I was checking out the nominees for the Teen Choice Awards and realized that I’m either completely out of touch with reality, or I don’t know what a teen is anymore.
When I think of music, television and movies that teens would vote on as their most favorite, I’m thinking of PG or PG-13 appropriate material. Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Jump5, Wonderful World of Disney.
But “Sex in the City?”
Seriously, that’s one of the movies on the ballot for best Chick Flick, along with a couple of PG-13 formula flicks. Call me old-fashioned, but I don’t know how an R-rated movie made it onto a teen favorite ballot, considering that in order to see an R-rated movie you have to be 18, which I think is barely considered a teen.
But I guess R-rated movies are the rage, because “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” is nominated as favorite comedy. That film is promoted by the studio as a “raunchy, honest look at one guy’s quest to grow up and get over the heartbreak of being dumped.”
Right. This is the stuff we want teens seeing? No wonder their views of sex and love are so screwed up.
And the music? Thankfully, the Jonas Brothers are nominated for Best Single, with “When You Look Me In The Eyes,” a benign love song. Let’s hope it beats out the trashy “4 Minutes” sex song by Madonna and Justin Timberlake, which is also nominated for best “Hook Up.” I hope that means musical duo and not sexual hook up. (Although you never know, do you? These days, it might mean both.)
American Idol Jordin Sparks and country sensation Taylor Swift are both nominated for Breakout Artists; Jordin has strong ties to Christian music and Taylor is a sweet, fairly safe choice for teens. That’s encouraging.
Should we be promoting sex songs, R-rated movies and TV dramas like “Desperate Housewives” to teens? What kind of effect do you think that has on teens, especially younger teens.
And do think that the growth of Christian music in mainstream outlets can help change the tide? If acts like Jonas Brothers can remain true to their spiritual roots and still relate to teens, might we see a move towards cleaner music and role models? Or are we stuck with Madonna and Britney Spears forever?
I’d love to know what you think.
The 10th Annual Teen Choice Awards air on FOX on August 4th, and will be hosted by Miley Cyrus. For a complete list of nominees, visit the Teen Choice Awards website.
posted July 17, 2008 at 2:48 pm
http://www.YouTube.com/tylersride
TYLER’S RIDE thinks teenagers should be teenagers. Why should teens want to stress about the worries of women in their 40′s?! Seriously. The life issues of teens are sooo different from those of adults.
1. Networks and affiliates need to re-examine what they promote to teens. Some of those noms –like Sex in the City and Forgetting Sarah M + other promos like Desperate Housewives– are just not a good fit for this young crowd.
2. And yes, the growth of Christian music in mainstream outlets can help change the tide. Look at Switchfoot –which is so mainstream and cool. Plus, artists like Jeremy Camp –who is featured in TYLER’S RIDE– are reaching out to youth and encouraging them to make a difference.
Check out TYLER’S RIDE on YouTube and see for yourself!
posted July 17, 2008 at 2:52 pm
i am glad that some one finally took a stand and the jonas brothers totally rock
posted July 17, 2008 at 5:25 pm
I am happy the jb got all these awards things. i think they should win all of them. they are a great brothers working as team 2 get far in there music. they are like the hottest guy right now in the USA. they have great fans n 2 let me say i mite not be there #1 fan but i love there music n respect how they get it done. i love there music so much. i think ppl all around like every person should love there music. jb rock again i hope they win all there nonmines good luck. n ppl vote for them plzzz. Sha’Quayla {Virginia}
posted July 18, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Teenagers always have, and always will, seek out movies and music that adults think are inappropriate for them. Are you really so surprised that 16 year-olds like Sex and the City? I mean, really?
There’s this belief among adults that teenagers are naive and innocent until they start watching MTV, as though without the media they would never talk or think about (or have) sex. That notion is pure hogwash.
posted July 18, 2008 at 4:07 pm
No, I’m not surprised that the kids would seek it out. I guess I was surprised that a show aimed at teens would promote it to them!
Joanne
posted August 3, 2008 at 1:55 pm
4 minutes is a verry good song…………..I hope it win……
Love Justin ……..and now madonna too.
posted August 3, 2008 at 9:34 pm
I can take Sex in the City, but I truly can’t understand how ‘I Kissed A Girl’ can be number one in the country and also on the ‘TEEN’ choice awards show. Come on people, how in the hecks are teens supposed to be exposed to bi-sexual curiosity..I am no prude, but that song is not for kids and neither are half of the ones that are put out today.