How do you define our generation's cultural identity? If you look at a newsstand or flip on the television does the popular content and images remind you of our society? If so, then we're a culture that is obsessed with celebrities, engulfed in a political divide, confused about our morals, are overworked and stressed. Here's some of the news that inspired this column.
What did you say?
According to a recent Associated Press article, "Nearly three-quarters of Americans questioned last week — 74 percent — said they encounter profanity in public frequently or occasionally."
So, what's the big deal? I mean you can say several of the seven dirty words on television without being bleeped. And I'll be the first to admit that curse-words creep into everyday conversations all the time.
Yet, I can't help but wonder if maybe society should watch what they say or if respect and courtesy is on the way out?
Sleep deprived and more
A recent National Sleep Foundation poll found that only 20 percent of teenagers are getting adequate amounts of sleep. I might be three years past my teenage days, but I can relate to this statistic. Our society is so fast paced and pressurized that stress, alcoholism, emotional problems, depression and sleep deprivation are common ailments.
Celebrity Idealism and Obsession
I am so sick of hearing about celebrity gossip. Who cares? I don't care who is hooking up or breaking up, who's having a baby, or any other intrusive and completely mindless gossip.
I especially don't care if Jessica Simpson snubs the president or if the Dixie Chicks speak their minds on politics. Unless celebrities are using their fame to better society and raise awareness where needed, they shouldn't be in the news, or turned into art.
If you didn't get images of Britney Spears' pregnancy from magazine covers, then beginning April 7 you can go to Brooklyn's Capla Kesting Fine Art and see a life-size, nude statue of the pop star about to give birth to her son.
I have just two questions. Does any of this make sense? And once again, who cares?
Oh, and I can't forget the new Website www.gawkerstalker.com, where obsessed fans can find out the locations of recent celebrity sightings. How sad and pathetic. In case you're wondering I'm just sitting here shaking my head in disgust.
So what?
I'm not here to solve society's problems, but maybe I can help my generation open their eyes and look at their priorities. We live in world of illness, prejudice, moral differences, war, terrorism and so on. So why are we wasting any time with mindless news, like the lives of celebrities? We need to slow down and take a look at our culture identity.
Maybe you think I'm being a little dramatic. And maybe I am. But then just look at news headlines and popular programming and you might wonder what will our society be like in the next 10 years?
