What's the Matter with These Kids Today?
Like all stereotypes, the ones presented in the documentary aren't entirely accurate, but do hold some weight. As a guy, it's been expected of me that my favorite TV shows and movies involve the following:
- explosions
- endless action sequences
- someone getting hit in the junk
- toilet humor
- sophomoric stunts
I'll admit to watching The Tom Green Show the short time it was on, but then again, I also listened to Insane Clown Posse in those days, too, so what the hell did I know about taste? Jackass has never held any appeal to me, since I really don't get my laughs from toilet humor or material that takes no real wit to create. That said, there's certainly an audience for this type of programming or it wouldn't exist. Honestly, while I think it caters to the male demographic, there are also females who enjoy this level of entertainment, too. I think it goes back to the idea that some people simply don't want to be "bothered" with thinking to get their laughs. To each their own, though, I guess.
As for the midriff, it seems fairly accurate to me. Not being a girl, I can only judge from observing, but it would seem there's more pressure on young females than young males. A guy can theoretically go around looking like a bum and still get some sweet action. All he's gotta do is call himself emo. But for girls, there's more pressure to look, dress, and act a certain way. There's more emphasis put on weight when it comes to females, which has certainly led to the exposure of more ribcages than I think any of us should ever have to see. There's also the pressure to dress "sexy." Girls are more likely to foresake comfort in the name of looking good than guys are. No doubt there are women who actually like some of this stuff, but I think we'd see a lot less six-inch heels, glops of make-up, and scandalous clothing if there was less of a consenus that that's how a "sexy" woman is supposed to look.
When it comes to influencing young minds, it's just too easy to do. If it weren't these people doing it, there'd be another right there to take its place. Young minds, as a whole, are just too impressionable to leave be. I don't necessarily agree with what's peddled as cool towards this demographic, but it's never too early to start developing your own personality. These trends make it difficult to do so, but the sooner you can begin carving out who you are, I think the better off you'll be.
- explosions
- endless action sequences
- someone getting hit in the junk
- toilet humor
- sophomoric stunts
I'll admit to watching The Tom Green Show the short time it was on, but then again, I also listened to Insane Clown Posse in those days, too, so what the hell did I know about taste? Jackass has never held any appeal to me, since I really don't get my laughs from toilet humor or material that takes no real wit to create. That said, there's certainly an audience for this type of programming or it wouldn't exist. Honestly, while I think it caters to the male demographic, there are also females who enjoy this level of entertainment, too. I think it goes back to the idea that some people simply don't want to be "bothered" with thinking to get their laughs. To each their own, though, I guess.
As for the midriff, it seems fairly accurate to me. Not being a girl, I can only judge from observing, but it would seem there's more pressure on young females than young males. A guy can theoretically go around looking like a bum and still get some sweet action. All he's gotta do is call himself emo. But for girls, there's more pressure to look, dress, and act a certain way. There's more emphasis put on weight when it comes to females, which has certainly led to the exposure of more ribcages than I think any of us should ever have to see. There's also the pressure to dress "sexy." Girls are more likely to foresake comfort in the name of looking good than guys are. No doubt there are women who actually like some of this stuff, but I think we'd see a lot less six-inch heels, glops of make-up, and scandalous clothing if there was less of a consenus that that's how a "sexy" woman is supposed to look.
When it comes to influencing young minds, it's just too easy to do. If it weren't these people doing it, there'd be another right there to take its place. Young minds, as a whole, are just too impressionable to leave be. I don't necessarily agree with what's peddled as cool towards this demographic, but it's never too early to start developing your own personality. These trends make it difficult to do so, but the sooner you can begin carving out who you are, I think the better off you'll be.
posted by Alex at 10:17 PM
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