I feel that the media has a huge role in teaching values, specifically the "male and female ideal" values that we have been discussing in class. When I was growing up, we didn't have cable TV at home, so we really didn't watch anything other than the evening news, or PBS programs. When I was young, I experienced little or none of the pressures that I do now to look a certain way. I never really wanted to look like Barbie because I just couldn't imagine how she walked around on her tippy-toes all the time, but boy does she project an image. I see how so many little girls are bombarded with images to live up to, and I can't believe they don't fold under pressure in higher numbers. I had Punky Brewster, who looked like a pretty average little girl, and now there's Miley Cyrus, who is featured on Teen Vogue's "10 Best Dressed" list for September 2008, made to look as much like a grown-up as possible.
http://www.teenvogue.com/style/bestdressed/topten?slide=3I haven't even gotten started on the boys yet! I just googled that magazine, MH-18, and there is a picture of a totally ripped guy who doesn't even look like a teenager! The headlines include, "Drink This, Get Stronger," and "Get the Girl."
Tell me, after you're done watching High School Musical that the media doesn't play a role in teaching values.
8 comments:
I know...the link doesn't work. just copy and paste it of go to teen vogue (it's under the "style" tab).
I agree! I am scared to see what it might be like in a few more years. I am having trouble deciding if I should bring children into this disaster. I wonder if it will get worse orat what point will it stop. I hope there is a plateu becuase soon what will the point of clothing be, and will there be any scared means to sex?
I agree with you that the media plays a huge role in influencing young people on how to view themselves. Also the role that celebrities have on influencing young adults.
I can see how times are changing. I grew up without cable also, and felt no pressure to look a certain way. The media does play a huge role and you make that clear with good examples. We tell people to look as old as possible, which seems like we are telling young people to grow up, and just someday, but way too fast.
What if we don't watch High School Musical? ;)
PBS was always a good time, with Arthur and Reading Rainbow, at least when I was growing up. I don't see how TeenVogue or any of these other magazines can stand to put out these images of teens that only 1 out of like 50 teens actually has a chance of looking like, it makes me sick. I like how you pointed out Miley Cyrus' role in all of this, having a 15 year old girl inspiring all these younger girls to look and act like an adult even at such a young and somewhat innocent age.
I know! My older sister who was addicted to these images would call me "pleasantly Plump"
I don't watch High School Musical either. My friend's daughter does, and can't believe she lets her. At least they make fun of it, and she know it's not in any way real.
But Courtney...Old people have to look young, too! Facelifts, wrinkle peels, hair dye, wow!
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