Living in a technological era, we have access to the tabloids more than
ever before. There are television sets, magazine covers, Internet blogs,
and movies screaming to be read and watched, and they are plastered
with images of these tacky celebrities. When a life of parties,
short-term relationships, drugs, and alcohol are leading celebrities
like Britney, Paris, and Lindsay to spiral out of control, you would
think that their lifestyle is not ideal. But, fans of these stars
disagree. Now, in an age where we have more contact with celebrity
gossip than we have ever had, we are faced with a question: what are the
effects that superstars have on our youth? Celebrities influence fans
to be destructively thin, put harmful substances in their bodies, and
many parents are concerned with the overall content these celebrities
are putting on television, in movies, and over the Internet. Pop culture
idols need to think twice before making a poor decision or practicing
awful morals because of their influence on their young fans and other
people who may look up to them.
Based on a recent Newsweek poll, 77% of Americans believe that
celebrities have too much of an influence on young girls. This effect is
especially evident in their appearance and attitudes. One poll
participant, a first grade teacher, even noticed her students using
derogatory language, singing suggestive song lyrics, and even flirting
with each other. With celebrities creating impossible standards of
beauty, more and more young adults are feeling 'less confident, more
angry, and more dissatisfied' with their looks (National Institute on
Media and the Family). Based on a poll, 40% of nine and ten year-olds
had tried losing weight and at age thirteen (Body Image and Gender
Identity, 2002), 53% of girls were unhappy with their image (National
Institute on Media and the Family). Now, this cannot all be blamed on
the media, but with celebrities becoming thinner and thinner, much
self-confidence is lost and images of television stars or models have
been connected to body displeasure (National Institute on Media and the
Family). Stars need to be concerned about their image because of the
unpleasant fact that it causes young fans to strive to be unhealthily
thin. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that eating
disorders affect more than five million Americans a year, with disorders
usually beginning in the teens or as early as eight. Celebrities should
stay at a safe weight to insure their health and the effects their
weight has in influencing their younger viewers.
Based on the latest Kaiser Family Foundation survey, two in every three
parents feel that their children are being exposed to too much
inappropriate content in the media. Where does this concern come from?
34% of parents stated that they believe that television contain the most
inappropriate content. With television shows today including sexual
content, violence, and adult language, children are exposed to
unsuitable matter for their ages. Since many parents work and are not
always at home, kids have access to shows, movies, and the internet
blogs that can tell them things that should be left for parents to
explain. There is no possible way to end this media frenzy, but experts
say that 'attentive parents, strong teachers and nice friends are an
excellent counterbalance,' (Newsweek, 2007) to pop culture garbage.
Stars need to be more aware of their images because some are allowing
younger fans content that many parents do not want their child seeing.
Celebrities do not only have a negative impact on the looks and
personalities of fans, but also in their health. With superstars like
Kate Moss taking insane amounts of drugs, Amy Winehouse checking into
rehab again, and movie stars lighting up their cigarettes on screen,
there has to be some effect on their admirers. 88% to 92% of the top
twenty-five box office hits since 1995 have contained tobacco use.
Celebrities have glamorized smoking in the media and are setting an
example for supporters everywhere that it is acceptable to smoke. Pop
culture icons need to support a drug free program instead of using
harmful substances. Programs like Above the Influence, run by the Office
of National Drug Protection, use the media for good instead of making
drugs and alcohol seems acceptable to use. Stars should make it a goal
to refrain from using drugs and drinking excessive amounts of booze
because it sends a message to fans that a life of drugs and alcohol is a
satisfactory way to live.
Celebrities need to change the way they act and how they are viewed.
Their actions have more of an effect on us then many people believe they
have. Thin, addicted celebrities are changing the way many young fans
think and act. Celebrities need to change these horrible habits now and
realize that they need to be more concerned with themselves and with
their portrayal in the media.
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http://www.teenink.com/opinion/entertainment_celebrities/article/82342/
