Turn on your television, flip on the radio, or leaf through your subscription of Teen Magazines. The media everywhere bombards us, and not all of it is beneficial. Take the music industry, for example. Many of the songs that we listen to talk about 'getting dirty' and we cannot escape the provocative images and videos that we see on the TV. I cannot even begin to avoid it! Right now, I am listening to a song about boys and getting 'nasty' (and of course, it is my free will to listen).
Now please don't take this the wrong way. I don't actually disapprove of getting 'jiggy', much like the next person. However, don't you agree that we are getting mixed messages here? In many songs, women seem to be treated more like objects than anything else. One signer explains how much she is sweating and 'too dirty to clean her after', while she turns around and talks about everyone being beautiful. What are we supposed to believe? Some people who are influential in our eyes talk openly about being homophobic or are having troubles with the law.
When is enough enough?
It actually struck me when my little six-year-old sister was singing the lyrics to the latest song, one that had a maturity level intended for teenagers or older. I believe that once it starts interfering with your personal life, then you might have a bubbling problem. Nevertheless, I wouldn't necessarily blame the actual person for being a bad role model. In today's society, being bad or showing skin gets you places.
If you haven't noticed, this has become a major problem on Whyville. Take Giggler's article "Sing Along", where she explains that people can be punished on Whyville for singing a song they have heard over the radio or on the television. Think about it. The lyrics are *so* inappropriate that people are getting fined or muted on Whyville for singing along with them. Not to mention people wearing revealing clothing, which has come to such a peak that Akbar is refusing to accept many parts made with patchy skin colour. As Akbar's brother, Grenouille, explains in his article Guidance from Le Master, skin must have a proper outline before it can be accepted.
Of course, this may seem like a mature topic, but I believe that we all need to think about it. What is going to happen years from now if things are this bad now?
The television is hardly any better than radio. Yes, there are educational television shows, much like the ones MediaWiz showcases weekly; however, the 'new' era of television tries to base things more on the perceived reality of things. Yes, yes, I watch these shows too -- so why am I complaining, you may ask? Well, being stranded on a deserted island is hardly what I would call reality.
It may be true that food is scarce, but what about an individual who is less fortunate and must go through rituals similar to this in everyday life? On the other hand, do we forget about parents who are forced to give up food because they are having financial difficulties and are unable to support their children? That seems more like 'reality' to me....
One singer explains how we are 'overprotected' and sure, that may be the case. However, no matter how sheltered you may be; chances are the media will get to you one way or another. If not through the music you listen to or the television you watch, then they will most likely influence you in the appearance you choose.
It is all right to enjoy and listen to the music, for there are many admirable songs, writers, and television shows out there. Try to listen to the content before you make it part of your Top 10 list, though. What does it say about your character when you choose to follow every step of the media's never-ending dance?
Sing along, but make sure the song is worth 'signing along' to before you crack a note. Watch with caution and dress how you see fit. We have a lot yet to learn, and if you take care of yourselves now, then chances are you will shine in the future.
A Thousand Miles,
-TIKE
