How Media Affects Self Image

It seems to me like teens now a days are too focused on appearance and how other people view them. Mass media influences these ideas and brainwashes our generation into feeling the need to conform. Teenagers are trying to hard to to fit in, or have "the look." For example, the show America's Next Top Model affected one of my friends in a very unhealthy way. She told me how she always wanted to be a model. However, they care too much about your size that she was discouraged. I know this happens a lot because the media portrays to the public that one must be thin, have high fashion, and have natural beauty. This causes self consciousness, discouragement, and unhealthy habits for our and younger generations. Even younger kids are starting to transform the way they act and look in order to be like their role models on television and in the magazines. Kids are beginning to apply make-up, speak inappropriately, and dress more revealing than they have in the past. If the media did not put such a heavy influence on appearances, our world today would would be more classy and people would be happier and healthier with themselves.

Why is the Music Industry Dying?

I remember when i was in fifth grade and got my first cd player. It was the happiest day of my life, i could finally listen to the music i liked and not what the radio was playing. All I could think about is going to the Music store and buy new albums to listen to. There were so many genres and different artist, it was hard just to buy only one. That was then, now I do not remember the last time I actually bought a an album. Actually I do not remember the last time I visited a music store, do those things even still exist? Ever since the Ipod was invented, the downloading of music has sky rocketed. Everyone just logs on to their computer then access their itunes account and they get all the music they want. Instead of buying the whole album, now we can just download the first single of an artist number. This affects the number of album copies an artist sells, not to mention the money they make. Everything is so digital now, there is no more fun in going out and buying and album and getting the album cover. It is just more convenient to buy your music from where u are sitting than making a trip to your local music store. Alot of music stores have run out of business because of this evolution of buying music. This is making it easier for some artist to break in to the music indusrty, but this is not a good thing. Now the music that is put out, is anything but good. Artist of this day can make serious money buy putting a track out with a catchy chorus and have a hit. This is killing the music industry and making music is not an art anymore is just an easy way too make money.

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Who are our heroes today?

It seems like today kids do not look up to their older brother and sisters or even look up to the world leaders who are changing the world. What happened to the good days when fire fighters, Doctors, and teachers were the people respected in the society. They were the people who made a difference and who even saved other peoples life. Now with the evolution of media and with it being a major part of our lives is the people who make the headlines of TMZ, Sports Center, and the person who has the number one song in the country the one who everyone idolizes and adores. Athletes are always on tv and have a great responsibilities on their shoulders, they not only have to play their sport but now because of all the exposure they have to behave and act in a proffesional manner. If not it does not only bring a bad image to them but it also affects the lives of the people watching including the kids who look up to them. Athletes are not bad role models, they are hard working people and have gone through alot to be where they are. Some don not realize the responsibility they have and abuse the money they make and set a bad image on them selves. Other athletes are not just off the court they are bad on the court. For example a situation a few years back when Indian Pacers Ron Artest and Stephen Jackson went into the stands and attacked several fans. They suspended for a few games, which was a small penalty to pay. The real sad part is the message and example they sent out to the kids who look up to them. It is also sad that they can just get away with it and just pay a small penalty. So why is it that we look up to people like this? Do we want our future generation to idolize people who break the law and who are violent?

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