Idols in Pop Culture... and New Haircuts

Flashing spotlights and glittering costumes, cool special effects and half-a-dozen costume changes are all things one might encounter when attending a sold-out concert with the name of latest pop-star phenomenon attached. Today’s culture is brimming with candidates who are prime targets for young minds to clasp onto and “look up to” or as the term is more commonly coined, they are the “idols” of today’s young people. One scandal after another has befallen many of the young starlets of the millennium era, many of whom have become household names through their Disney Channel alter-egos – namely Miley Cyrus who most people might know as Hannah Montana, or the long-ago former Disney darling Lindsey Lohan. The fact that these girls have made headlines of the worst kind is not only a sobering statistic but also an unfortunate reality for these young adults because it seems as if they have no one in their lives who genuinely care for their well-being, and sadly, all that is likely to lead to, is heartbreak.

About two months ago I plopped down in front of the television and watched the entire three-hour run of an awards show (it is a good thing I don’t do this on a night-to-night basis because as weird as it may sound, it’s exhausting to do so). Among the glittering splendor of the thousands of dollars worth of evening wear and dazzling, awe-inspiring performances are celebrities who are sitting smack dab in the fantasy world of America’s young people who have blind adoration for these stars. Too many girls today find a role model among the Hollywood stars and to me that is a sad, unfortunate scenario. I do not ever remember idolizing any celeb – but I will admit that I do indulge in poring over PEOPLE magazine, reading about all of the latest fashion trends or movie news. I’d be lying if I said that I’ve never wondered what living a life that the Hollywood elite live is really like – or even a life with money where each penny doesn’t count, but I also know that money and all the fame in the world cannot bring happiness. Instead most of the time it winds up being more of a burden than seeing any good come out of it. Too many names in Hollywood have been brought down to a new kind of low that was only after they achieved fame – after they were able to buy anything they wanted, or anything that money could materialistically buy. These cultural idols can do no wrong to their devoted fans and as a result, they are put up on a pedestal of sorts. They not only strive to look like them – from the clothes they wear to the latest haircut and size zero bodies, but they also actually want to be their idol. And, that is just not healthy.

There are women in the media’s eye whom I do admire and I am certainly surrounded by a select few in my life who I can look up to, not the least of which is my mother. In the spotlight world of entertainment, I’ve always admired Christian pop artist Rebecca St. James for her beautiful faith and wonderful stand on purity. The ladies of Point of Grace are also another group who are known in the Christian realm of recording artists. They are not a trio whom I have drawn as much inspiration from but I have found more than one treasure in their music. More recently in the media’s eye is Denver Bronco quarterback Tim Tebow. The one guy who has captured America's attention as a person who has values and isn't afraid to stand up for his beliefs - no matter how far we've come, it proves that we still want someone like this to root for. I know very little about him since I was unfamiliar with his name, but from what I’ve seen and read, I applaud him on his journey to stand apart from the world’s temptations – and to defy what the masses claim is politically correct. For his sake – and all the youngsters who might be inspired by him, I wish him the best of luck. These are examples of media figures who are inspiring movements that we can get behind. It is the teeny-bopper artists that I find myself at odds with the most. While the Jonas Brothers were at the height of their popularity, I was constantly scoffing at their music, style (what was with that hair?) and sense of moral direction, then I’d have to constantly remind myself that I was most definitely not their target audience – it still didn’t stop me from shaking my head and wondering what the thousands of screaming girls saw in them, and what were they thinking? For a while the brothers were vocal about their stand on dating but I’ve a hard time believing that is still intact now that they have the latest Hollywood actress’ hanging off their arms. 

One of the families that attends my church were once missionaries to Africa and have four children, two of whom are young teenagers – both girls. Their mother once shared with me that she wasn’t about to buy her daughters anything Hannah Montana because she didn’t like how the phenomenon presented itself. That might seem like an overprotective parent to some people but look at what Miley has become – look at the image she wants to present. This opinion of mine is based primarily on statements the actress herself has made, not second-hand gossip. Seeing such reckless, immoral behavior is disheartening. Not only are these girls misusing the trust (misplaced as it is) put in them by their loyal fan base, they are also disrespecting themselves – through their choice of dress, their attitude and the persona they adopt while on stage.

Do you all know what this phenomenon is with – dare I even type his name… *gulp* Justin Bieber? If possible, I believe he is more of an “icon” than the JoBros, and while I do not pretend to know why, I do know there are thousands of girl’s who think he’s… well… perfect. As my mother so astutely pointed out (see, mom does know best), he is the “ideal” guy girls assume their Prince Charming should be modeled after – ‘cause he’s dreamy and that is all that matters, right? Wrong. Pop culture might contribute some positive things to our society but mostly I see it as a misleading outlet that is all about immoral activates – from the way the girls dress to the lyrics in songs, rarely does anything good come from mainstream pop culture. And that is a fact.

And, I'm sorry but... I just have to say this: these dudes might want to look in the mirror – the barber should be on speed dial! (WHAT!? Someone needed to say something. *wink*)

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Categories: Christian, Culture, Miley Cyrus, Opinions, RSJames, Teen, Tim Tebow

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