The Marketing of Evil; Parts I and II

World Net Daily ^ | Jan. 15, 16, 2004 | David Kupelian

[PurVirgo]

From Part I

Indeed, what is exerting this irresistible pressure to conform (by "rebelling") on most of today's youth?

Just as the military and private schools and Boy Scouts have uniforms, so does the youth culture: baggy pants, backward hats, chokers and other jewelry, body piercings, tattoos and the like. But if uniforms symbolize values and allegiance, a loyalty to a higher (or lower) order, then in this case it's an allegiance to an increasingly defiant musical, social, sexual and cultural world, a mysterious (to parents) realm that seems magically to be drawing millions of children into it.

For three years, journalist Patricia Hersch journeyed into this exotic subculture. She observed, listened to, questioned, bonded with, and won the trust of eight teens in the typical American town of Reston, Va., ultimately producing her acclaimed portrait, "A Tribe Apart: A journey into the heart of American adolescence." The landscape she describes, as ubiquitous across America's fruited plain as McDonalds, is troubling indeed

From Part II

Remember in the classic, biblical epic films of the 1950s, how Sodom and Gomorrah were portrayed? Drunken men with multiple piercings and bright red robes, with one loose woman under each arm, cavorting in orgiastic revelry against a background of annoying, mosquito-like music? Maybe a bone through the nose as well? Hollywood took pains to depict these lost souls in the most debauched and irredeemable manner – to justify their subsequent destruction with fire and brimstone as punishment for their great sinfulness.

Guess what? Those Hollywood depictions don't even begin to capture the shocking reality of what is going on right here in America's culture today – I mean, they're not even close.

First of all, there's sex. Very simply, there seem to be neither boundaries nor taboos any more when it comes to sex. Anything goes – from heterosexual to homosexual to bi-, trans-, poly-, and you-don't-want-to-know sexual experiences. Sex has become a ubiquitous, cheap, meaningless quest for ever-greater thrills. As Dr. Laura Schlessinger quipped, the guy no longer has to lie to the gal, pretend he likes her or take her out to dinner to get sex – he just has to show up.

[PurVirgo]

A long read, but immensely interesting. The author goes into marketing tactics of corporations like MTV, Disney, Viacom. He explores why young people act the way they do, and what a solution may be.

As a young person, I found it to confirm my deepest suspicions about today's entertainment, and the tactics they employ to "hook" new customers.

It's worth the read.

[PurVirgo]

Here is the link to part II, I didn't think I could post both links, and I was right.

[MHGinTN]

Going reading ... back eventually. BTW, thanks for posting this one!

[Blue Highway]

A typical snap-shot of the downward spiral of moral values of American youth. I do think the media and their mass marketing influence adolescents, but the big question is:"Where are the parents?" You can't JUST blame Viacom, AOL, MTV etc etc., although they have a big impact. What does the typical parent think of one of these "ghetto-ized" children of theirs?

The "buzz marketing" the article mentions is to the youth culture as "paid bashers" are to the financial community.

[PurVirgo]

um... if you read the article, Mr. Kupelian does talk about parenting.

The reason why I liked this article so much is because it's comprehensive, discussing all aspects, not just commercialism.

[nmh]

THAT is the best article I've read yet on what's going on with kids. I will read part 2.

When I read this:

"... in this case it's an allegiance to an increasingly defiant musical, social, sexual and cultural world, a mysterious (to parents) realm that seems magically to be drawing millions of children into it."

it caught my attention. While it's not necessarily mysterious ... ( I'm also a parents etc.) but there is an evil pull out there that seems to know no limits. In my time there were LIMITS. Sex, drugs, crazy dress - the typical rebellion took place but this now there is something more addicting going on. How ever it is described I know it will not be satisfied till the whole person is devoured. When that happens, to rebuild that person or rehabilitate them may not be possible. That is what alarms me.

[nmh]

Thank you again ... of to part 2!

[PurVirgo]

Speaking from personal experience, you are absolutely correct.

I just hope that my generation doesn't employ the victim tactic when we finally come around. After all, we learned that from the media and press too.

[PurVirgo]

That was an ignorant thing to say.

shame on you.

[PurVirgo]

no prob

[TheStickman]

ping

[Dan Evans]

I didn't read the whole article. Does he suggest we can do anything about this or do we have to sell our TVs and move to a cabin in Montana?

[PurVirgo]

Well, he does suggest homeschooling your kids (I intend to, that is, if it's still legal to do so when I have them).

I personally suggest ditching the TV and reading news and current events on FR, personally ;)

[PurVirgo]

dude, love your tagline

[RLK]

If I don't irritate at least 100 people a day with the basic truth it means I have lost my integrity.

[PurVirgo]

If that kind of *truth* makes you comfortable, then I'm glad for you.

[liberty or death]

Do we need him to give us the solution ?
I have four teen boys and none of them listen to,dress like or act like black gangster rappers. Why ?
Because the first time the oldest tried to buy a pair of baggie pants the answer was NO and it was explained to him while the rest of his brothers could hear, all the reasons why.
This was 12 years ago and they all have respect for their elders and pretty good taste in music.
The answer is simply this. Don't let the problem start.
If it has already started then grab your boy by the scruff, let him know you love him and you will not allow him to self destruct. This will also require time with the kids and not for you and your friends.
We chose to be parents, so be parents.
God Bless and go to it.

[TheStickman]

It is good isn't it lol
(I'll tell him, I'm "Mrs. Stickman" on his machine, he's at a gig)

[Ciexyz]

I seem to remember making my parents crazy back in the late sixties/early seventies with rock and roll like "Tommy" and Steppenwolf. Kid will always push the envelope to attempt to find their own identity.

My pastor advised our congregation: Parents of teens, Don't sweat the small stuff like studded earrings. Save the controversy for the vital questions like a pro-life stance and sexual purity until marriage.