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In this article, Rakie talks about the non-existent boundaries that parents have for their children when it comes to social media.
The power of pop in modern media
The power of pop in modern media
By: Rakie Jagne
By: Rakie Jagne
Pop culture is embedded in our lives. Many people use it as entertainment or as a tool, and it has shaped the way many view this world. Most people do not realize the effect that pop culture has had on younger generations. Children are subject to all types of media and are exposed to messages and symbols all the time. Parents should know the importance of the values a child learns, and why it might be a problem for them to be consuming the current media.
From caveman to modern human, people have created a basis of music genres, compelling stories, and an expectation for fashion ideals. These types of art have made humanity's desires come to life. However, they have also created a social structure in which power is given to certain people, and that can change beliefs and ideas easily. As explained by Decade2Connect, a platform that provides advice for parents, “Social media easily creates social pressures for your child to conform to certain norms, such as dressing a certain way or listening to certain music.” Not only does comparing oneself to unrealistic ideals cause insecurities, but most adults are not aware of the real repercussions these ideals bring.
Photo credit: Focus
Recently, the Grammys took place and some intriguing messages were shown. Celebrity fashion has always embraced a level of promiscuity-- one could say risqueness-- but this particular show pushed the boundaries even further. Many magazines and news websites have already spread rumors about the Kanye and Bianca incident. According to Cosmopolitan, an online magazine, “‘ET has learned that the rapper, his wife, and an entourage of about five people showed up to the Grammys uninvited. Kanye walked the red carpet with Bianca, who appeared to be fully naked under her fur coat. ET was told that the couple was then escorted out of the awards show.’” When little kids, and even teens, see incidents like this and think that it is normal, the conflict will only grow in the future. The nudity and bluntness of the actions of celebrities like Kanye and Bianca create a pretense that the young are going to act upon and use as they grow older.
Photo Credit: Billboard
One of the biggest trends that kids are attracted to is following the music industry. The hottest music is on everyone's playlist. Taking a closer look at what this “pop music” is actually promoting can help to protect what children might be learning from it. Just recently, Bruno Mars, a famous singer/songwriter posted a brand new song collaborating with Sexyy Red, an American rapper and singer. This song is about inappropriate acts and portrays the idea that “lovemaking” is nothing but a fun and meaningless act. Available on most music platforms, this song is out there for any child to listen to. Of course, media like this has always existed. However, the difference is that Bruno is a nostalgic and well-known artist to many young people, but even he is succumbing to the standard of using sex for fame.
There are so many ways the media shapes its way into lives, which is why it is so hard for people to realize it is happening. It is in the music that is listened to by the public, in the newspaper and ads everywhere, and at the dinner table when talking about the latest trends. It has changed so much in the last 30 years. This new generation is growing up in a world made of false ideals and unrealistic expectations. What they will become as adults is unknown, but the people in power of the media and parents especially, have the most control over what could be.
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