I’m forever feeling more than just a generation gap when I see kids texting on their cell phones, listening to their iPods and wearing more expensive brands than I do.
My gut reaction is that this kid is spoiled rotten. Then I realize this kid is just one of many.
So is it the kid? Or am I just behind the times?
After all, children and youth normally follow the trends on television, in the movies and on the Internet. But is the media the best source for identifying what’s normal?
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit, St. Joseph’s Care Group and the Boys & Girls Club of Thunder Bay are offering a special presentation for parents called Who’s Teaching Your Kids About What’s Normal?
Good question. MTV’s most popular program, Jersey Shore, is about a group of twenty-somethings who like to party.
It’s too simplistic to say that Canadian youths are going to watch this show and duplicate it. They know the stars of Jersey Shore are crossing the line. But do they know where that line actually is?
DUIs, public disturbances, and various other charges seem to have little effect on stars or their ability to make money.
Do our youth realize the same behaviour could affect their ability to gain employment, car insurance or even some types of financing?
Reality television rarely focuses on the everyday. Who’s going to watch people playing by the rules and living within their means? The media likes drama and going to the extreme.
Furthermore, advertisers fill commercial breaks with lifestyle images that include their products. Unfortunately, it isn’t your or my lifestyle either.
AOL’s JSYK (Just So You Know) website which targets nine to 15 year olds recently listed Miley Cyrus as the worst celebrity influence of 2010 according to user votes.
Since she’s been photographed smoking from a bong and performing in lingerie, parents might be relieved their youngsters aren’t impressed by the pop princess.
But that doesn’t mean they don’t want her lifestyle – or her closet.
The media offers all kinds of images our youth can aspire to, but no realistic means of acquiring it or the fallout from emulating it.
That’s why the local presentation on Wednesday, February 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club is so valuable for parents. Visit TBDHU.com for details.
And if you think media manipulation just affects the kids, I have a question.
Fifteen years ago, you had coffee at home or poured a cup to bring to work.
Would you be spending five times as much while waiting in the drive-through if Tim’s hadn’t convinced you it was part of Canadian life to bring a cup wherever you go?
My gut reaction is that this kid is spoiled rotten. Then I realize this kid is just one of many.
So is it the kid? Or am I just behind the times?
After all, children and youth normally follow the trends on television, in the movies and on the Internet. But is the media the best source for identifying what’s normal?
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit, St. Joseph’s Care Group and the Boys & Girls Club of Thunder Bay are offering a special presentation for parents called Who’s Teaching Your Kids About What’s Normal?
Good question. MTV’s most popular program, Jersey Shore, is about a group of twenty-somethings who like to party.
It’s too simplistic to say that Canadian youths are going to watch this show and duplicate it. They know the stars of Jersey Shore are crossing the line. But do they know where that line actually is?
DUIs, public disturbances, and various other charges seem to have little effect on stars or their ability to make money.
Do our youth realize the same behaviour could affect their ability to gain employment, car insurance or even some types of financing?
Reality television rarely focuses on the everyday. Who’s going to watch people playing by the rules and living within their means? The media likes drama and going to the extreme.
Furthermore, advertisers fill commercial breaks with lifestyle images that include their products. Unfortunately, it isn’t your or my lifestyle either.
AOL’s JSYK (Just So You Know) website which targets nine to 15 year olds recently listed Miley Cyrus as the worst celebrity influence of 2010 according to user votes.
Since she’s been photographed smoking from a bong and performing in lingerie, parents might be relieved their youngsters aren’t impressed by the pop princess.
But that doesn’t mean they don’t want her lifestyle – or her closet.
The media offers all kinds of images our youth can aspire to, but no realistic means of acquiring it or the fallout from emulating it.
That’s why the local presentation on Wednesday, February 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club is so valuable for parents. Visit TBDHU.com for details.
And if you think media manipulation just affects the kids, I have a question.
Fifteen years ago, you had coffee at home or poured a cup to bring to work.
Would you be spending five times as much while waiting in the drive-through if Tim’s hadn’t convinced you it was part of Canadian life to bring a cup wherever you go?
