Through the Years with the VMA's

For those not in the know, MTV aired their annual awards show last night, the VMA’s.  Since 1984 this celebration of music and music videos has been one of the highlights of the year for pop culture aficionados.

I have written in other blogs about the benefits of going without TV, and have also written about how to keep our kids safe from the sexualized images we see on TV daily.  But I also get a lot of joy and entertainment from watching popular culture play out around me.  And not only do I think pop culture (meaning TV, music, books, movies, and other media and fads) is fun, but I also think it is important to be aware of the goings-on of the “cool kids” of the world so that I can better relate to my own children, my clients, my neighbors, and friends.

For several generations, kids and young adults have, at least in part, defined themselves by the culture in which they surround themselves.  The popular songs, the hip dance styles, the cool clothes.  What I thought was cool as a teen (grunge) is definitely not cool now.  So I believe it is important, as an adult, to be aware of what is currently cool.  It doesn’t mean I have to like it, listen to it, or even participate in it – but it helps me understand what is important to the younger people in my life – and maybe (I can only hope) – helps me stay relevant in their eyes as well.

So even if you are well past your teens, don’t be ashamed of getting caught up in Bieber Fever, admiring Lady Gaga‘s meat dress, or counting down the days until the second season of Glee begins.  Who knows, if you become knowledgeable enough, your tween kids might even think you’re rad.

2 thoughts on “Through the Years with the VMA's

  1. Elizabeth Doherty Thomas says:

    Amen!! I could not agree more. In my world (marriage education) I strongly encourage folks to watch The Bachelor and The Bachelorette because they are chock full of amazing cultural messages, blog fodder, and make you more able to talk to journalists, couples, etc.

    I’m sad because my five year old is now in kindergarten and my parenting bubble is popping as we speak. I just hope to avoid media saturation for as long as possible. 🙂

    • drstephaniesmith says:

      Elizabeth
      Thanks very much for your comment. I hadn’t even thought of the lessons about marriage and relationships to be learned in reality shows – but so true!
      And good luck with your 5 year old – seems like the media seeps into their little heads no matter how hard we try to keep it out!

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