The nature of youth culture is a very tricky topic to take into account, as there are multiple viewpoints from which it can be and is defined. For example, many of those who are characterized as “youth” tend to see themselves in a certain light, trying to glorify their peers and personal style, while the older generations see youth culture differently because they have an interest in it unlike that of their children or grandchildren. One of the ways in which parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and even youth of other nations evaluate and stereotype the American youth is in their relation to the famous members of their age group. In fact, many young adults associate with and judge themselves by the styles and personalities of the stars.
For this reason, I felt that the “Biggest Looks of ‘06” article and photo gallery from www.mtv.com/style would be a great example of a lens through which youths and others see this youth culture. The photo gallery features pictures of the famous members of this adolescent group wearing certain types of clothes, and characterizes these as the most desirable fashions of this time. Not only is this gallery interesting in that it makes a judgment on the fashion of an entire age group based on very few, but also interesting is the fact that it is a production of MTV, which has defined youth culture since its very beginning. When it started, MTV portrayed the coolest and most “in” rock stars, people that our parent’s generation looked up to and followed, whereas now it has branched into the lives of celebrities and reality shows that depict youth thrown into houses and various situations to see how they react. Music TeleVision has now become CTV- Culture TeleVision- a veritable definition of youth culture in America. However, while the number of people in our age group who actually live their lives as close to those they see on MTV may not be that large, many of our elders seem to stereotype the American youth based on what they see on channels like this. I have met many study abroad students and foreign youth who feel as if we all are or attempt to be mirror images of these famous people, while in reality most lead lives that we as a culture could only dream of.
Essentially, the nature of youth culture is dependent on the outlook and viewpoint of the person examining it. While there may only be a few youth who actually identify with those they see on television, the way that channels like MTV display their “average teen” endorse a very different opinion of this group by adults and others not included in the American “youth” grouping.
Comments (3)
I agree with what Chris has concluded from the pictures at MTV. It's like the celebrities start a trend in fashion for youth culture, but doesn't necessarily mean we want to be that celebrity. I think there are a lot of trends that youth culture copies, but personalities can't be copied. Just because MTV has reality shows involving youths, doesn't mean all youths act the same way. A prime example is MTV's My Super Sweet 16 show. This is an example of youth in America, and many adults outside of the youth culture will take this and generalize all 16 year-olds act that way, when in fact that couldn't be further from the truth.
Posted by Mandy Earles | February 13, 2007 9:12 PM
Posted on February 13, 2007 21:12
Here is the thing about fashion lists. There are very few people making the decision on what's in and what's out. Which then trickles down from the small fashion stores, and then finally reachs the large stores of mass appeal like gap. Not a single person can escape the decisions made by the few fashion hotshots. Its odd but we are all making "unique" fashion decisions based on what those people tell us. And regardless of how out of the loop you think you may be of this...you're not. sorry
Posted by Susan Schwarz | February 14, 2007 12:31 PM
Posted on February 14, 2007 12:31
I just find it funny that MTV stands for Music Tevevision when i can't remember the last time they actually played music. Even during TRL they play 20 seconds of the songs. I can't really complaign though because i am an avid MTV reality junkie. However the REAL reality of it is that 95 % of youth don't act like that. Who would want to watch a reality show of real teenagers who sit in thier basement every friday night and drink Nati Light? People just have to realise that it is strictly entertainment and not take it for any source of reality at all.
Posted by Anonymous | March 13, 2007 5:47 PM
Posted on March 13, 2007 17:47