I have heard and read a lot about Littleton over the last few days and just recently checked back with SI after a short absence. A lot of people have been blaming the media and entertainment industries for the glorification of violence and negative imagery. One thread here even seemed to want to blame "wiggers" or gangsta rap for what happened in Colorado. Well, I would like to bring to the table, a minority opinion. I am a young woman of color working in the entertainment industry. I will never cease to be amazed at how middle class whites seem to be the last notice ground swells of change happening around them, even in their very homes. I know most parents don't listen to the lyrics or music that thier children buy with THE PARENT'S MONEY.
The question is not why the entertainment industry sells offensive art. The real question is why are priviledged, middle class, white teens drawn to goth, gangsta rap, nihilism, etc. in growing numbers? DMX was the hottest selling artist over the past Christmas holiday. I could quote some of the lyrics to his songs for you, but I'm believe you have delicate eyes. So the real question is not, oh why Marilyn Manson, because Mr. Manson is just exploiting a demand. But why the demand is there are...and GROWING!!!
I also keep reading about how normal these kids parents were. I don't know about you, but honestly how normal could a family of Jewish people be, that wouldn't be tipped off that if their son had a huge swastika hanging in his bedroom, Nazi emblems, the German....and with the mother being a social worker? If I had a poster of the Grand DRagon of the KKK hanging over my bed, my mother would be putting up her life savings to get my to psychaitrist.
As I keep saying, if you have laid a strong emotional amd moral foundation down for your kids then the violence, guns and culture pimping will affect them but it won't sway them from the right path.
It's all up to you. I recently tried to sell an educational children's project, you know, morals, life lessons and so on. No takers. I have a more aggressive project that has been getting a lot of interest from other producers right out presses and will probably sell quickly within the next few months.
The perception is that soft doesn't sell and kids won't buy it. So music/ent. companies motivated by money are controlled by children's whims and focus groups, sell them more violence which they pay for with YOUR MONEY!!! Get it! I think I've said too much .
Ciao all and good luck in the market. |
