Is this good for America?

Question

Today in the US, old role models are being replaced with the new generation of what is "hip." People like Britney Spears, and Tara Conner are given more publicity when they are out doing drugs in clubs and doing other things that may be innappropriate from the society's point of view. However, it is becoming clear today that many girls are following in their footsteps, even though they may not look up to them. Many boys are adopting the "bad boy" personality as the way to being accepted, and joining the higher rank. It is clear that the society is changing. Where do you think this is headed (how will it affect our society)? And ultimately, do you think this is good for America?

Answer 1

People in the fifties said the same things about Elvis and Brando. They'll grow out of it. My parents certainly did.

Answer 2

Teenagers have always loved rebels. In the twenties girls, in the emulated the bad girl flappers and jazz age, in the thirties it was the gangsters, in the forties it was the bad boy soldiers (note, truancy and drop outs were higher in the forties than now) , in the fifties boys wanted to be James Dean or the sex pot starlets, in the sixties it was every drug addicted hippie musician, etc etc. Every decade has had its rebels that teenagers loved because they irritated their parents. Keep in mind every decade has had positive role models as well. Some of those same stars do good things as well. Look at Angelina Jolie, the ultimate bad girl who also is a great humanitarian. Society always changes, its part of the definition of society. I work with teenagers and have for twenty years. You know something, as much as "society" wants us to believe that there are these great problems that our teenagers are concerned about and reacting to, their major concerns are still dating, being accepted, being loved, and their parents. The clothes change, the music changes, the movie stars change but bottom line, they want to be loved and accepted.

Answer 3

I think if people actually look up to Britney Spears and Tara Conner as examples, it would be bad for all of us.

BUT, I work with teenagers and kids all the time. Most of them are alot smarter than we give them credit for. I think the generation of kids currently 12-25 are really a good group of people that will start to clean up the mess that the Baby Boomers are leaving.

If you look back in time, the Boomers had far greater moral issues and lack of control in their generation. They didn't care about anyone but themselves, have never had to deal with real world problems, have been sheltered most of their lives.

The upcoming generation gives me hope, not dread.

Answer 4

I think it's time people started looking for better role models. Or better yet, they should start using their own brains and make better choices. I, for one, do not appreciate the Britney Spears of the world and would not allow my child to emulate her.

Answer 5

I think it is also how you raise your kids. My daughter and her friends DO not look up to Brittany at all. She looks up to Mia Hamm, Avril Lavinge,Kelly Clarkson. Kids today move at a much faster rate growing up and what they are exposed too but I think you should be able to have open communication with your children. I am not saying kids do not rebel but I know my daughter won't be dressing with a skirt showing her privates.
Alot of it has to do with parenting as well.

Answer 6

She appoligized. She gets her second chance. She was not doing it for publicity like some ppl are!