Me, Myself, and I: What's Really Wrong with Teen Culture

BreakPoint | 17 Nov 03 | Chuck Colson

[Mr. Silverback]

If you took your teenage daughter to the movies this summer, what did you see? Laura Sessions Stepp, who frequently writes on trends among adolescent girls, saw something that bothered her. But it's not what you might think.

In a thought-provoking article in the WASHINGTON POST, Stepp writes, "If you're a young Hollywood heroine today, you lip-sync your way to rock stardom overnight . . . win passage of a bill by giving [cosmetic] makeovers to members of Congress or solve murders by posing as a stripper cop. . . . You entertain, but you don't inspire, at least the way movies used to." For these young women, she says, "Power lies largely in how you look and what you buy. . . . Perfection through consumption, that's the (young) American Way."

Many of us are concerned -- and rightly so -- about teen culture's promotion of sexuality and violence. But I think Stepp has put her finger on a problem just as important: the encouragement of selfishness among our youth.

Movies like the CHARLIE'S ANGELS franchise, LEGALLY BLONDE 2, THE LIZZIE MCGUIRE MOVIE, and other popular summer fare may pretend to teach about independence and maturity. But the truth is that real "character development" is out; consumerism and feel-good messages are in. Or as Stepp puts it, "Life revolves around these young women." For the most part, instead of stories about girls who grow up facing real challenges and learning how to help others, we get fictional girls whose main concern is me, myself, and I. And that pervasive message is not doing real girls any good.

There's more than one factor at work here. For one thing, at a time when many adults act more irresponsible than teenagers, or want to stay juvenile, our definition of maturity has changed. For another, feminist leaders have long been putting pressure on both our educational system and our popular culture to try to make up for a supposed lack in girls' self-esteem (which is actually based on distorted data).

But the biggest factor may be that teenagers today have more spending money than ever before and have proven themselves vulnerable to marketing campaigns, which means that those campaigns grow more and more aggressive. And it's good marketing strategy to present the consumer with an image of herself the way she'd like to be: glamorous, independent of parental and moral restraints, easily able to overcome all obstacles. It's not good marketing strategy to suggest that she still has a lot to learn about the world, that there's life beyond adolescence, and that developing strong character is more important than instant gratification.

I'm not saying that every movie has to be serious; everybody needs a little comic relief now and then. I'm just saying that when frivolity and egotism become trendy among such an impressionable age group, we need to pay attention. Christian parents in particular have a duty to inoculate their children against these kinds of trends, for in our worldview, there is more to life than self-interest. We believe in the value of good character, humility, and self-sacrifice for the good of others. Let's make sure we're communicating what we believe to our kids and grandkids.

[Mr. Silverback]

Quick question: Who writes more articles on trends among adolescent girls: Laura Sessions Stepp or Mark Morford? Just curious, it's probably Morford by a country mile. ;-)

I haven't seen the other two, but I think it's a stretch to go after Lizzie McGuire on this score. It's true, she does commit an act of dishonesty by sneaking out with the Italian pop singer in the first place, but otherwise the character didn't strike me as selfish, and her soon-to-be-boyfriend is treated as a stand-up guy (not a sucker) for taking the heat on her behalf. Plus, it's a decent enough flick that I actually sat through it, and if you think that's faint praise, you aren't the parent of someone at the younger end of the Disney Channel demographic.

But, Big Fat Liar is still by far the better movie, and it teaches that lying sucks. If in doubt rent that; the Marty Wolf "Hungry Like The Wolf" dance scene or any one of the major Amanda Bynes bits is worth the price of admission all by itself. And, coincidentally, a song called "Me, Myself and I" is on the soundtrack.

[Mr. Silverback]

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[PeteFromMontana]

I know this, I worry about the messages my kids receive. Sometimes I really angst about that, but then I take a look at them as individuals and I can relax.

The kids are good people, their friends are good people and they seem to want to bum around with mainly good people.

The messages might be strong but I believe the relationship you have with your kids is much stronger.

[HIDEK6]

I was appalled by a similar destruction of the honor code and ethics by the "Edward Scissorhands" movie.

Its lesson?

If you're a young, attractive girl, it's OK to lie.

But not if you're a boy.

This message was blatant.

[vpintheak]

Yeah, teen movies are about greed and selfishness and sexuality. But who are making these movies? Who is giving their teens all this money so they can spend it on CRAP? Adults and parents thats who. We can't blame the kids for just learning what they are taught.

[mrbillxx]

I agree on Lizze McGuire -- For an adolescent movie, it wasn't that bad. I also sat through it and continue to sit through it often (bought the DVD) and find it somewhat entertaining.

Ms McGuire also opened her "world tour" here in Phoenix and tried to portray a more wholesome image than some -- her message was somewhat bearable. Whether it will hold up or she will become another Brittany, time will tell.

[KantianBurke]

And then people are surprised that men are having such a hard time finding a decent wife or that divorce rates are so high. Those narcisstic girls become women doncha know.

[Mr. Silverback]

Who is giving their teens all this money so they can spend it on CRAP? Adults and parents thats who.

Funny you should mention that...

Bankrupt at Age Twenty-Five: Marketing to Teens, Tweens, and Kids

[cwb]

The entire entertainment industry is dysfunctional. The recording industry is in dire straights, as well...and after watching these music awards I can see why. Video hasn't just killed the radio stars; it's killed the entire industry, as talented musicians and actors have been replaced with sexualized, pre-packaged "pop" stars.

[Moleman]

I don't know how true this really is.
I grew up watching movies such as Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Porkeys, Hollywood Knights etc and they were full of sex and partying and overall disrespect for authority and never turned into a pothead, ordered a pizza in class, or locked policemen in the toilet etc.
I also listened to Ozzy, Van Halen, Motley Crew etc and have not killed myself (or anyone else!)
Then again I did have good parents who taught me right from wrong, thank you Mom and Dad

[ItsOurTimeNow]

The character of 'Eowyn' (of The Two Towers and Return of the King) ought to be presented as a role model for young girls.

Strong, brave, courageous...those are appealing qualities.

Charlie's Angels skanks dancing on stage is not what I'd like my daughter to see and emulate.

[k2blader]

For one thing, at a time when many adults act more irresponsible than teenagers, or want to stay juvenile, our definition of maturity has changed.

And "adults" like these are having and raising kids...

[Middle Man]

The Dove Foundation is good for deciding if a new video is right for family viewing. The site goes so far in its reviews as to inventory all uses of profanity and all scenes involving sex and violence, so you get a good idea beforehand if the movie is really right for the whole family regardless of rating. A good resource in an age when even Disney movies aren't above pandering and political correctness.

[Mr Crontab]

Well, there's not going to be much of a draw unless they get to wield swords. Without the power, the Eowyn character doesn't have a lot of appeal.

[Mr. Silverback]

Eowyn rocks...and the Rings movies are cherished around my place. Darn it, I'm going to see Return of the King in the theater! Don't anybody try to stop me!

[ItsOurTimeNow]

Got the Two Towers extended edition this morning.

Eowyn's song at Theodred's funeral will put a tear in your eye.

[buffyt]

You know it is all about SELF and EGO and SELF ESTEEM and SEX and looking SEXY. I was just at the drug store and saw a magazine cover with Britney Spears on front and the title over her photo says "How to find your sexiest clothes for your body". Teenage girls don't have to try to look sexy, they are already there. It is such a culture of sex.

[dfwgator]

I grew up watching movies such as Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Porkeys, Hollywood Knights etc and they were full of sex and partying and overall disrespect for authority and never turned into a pothead, ordered a pizza in class, or locked policemen in the toilet etc.

...or prematurely "you-know-what" with Fran Drescher waiting in the back seat. (still one of the funniest scenes of all time.)

[Moleman]

Oh that was one of the funniest parts. "Newbom did you ##$." "well, a little..."

Newbom Turk, the one armed violinest

[King Nothing]

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