Today in class we discussed different themes that are present in media, specifically those that amplify and reduce other aspects. Different things that were mentioned included parenting, violence, self-exposure, and reality television. My group came up with another topic, and that is the portrayal of high school in the media and the lives of those who are currently in high school. Examples of this include Gossip girl, Beverly Hills 90210, Mean girls, the O.C., and One Tree Hill. These are only examples from television and movies, but in books, music, etc. the same theme of high school life continues.
The picture that is painted of these people’s lives surrounds non-stop drama that involves family members, friends, and constant crazy love triangles. The drama is literally amplified so much and then creates the most outrageous situations that no normal seventeen year old could or should find him or herself in. The more “real” activities that one would take part in day to day are then downplayed and reduced to sometimes not even being acknowledged or seen. So, somehow these girls and guys find little or no time for jobs or schoolwork, even though those two things often consume real high school students’ lives most of the time.
Sure, sometimes scenes of athletic games are shown which does represent some true normalcy of high school life, or a big test or paper is mentioned. Other things are still blown so out of proportion that it is no wonder that young kids have a totally misconstrued perception of the high school world. I know I did when I watched shows and movies before actually experiencing it. If we all believed that there would be only time for dates, parties, and constant catch up with friends all day long at school, we would all have a very rude awakening the first day as a freshman.
The picture that is painted of these people’s lives surrounds non-stop drama that involves family members, friends, and constant crazy love triangles. The drama is literally amplified so much and then creates the most outrageous situations that no normal seventeen year old could or should find him or herself in. The more “real” activities that one would take part in day to day are then downplayed and reduced to sometimes not even being acknowledged or seen. So, somehow these girls and guys find little or no time for jobs or schoolwork, even though those two things often consume real high school students’ lives most of the time.
Sure, sometimes scenes of athletic games are shown which does represent some true normalcy of high school life, or a big test or paper is mentioned. Other things are still blown so out of proportion that it is no wonder that young kids have a totally misconstrued perception of the high school world. I know I did when I watched shows and movies before actually experiencing it. If we all believed that there would be only time for dates, parties, and constant catch up with friends all day long at school, we would all have a very rude awakening the first day as a freshman.
During the 90's the media was doing the same exact same things- with TV shows such as "Saved By the Bell" and others, the media, in some ways has blown the high school world (sadly) even more out of proportion with the current generation. Many aspects have changed, but yet so many stay the same.
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