American idol worship

Picking the wrong role models, and seeking new ones

October 9, 2008

Articles, Nu Magazine - October 9, 2008

Fall is a time to study — not textbooks, but the foibles of society. I watched a camp talent show over the summer. The first skit consisted of three 10-year-old girls complaining that they had eaten “two M&Ms” and had cheated on their “eat nothing diets,” which resulted in each feeling “fat.”

This was even more ironic to me because all three were stick-thin.

Next topic, the three chose to mention the pop star craze, the Jonas Brothers, and of course, the debate began over which brother was the “hottest.”

That skit ended with a pillow fight; next act: a girl singing the song “Popular” from the Broadway show Wicked. Another inspiring message: not being “cool” enough to fit in.

My friend and I were troubled by these absurd messages brainwashing today’s teens. How is it in 2008 we can’t accept every body type, image, and personality when there are bigger problems in the world?

Young girls and boys feel pressured to eat nothing, exercise to extreme amounts, disguise themselves with make-up and clothing, and compromise their personalities to mimic and resemble their favorite superstars.

Being involved in theater, I completely support the arts. But becoming an idol these days is no longer based on talent, just having “the look” that’s currently appealing.

We need a way to get through to every girl and boy, and remind them they are beautiful despite the fact that they’re not Hannah Montana or Brad Pitt.

Exercise and eating right are not about outer beauty, but aspiring to have a healthy lifestyle. That’s how it should be — healthy for healthy’s sake.

This issue is especially poignant to me after my trip to Israel.

Seeing the many problems the country faces on a daily basis, I came to a new understanding of the word “priority.”

The people of Israel have a different mindset. Most Israelis have lost someone to war or terror – friends or family members. They understand the value of life, and take a lot less for granted than we do.

Perhaps the media in Israel are more focused on world events; they seem to have a more grounded youth. When high school students know they will leave families for two or three years not for college but for military service, their issues carry greater weight than our shallow ones.

Hopefully, our youth will adjust their priorities. They will learn to accept everyone for who they are, not how they look. Maybe my generation, or the next one, will stop focusing on “plastic” role models, and the media will turn its attention to peace, love, and lessons once valued.

No matter what a person looks like, it is ideals and morale that contribute to the world. Let our society strive for intelligent, informed people, not anorexic, airhead look-alikes.

Marlena Hoffman, 15, attends Watchung Hills Regional High School.