The Explorer » Opinions

Pop culture addictions – do celebrities dictate our lives

adviser — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:59:32 +0000

I’m addicted and I just can’t get enough.
Lady Gaga, Justin Beiber, Charlie Sheen, Kate Middleton. Typical names in the average American household. What about, Pete Stark, James K. Polk, Galileo, or even Barbara Boxer? Who are these people?
Ladies and gentlemen, when was the last time you read the news? Not Facebook news, but the real deal? Sure, Yahoo, Twitter, Tumblr, show dependable coverage of what is going on in America, but have you read the New York Times, CNN, or the Washington Post? Let’s face it, we’re obsessed with celebrities, singers, princesses, almost everyone that makes it on Yahoo news.
But why? Why are we so addicted to the fall and rise of entertainers? Is the media to blame, an oppressive government? What is the reason?
“The news you watch, and the things you do are based on your own choice,” senior Brandon English said. “I honestly do not care about celebrities, but I do want to know what happens to them.”
Senior Tynan Otts had a similar approach about the media and celebrities. “I don’t listen to much celebrity news, but I do find out funny celebrity stories from my friends, or I go on Yahoo or YouTube and see what’s going on,” Otts said.
However, Junior Aditiya Dharma disagreed with English and Otts. “I think that the media has a great impact on us and really influences what television shows we watch and what music we listen to,” Dharma said.
I personally love celebrity gossip, the whole cheesy scoop, and scandals that encompass the lives of celebrities. Yet I think to myself, why am I even giving up my time to listen and watch a bunch of celebrities messing around? But as soon as I ask this question I go back to watching the stars. I notice that many other people have this same experience.
Seniors Mayumi Regala and Allison De Los Angeles have a special place where they get their gossip. Bloggers like Perez Hilton, and TV shows like TMZ, have a great impact on what we watch and listen to. “The stuff that Perez puts in his blog (perezhilton.com) might be rumors, but it’s just fun hearing about certain stars,” Regala said.
So is it just the tendency for us to be curious to know what’s going on with popular culture? Or is the media behind it all? I don’t think that the media should be put to blame, because they give us a choice in the end, whether or not we as spectators want to watch it. Maybe if we spent less time worrying about celebrities, and more time on learning about ourselves and the people around us, we could be more articulate about the world that surrounds us. But in the end, as English said once before, “the news you watch is based on your own choice.”

Tumblr: is it worth it?

adviser — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:59:01 +0000

The farther they scroll down the page, the farther they escape from reality. This was my observation in Java class one day as I looked up and saw the screens of my classmates. Some were on Powerschool, some were on Facebook, but about 90% of my classmates were on the exclusive Tumblr.com.
For those who don’t know (which I’m guessing is nobody), Tumblr is a site where people colorfully express their feelings through blogs, pictures, and posts. Through a picture or post, people can relate to another person from around the world.
Some say that it’s an escape from reality, as scrolling down a page can open your mind to new ideas or connect to things that you suddenly realize are applicable to you.
I myself do not use Tumblr, but only see people using it. I read posts on Twitter saying, “If it weren’t for Tumblr, I would probably have my homework done and my grades would probably be higher”. When I see this, I think to myself, “can something be so addicting that someone would spend hours scrolling down a page to ‘reblog’ or ‘like’ a certain post”? I mean, what impression are you going to make on someone else for what you blog or reblog on Tumblr.
“I didn’t really understand how to use it at first, but after I spent a while learning it, I can’t get off it,” senior Carlos Cuevas said. “I find myself on it for hours. I love it though because I see some hilarious stuff and true posts that I can relate to on there.”
The way people comment about Tumblr is almost in a defensive way sometimes, because in my opinion, they know they have better things to be doing with their time, but Tumblr suffices for many hours for them.
It is true that the same can be said for Facebook, or another “social networking” site, that it can be a consumption of time. But my reason for this article solely on Tumblr is that fact that so many people here at Moreau have been using it and it has came to my attention. Every time I have asked someone if they spend too much time on Tumblr the answer is yes.
As for me, balancing school, friends, family, and hockey are already a huge part of my time and I cannot see myself scrolling down a page looking at things that will probably not advance me to succeed anywhere except my imagination. I know you may be skeptical and critical about my comments that I have to say here, but then again, look at the top of this page, it reads opinions, and this is my opinion.
From that Java class, when the teacher released us to do our work, most of all the kids that were on Tumblr did not know what to do or how to do it. If there was a Java code picture that they were studying on Tumblr then I would understand, but what I saw was pictures or posts of either women, lines from tv shows/movies, or something colorful that might excite you for a quick moment. Is it really worth the time and lack of participation in a class, which then results to a lack of understanding in your homework (that you’re probably procrastinating on with Tumblr), that then impacts your grades?
These are just my thoughts. Maybe I should not say anything because I don’t have one, and if I did, some may say I would get addicted too. Do some people get a Tumblr because it’s the new thing and they would feel “artsy” if they had one? Or do people get it for the sole purpose of having an escape from reality for a few minutes, or hours, or moments you could be doing something productive?
If you think I’m radical about this or going over the top, please let me know. I want to hear what Tumblr fanatics are so steadfast about and why you want to defend your blogging site. I respect those who blog, but I want to know why it is so addicting and important to you. Is your blog so important to you that if it was deleted, your mood and demeanor would change? Think about this. Let me know… antoncardenas@moreaucatholic.org

Tumblr has become one of the most popular blogging sites in the world. This photo shows the different icons used in the Tumblr experience.

Today’s Disney: What’s the point of their story?

adviser — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:51:05 +0000

Remember when Raven taught us beauty comes in all shapes and sizes after trying to lose weight to model a dress she designed? Or Lizzie McGuire’s best friend Miranda began to skip meals and developed an eating disorder because she saw herself as overweight?
But does anyone remember what the name A.N.T. Farm means? Didn’t think so.
The difference between today’s shows and yesterday’s is originality, an important quality that will either have viewers remember the television series or forget about it altogether.
I remember being eight years old and setting the TV to Disney Channel everyday I got home from school. Every other episode aired would have Raven dressing up in some crazy disguise after predicting something bad happening in the future or Lizzie McGuire going through some teenage issue that at times, I just didn’t understand.
I would’ve have never guessed “A.N.T. Farm” followed a group of gifted middle school kids in high school after being accepted into a program called Advanced Natural Talents—I literally changed the channel just because the name repulsed me.
Today’s shows seem to manufacture the same plot, and characters undergo the same one-dimensional problems. Not every episode has to be about some girl freaking out whenever her crush asks her to borrow a pencil—you can pretty much predict the season finale right there.
Maybe there are little eight-year-old children that like these shows, and there isn’t anything wrong with that—it is now their channel, after all. In a few years, they might think those shows will have nothing on the ones that aired when they were young.
To me, nothing will ever compare to the originals, and it’s a shame Disney Channel might never air them again. It’s time to accept the fact that those days no longer exist and accept what is now my childhood. Things don’t stay the same forever.

Teen Changes

adviser — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:48:10 +0000

Parents just don’t understand.
Teens from every generation lament that their parents might as well have grown up in another universe. The teens of today, however, might not be too off when thinking this.
This generation has grown up with tons of new technology and temptations. These changes in our society have caused teens to grow up faster and expect instant gratification.
When our parents were young, they craved things like five-cent candy bars and fifteen-cent burgers, while today’d kids expect iPhones, PS3s, and iPods.
“Some of my younger cousins have iPads and iPods, of which I don’t even own. I got my first computer when I came to Moreau,” said Johanna Olson.
Back in the day, when a teen wanted something, they usually got a paper route or worked around the house to earn the money. Now, they rely on their parents, feeling entitled to these new “toys”.
When the holidays roll around, some teens expect to receive everything on their list, without the slightest regard for their parents’ budgets. Olson discussed how fruit was one of her mothers’ favorite gifts. “If my friends got fruit, I’m pretty sure they would NOT flip out in a good way,” Olson said.
“Teens today have the Internet, which means they have an ever-expanding entertainment market at their fingertips,” said Marlene Imana-Iyemura.
Now, teens are forced to deal with all the issues of our parents, as well as issues of their own. “Drugs and gang membership have and will always be an issue, but technology has opened up a whole new floodgate,” said Imana-Iyemura.
Technology has created a variety of temptations for teens.It’s made it easier for teens to cheat. A lot of students use websites like SparkNotes to get their homework done, causing procrastination. Teens get the impression that instant gratification is essential to life.
Technology also provides huge distractions. It’s a lot harder to get homework done with cell phones and Facebook. “Back then they didn’t have to deal with what we have now,” Celena Bonner said.
“Patience and waiting? A thing of the past,” said Imana-Iyemura.

From 5 to 25

adviser — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:45:57 +0000

The bathroom counters are stocked like a department store’s beauty section. She looks in the mirror one last time, making sure her appearance is at its utmost perfection. Her curls bounce in every direction she moves, her already ageless skin glows in the light, and a sparkling gown swallows her small torso.
You’re mistaken if you think she’s going to Prom. This little girl is ready to enter another beauty pageant.
From what I remember, being five years old meant being carefree. The only drama faced on a daily basis was if someone stole your crayons, and homework consisted of Connect the Dots. Plus, you actually got twelve hours of sleep everyday.
Now, being a kid means having a Facebook profile, shopping in the juniors department at Macy’s, and having the latest cell phone. Please. I didn’t get a cell phone until I turned fourteen.
Five year olds are supposed to play with Barbie dolls, not be one. So why are today’s kids in such a rush?
“Children are growing up fast because they have the Internet—a endless wasteland of info that’s too mature for their age levels,” senior Marlene Imana-Iyemura said. With one little click, they are transported to a world of images showcasing the kind of people they should become now. Not ten years from now, but now.
“Kids are following the media a lot now,” senior Crystal Esparza said. “Not only do they want to act older, but their parents think it’s adorable.” All parents instill their own ideas and beliefs to help their children grow up as considerate beings. Shoving their once-hopeful dreams down their throats would not settle well in their sixty-pound bodies well before a competition. To be a child means to find their own interests, not have their parents forcing them to follow in their footsteps. They had their chance years ago.
Kids will never know the meaning of “pretending” when they are already little adults now. As a senior preparing to enter the world as an adult, I wish I didn’t take my carefree youth for granted because things used to be so simple. Five and up, kids are already making their lives stressful, losing their innocence one by one.

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admin — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 19:54:02 +0000