to corrupt behavior? According to IMDB, the reality television show Jersey Shore came out on December 3rd of 2009. Ever since that day, a great number of people have been following the actions of these reality T.V. stars on the show. For instance, it can be from little things like the usage of phrases that the cast say on the show. I’ve seen statuses on peoples Facebook saying “I did GTL today, just like Pauly”, which stands for gym, tan, and laundry. Snooki one of the cast member says "waaaahhhhh" if something doesn't go her way; I hear people saying that all the time and quoting her on Facebook too. Also, within a group of friends I have heard them say “I am trying to get it in”, which means they are trying to get laid. This was never said before until after the show aired. Jersey shore has also brought the movement called “fist pumping” this consists of moving your torso up and down to the beat of the music. This is seen a lot at clubs, parties, gatherings, etc. Not only do people imitate the Jersey Shore cast by saying some absurd things or doing the “fist pump” dance movement, but it has brought bad influences on teens. The way the males on the cast act with women is inappropriate behavior. The males go out and bring home different women almost every night. Teens look up to reality T.V. stars and want to imitate them. If this is what they are watching, then what kind of message do you think is being portrayed in their heads?
Music Videos can also influence real-life problems, especially rap/hip-hop videos. I am going to focus more on teenage girls. When teenage girls see the women in these music videos they compare themselves to them. Most of these women come off as extremely sexy, which can direct the path of young teens exploring more of their sexuality. This can lead to them dressing and acting a certain way thinking they are "cool". Here is an example that I observed when I was younger. Sisqo who is an R&B/ Hip-hop singer and actor came out with a song called “thong” in 2000 influenced a lot of girls in my middle school. I came to school one day and girls had low rise jeans and their thongs sticking out when they sat down. Sisqo’s lyrics and video made an impact on these young girls making them think this is what guys want, and how women should act. Here is another example of how this song and music videos can lead teenage girls to inappropriate behavior.
Music Videos can also influence real-life problems, especially rap/hip-hop videos. I am going to focus more on teenage girls. When teenage girls see the women in these music videos they compare themselves to them. Most of these women come off as extremely sexy, which can direct the path of young teens exploring more of their sexuality. This can lead to them dressing and acting a certain way thinking they are "cool". Here is an example that I observed when I was younger. Sisqo who is an R&B/ Hip-hop singer and actor came out with a song called “thong” in 2000 influenced a lot of girls in my middle school. I came to school one day and girls had low rise jeans and their thongs sticking out when they sat down. Sisqo’s lyrics and video made an impact on these young girls making them think this is what guys want, and how women should act. Here is another example of how this song and music videos can lead teenage girls to inappropriate behavior.
Good example of media adding words to our vocabulary and teaching children inappropriate ways to behave.
ReplyDeleteThat's one of the creepiest videos I've ever seen.
ReplyDeleteYes it was disturbing When I first saw it.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean about the low rise jeans situation. I completely agree with your perspective on media's effect on teenagers, particularly girls.
ReplyDelete