Have a Merry Christmas!

The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding’s

Today’s Youth Culture E-Update

Edition #27: December 15, 2002

 

 

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Contents:

I.  Youth Culture Stats and Trends:

1)  “The New Virginity”

2)  Seventeen Magazine Sex Survey

3)  Smokin’ Bidis

4)  Teen Video Game Violence Impact

5)  Prime-Time Alcohol Ad Ban Proposal

6)  Internet Filter Block Good and Bad Content

7)  Tattoos Spell Trouble

8)  Billboard Music Award Winners

9)  Spiritual Gender Gap

10)  Divorce and Teen Friends

11)  Pampered Teens

II.  CPYU Resources

III.  Pop Culture Quotes:

IV.  Lyrical Expressions:

V.  Current Culture Image

VI.  Culture Links:

VII.  “VCR/DVR Alert”

VIII.  Walt Mueller’s “CQ” (Commentary/Quote)

IX.  E-update & CPYU information

 

Youth Culture Stats and Trends:

 

1) “The New Virginity”

The December 9, 2002 edition of Newsweek features a cover story article about teens, “The New Virginity”.

                http://www.msnbc.com/news/841604.asp?0cv=KA01

                See also: Teen straight talk about sex

                http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20021204/4671242s.htm

 

2) Seventeen Magazine Sex Survey

The January 2003 issue of Seventeen magazine (pages 112-115) features the results of a “Seventeen sex survey” of 512, 15-17 year old teens titled, “The new double standard”. Some of the findings:

See also: Condoms and human papillomavirus (HPV) article

                http://reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=1876281

 

3) Smokin’ Bidis

Time magazine reports that a growing number of teens are smoking sweet flavored, high nicotine content bidis (pronounced “beedees”).

                http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101021216-397513,00.html and

                http://www.tobacco.org/articles/category/bidis/  (list of bidi related articles)

                http://165.112.78.61/NIDA_Notes/NNVol15N1/BBoard.html  (March 2000, NIDA note about bidis)

                See also: Smoking ads influencing teen smoking

                http://reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=1884707 

                See also: NIDA’s nicotine addiction report

                http://www.drugabuse.gov/researchreports/nicotine/nicotine.html

 

4) Teen Video Game Violence Impact

Researchers at the University of Indiana’s Medical School, as reported by UPI, suggest that exposure to violent video games causes disruptions in brain activity and a desensitization to an understanding of the real impact of violence, in a brain scan study of 38 teens (19 normal and 19 teens diagnosed with disruptive behavior disorder—DBD). The DBD teens showed considerably less frontal lobe activity as compared to the 19 normal teens when exposed to violent video games.

                http://www.upi.com/view.cfm?StoryID=20021202-045734-4004r

See also: Video game guns and stereotype link

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/12/10/health/psychology/10RACE.html  (free registration required)

See also: A 2-page magazine ad for the “M” rated (17+ year old) video game “Silent Hill 2”, appearing in the Jan/Feb 2002 issue of Blender ominously boasts, “Wounds will heal . . . but your mind will be scarred forever.”

 

5) Prime-Time Alcohol Ad Ban Proposal

The American Medical Association is pushing to ban prime-time TV alcohol ads aimed at youth or shows that have underage viewers greater than 15% because of the detrimental effect alcohol has on young brains.

                http://www.alcoholpolicysolutions.net/pdf/RUDC_dec_nr.pdf  (2 page pdf news release)

                See also: “ATF rejects new alcohol warning labels” by the Associated Press

                http://wire.ap.org/APnews/center_story.html?FRONTID=SCIENCE&STORYID=APIS7NRRD3O0 

                See also: Association between liquor store density and domestic abuse

                http://reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=1769338

 

6) Internet Filters Block Bad and Good Content

Researchers, reporting in the December 11, 2002 Journal of the American Medical Association, found that Internet software, designed to block teen access to pornography, is also weeding out health information.

                http://jama.ama-assn.org/issues/current/abs/jtv20005.html  (free abstract)

See also: The average number of spam messages received by the average American in 2002 will be more than 2,200, and is expected to rise to 3,600 by 2007, according to Jupiter Research, as reported by Reuters.

                http://reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=internetNews&storyID=1834799

See also: Chat room killer

                http://reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=internetNews&storyID=1861284

                See also: America On-Line is stopping teen Internet shopping

                http://news.com.com/2100-1023-966276.html

                See also: The Motion Picture Association of America is attempting to thwart online sales of pirated movies

                http://reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=entertainmentNews&storyID=1885221

 

 

7) Tattoos Spell Trouble

Researchers, reporting in the December 2002 issue of Pediatrics, found a significant association between tattoos and high-risk behaviors (sexual activity, substance use, violence, and school problems) based on analysis of 6,072 adolescents from the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health survey conducted in 1995 and 1996. 4.5% of the adolescents had permanent tattoos.

                http://www.pediatrics.org/cgi/content/abstract/110/6/1058  (free abstract, fee for article)

                http://reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=1843322

                See also: Lycos reports the #3 online search item in 2002, up from #4 in 2001, was “tattoos”.

                http://50.lycos.com/

 

8) Billboard Music Award Winners

Tracking music is an important part of understanding the current and coming youth culture landscape. The following link takes you to the list of winners from the Billboard music awards for 2002, as determined by sales and airplay.

                http://www.billboard.com/billboard/bbawards02_3.jsp  

                See also: The VH1 “Big in 2002” awards airing Sunday, December 15, 2002 at 9pm, check listings

                http://www.vh1.com/shows/events/big_in/2002/

 

9) Spiritual Gender Gap

The December 3, 2002 edition of the Tuesday Gallup Briefing reveals a spiritual gender gap from a March 2002 survey of religious views and practices:

                http://www.gallup.com/poll/tb/religValue/20021203b.asp  (fee to access)

See also: Positive religious teens

                http://www.youthandreligion.org/news/docs/19-Attitudes.pdf  (2 page pdf file)

See also: The Barna Research Group reports on impressions of churched people by those outside the church.

                http://www.barna.org/cgi-bin/PagePressRelease.asp?PressReleaseID=127&Reference=A

 

10) Divorce and Teen Friends

Researchers report in the November 2002 issue of the Journal of Marriage an Family, as reported by Reuters, that youth from divorced families are more likely to be aggressive, depressed, contemplate suicide, use alcohol or drugs, and exhibit other delinquent behaviors, but strong support and monitoring by parents, peers and neighbors can help to mitigate the problems. Researchers surveyed 2,011 adolescents in grades, 7, 9, and 11 from a variety of family permutations.

                http://reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=1839375

                See also: “Same house, different faith. But if there’s a divorce, who gets ‘soul custody’?” article

                http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20021205/4675371s.htm

 

11) Pampered Teens

The Associated Press reports on a growing trend among teen girls who are frequenting pricey spas to receive massages, manicures, facials, etc, in an attempt to reduce stress.

                http://wire.ap.org/APnews/center_story.html?FRONTID=NATIONAL&STORYID=APIS7NLS14G0

 

CPYU Resources:

NEW MUSIC RESOURCE from CPYU’s Walt Mueller: A colorful 12 page resource titled, “How to use your HEAD to guard your HEART: a 3-D Guide to making responsible music choices”. Prices, including shipping and handling, are $3 each for 1-5 copies and $2 each for 6+ copies. To order, contact CPYU at 717-361-8429 (voice), 717-361-8964 (fax), or e-mail cpyuinfo@cpyu.org

 

 

 

 

Newsletter:  “youthculture @ today” is the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding’s quarterly 24-page newsletter that is full of up-to-date information and in-depth analysis on today’s youth culture. Order now and we’ll send you a copy of our just released Winter 2002 newsletter featuring Good Charlotte and much more. Available for a donation of $15 a year, you can sign up by either calling CPYU on the phone (717-361-8429), or by using the downloadable order form found on our website at http://www.cpyu.org/ycorder.htm and faxing it to CPYU at 717-361-8964.

 

Website: Check out the CPYU website (www.cpyu.org), which is loaded with all kinds of current information and analysis on today’s youth culture. You’ll find a searchable database of back issues of “youthculture @ today” an extensive bibliography, culture facts, a youth culture bulletin board, links to dozens of valuable youth culture oriented websites, a listing of CPYU resources, and much more. The site is constantly changing so be sure to visit often. A searchable “e-Update” archive is available at http://www.cpyu.org/bboard.htm

 

On-Line Discussion Group: Sign up for our youth culture e-mail discussion group (www.cpyu.org/bboard.htm). With one e-mail, you will be able to share questions, comments, and answers with youthworkers, parents and educators from around the world.

 

Speakers: CPYU Speakers are available to speak at your church, school or organization.  Our "Understanding Today's Youth Culture" seminars are presentations designed for parents, youth workers, teachers and others dealing with the specific challenges associated with understanding the world of pre-teens and adolescents.  To book a CPYU seminar, contact CPYU at 717-361-8429 or check out the seminar page on the CPYU website http://www.cpyu.org/seminars.htm

 

Pop Culture Quotes

“Generally, divorce has a negative impact—you’re close with your mom and your dad, and you don’t want to see them part.”

                - Actor Elijah Wood, YM, January 2003, p. 56.

 

“I didn’t have a lot of affection in my childhood, so I don’t know how to be affectionate . . . Growing up, I never heard ‘I love you’ from my mother, my grandmother, my father. I heard it from my mom the first time two years ago, and it still seems awkward. There’s hesitance.”

                - NFL player Terrell Owens, ESPN magazine, December 9, 2002, p. 50.

 

“Because I was his first son. And, like, you just have that connection with your dad. You want to be around him all the time. You look up to him as a big brother. He tells me he’ll be around once he gets out (of prison), and I think he will. And I want him to. Because I just want him to change, turn his life around and be there.”

- Darryl Strawberry Jr. speaking about forgiving his father, Darryl Sr., by inviting him to attend a basketball game at Maryland once he is released from prison, ESPN magazine, December 9, 2002, p. 102.

 

“It’s a thing with little girls and their daddies that you so look up to them and worship them.”

“I know a lot of people who think their careers are what define them and give them value. I don’t see it that way. I know what will fill my soul is to have my own family. I can’t wait to have kids.”

“I don’t want to have a baby and not be with the man who is the father.”

                - Jennifer Lopez, Parade Magazine, December 8, 2002, pp. 4-7.

 

“I think actors can awaken things that are in all of us: our evil, our cruelty, our grace.”

                - Actress Meryl Streep, USA Weekend, December 1, 2002.

http://www.usaweekend.com/02_issues/021201/021201streep.html

 

“Life is a luxury, not a right. It can be taken away from you so quickly. So just waking up, having another day should be considered a luxury.”

                - Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters, Jan/Feb 2003, Revolver magazine, p. 72.

 

“I do believe that as long as I love, it doesn't matter if I get it back. I think part of my path in trying to be a better man is really trying to treat things with love. Not because I'm making a list and deserve something back.”

                - Actor Nicolas Cage, USA Today, December 3, 2002, D1

                http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20021203/4667407s.htm

 

Lyrical Expression

Don’t be fooled by the rocks that I got, I’m still, I’m still Jenny from the block

Used to have a little now I have a lot, no matter where I go I know where I came from . . .

I’m down to earth like this, rockin’ this business, I’ve grown up so much, I’m in control and lovin’ it

Rumors got me laughin’ kid, I love my life and my public

Put God first and can’t forget to stay real, to me it’s like breathin’

- Jenny from the Block by Jennifer Lopez from her This is me . . . then album, which is the #3 song on Billboard’s Hot 100 after 11 weeks, dated December 21, 2002.

 

i like your lil sexy style, i love it when you getting wil' (uh, i see you)

girl in the club wit me (come over her let me talk to you for a minute, yeah i wanna tell you something)
girl you need to be in magazines wit a crown on your head cause you's a ghetto queen
like bling bling bling (uh come, let me find out)

the way you shakin that sexy (oh) body shaped like an hour glass (ow)
(yeah, lets do it ya'll) i wanna get you to myself i mean me and nobodyelse
yo do the things we do baby there is something that i need from you (uh, come on, check it out)
[chrous]
baby turn around, and let me see that sexy body go bump bump bump (yeah) that is all i want to see . . .

- Bump Bump Bump by B2K from the Pandemonium album, was the Greatest Gainer/Airplay on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the past two weeks, rising from #45 to #22 on Dec 14, and from #22 to #12 on Dec 21, 2002.

                http://www.billboard.com/billboard/charts/hot100.jsp

                http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/b2k/bumpbumpbump.html

                http://www.b2klovesyou.com/  (scroll down under the “News” link of B2K’s home page to see the video)

                (Editor’s note: B2K appeared on Nickelodeon December 11, 2002)

 

Current Culture Image

This ad for the Civilization III computer game appeared in the November 22, 2002 issue of Entertainment Weekly, p. 17 (“Listen2This” section). The ad has a picture of multiple gods with a headline that reads, “What if there was only one god? And it was you?” The smaller text under the picture reads, “What would the world be like if you created it? Peaceful? Filled with war? Welcome to Civilization III, the computer game that puts the fate of the world in your hands. You’ll build a civilization from humble beginnings to create a base of power, explore uncharted territories in search of resources, conquer enemies through cultural finesse or brute force, and lead your Civilization to its ultimate destiny. Play with history as if you were the ultimate creator.” This ad reflects our postmodern age, where truth is relative, feelings based, self-created and me-centered. Youth leaders could use this ad in conjunction with Genesis 1, Exodus 20, and others, to begin a discussion of the true Maker of heaven and earth.

 

 

 

Culture Links

http://www.jubileenow.com/index.htm

This web-site provides “resources for integrating Christianity into work and play”. Subscribers can sign up to receive a bi-weekly “E-zine”. The service is FREE to college students ($7 for non-college, $25 for businesses/organizations).

 

http://www.alcoholpolicysolutions.net/

An informative site offering lots of research, links, and more on issues related to alcohol.

 

http://www.sosparents.org

The Center for Successful Parenting raises awareness about the negative effects of violent media on children.

 

http://www.drgreene.org/body.cfm?id=54&requesttimeout=60

Web site devoted to dispensing health information “4TeenZ”

 

“VCR/DVR Alert”

http://www.passageway.org/

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association is scheduled to televise a 30-minute, youth focused program on December 27, 2002 on the WB network. Check local listings (www.tvguide.com)

 

Walt Mueller’s “CQ” (Commentary/Quote)

Walt was quoted in a Time magazine article, “The New Funday School”, appearing in the December 16, 2002 issue, pages 60-62. The article highlights the growth of hands-on, active learning, culturally relevant Sunday school classes. Walt is referring to the apostle Paul walking through Athens in Acts 17. The article link and paragraph where Walt is quoted are listed below.

                http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101021216-397516,00.html

Proponents of the new approach insist that the Bible itself offers examples of innovative proselytizing. Walt Mueller, founder of the Pennsylvania-based Center for Parent/Youth Understanding, cites the example of the Apostle Paul, who studied objects of Athenian worship to proselytize better. "It's no different than going to China and using a different language to talk about Christ," says Mueller. "It's important to take elements of children's culture and use them as signs to point to the ultimate destination: a commitment to Christ."

 

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With Christmas coming, we thought it would be a good idea to steer you a list of some great books you give as gifts to your friends and family. The list comes from the pen of our good friend and partner in ministry, Byron Borger. Byron runs the Hearts & Minds Bookstore in Dallastown, PA. Nobody knows and loves books like Byron. For a peek at his 2002 list and access to the Hearts & Minds website, click on the following link:

                http://www.heartsandmindsbooks.com/articles/dec02.htm

 

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The CPYU “Today’s Youth Culture E-Update” is a bi-weekly e-mail resource on relevant topics of interest for youthworkers, parents, and educators. The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding is a non-profit organization providing information and analysis on today’s rapidly changing youth culture. To contact us, write to Eupdate@cpyu.org or PO Box 414 Elizabethtown, PA 17022, or call 717-361-8429, or fax 717-361-8964.

“Browser Discretion Advisory”: CPYU does not necessarily endorse, support, or condone the organizations/sites for which we've provided you with links, nor does CPYU necessarily agree with the conclusions and/or recommendations of studies cited. Some are listed for informational and research purposes only as they are prevalent in youth culture today.

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