Highlighted Resource: Don't miss the upcoming edition of “YouthCulture @ Today”! The Summer 2003 edition of “YouthCulture @ Today” will be rolling off the presses in just three more weeks. If you sign up now ($15 donation for a one year 4-issue subscription) you won't miss this 24-page ad-free quarterly magazine packed full of helpful information and analysis on today's youth culture. Featured in this issue will be Walt Mueller's article on the virus of youth violence and his in-depth overview on the message and appeal of The Dave Matthews Band, Tom Piotrowski's primer on the hip-hop subculture, Paul Robertson's  "Parent to Parent" commentary on declining standards in a postmodern age, and Doug West's "News and Views" overview of changing family trends. In addition, there'll be all the regular features including resource reviews, media overviews (50 Cent's "In Da Club", Eminem's "8 Mile," and UPN's "Platinum" series), and a whole lot more. If you'd like to get your name on the list, give us a call at 1-800-807-CPYU, or click on the following link for a downloadable order form: http://www.cpyu.org/ycorder.htm

 

The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding’s

Youth Culture E-Update

Edition #37: May 15, 2003

 

EASY way to SUBSCRIBE for FREE!

Go to http://www.cpyu.org/culture.htm

Type in your e-mail address and hit “Submit”

Just follow the instructions when you receive the e-mail confirmation.

Contact eupdate@cpyu.org if you have any questions or experience any problems. 

 

Contents:

I.  Youth Culture Stats and Trends:

1) Magazine Racks Purified

2) Never Been Kissed

3) Sinful Beliefs

4) Online Music Download Genre Preference

5) Violent Lyrics Affect Thoughts

6) Parents Support Teen Video Game Play

7) Frequent Moves Impact Behavior

8) Early Alcohol Use and Negative Behaviors

9) Smoking Parents

10) Suicide Solution?

11) Parent/Child Relations

II.  CPYU Resources

III.  Pop Culture Quotes: Ashton Kutcher, Kate Bosworth, etc.

IV.  Lyrical Expressions: Train and Lil’ Kim

V.  Current Culture Image

VI.  Culture Links:

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

VIII.  E-update & CPYU information

 

Youth Culture Stats and Trends:

 

1) Magazine Racks Purified

Because of customer complaints Wal-Mart announced plans to pull controversial men’s magazines (Maxim, Stuff, FHM) from its shelves.

                http://reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=reutersEdge&storyID=2714761  or

                http://reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=entertainmentNews&storyID=2694971

                See also: Time magazine columnist’s commentary

                http://www.time.com/time/columnist/stein/article/0,9565,451088,00.html

 

2) Never Been Kissed

The June 2003 issue of YM, p. 42, reports the results of ym.com’s online survey of 5,000+ readers asking about the location of their first real kiss.

3) Sinful Beliefs

The Gallup Tuesday Briefing found that 84% of U.S. adults believe in “sin” (14% do not) from a March 2003 survey of 1,007 adults. Past survey results were: 90% in 1995, 86% in 1990, and 88% in 1981.

                http://www.gallup.com/poll/tb/religvalue/20030429b.asp  (fee to access)

 

4) Online Music Download Genre Preference

According to Nielsen//NetRatings the most popular Internet music download genres are Rap, Dance/Club, Alternative Rock, R&B/Soul, Rock, Pop/Top 40, etc.

                http://www.nielsen-netratings.com/pr/pr_030508.pdf 

See also: Teen file sharing ethics

                http://reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=musicNews&storyID=2709340

                See also: Apple’s online music store sells 2 million songs

                http://reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=entertainmentNews&storyID=2742694

                See also: Various digital piracy articles

                http://www.time.com/time/archive/preview/from_redirect/0,10987,1101030505-447204,00.html

                http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20030506/5131583s.htm

                http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20030506/5131388s.htm

                http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/0502/p01s02-ussc.html

               

5) Violent Lyrics Affect Thoughts

Research appearing in the May 2003 issue of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology reveals a connection between exposure to violent lyrics and aggressive thoughts.

                http://www.apa.org/journals/psp/press_releases/may_2003/psp845960.pdf  (12 page pdf file report)

 

6) Parents Support Teen Video Game Play

The Interactive Digital Software Association reports the results of a survey of 1,350 U.S. households regarding video games. Some of the findings:

                http://idsa.com/5_14_2_2003.html  or

                http://reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=2736006

See also: The top 5 “Shooter” Video Games for February 2003, according to NPDFunworld, as posted on their web-site May 12, 2003, were: 1) Metroid Prime (GCN), 2) Halo (XBX), 3) Bond 007:Nightfire (PS2), 4) Medal of Honor Frontline (PS2), 5) Unreal Championship (XBX).

                http://www.npdfunworld.com/funServlet?nextpage=index.html  

                See also: Top selling video games for March 2003

                http://www.npdtechworld.com/techServlet?nextpage=pr_body_it.html&content_id=393

                See also: March 2003 video game sales up 8%

                http://www.gamemarketwatch.com/news/item.asp?nid=2682  

 

7) Frequent Moves Impact Behavior

A Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center study, as reported by PRNewswire, found a link between frequent moves (“school mobile”) and behavior problems from analysis of 3,285 5 to 14 year old children. 14% of the children were “school mobile”—defined as attending 2 or more schools if between 5 to 9 years old, or attending 3 or more schools if between 9.1 to 14 years old.

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/05-04-2003/0001939546&EDATE=

 

8) Early Alcohol Use and Negative Behaviors

Researchers, reporting the in the May 2003 Pediatric journal, found that youth who started drinking alcohol at an early age were more likely to exhibit negative behaviors later in life. The findings are from a 3-part, 10 year longitudinal study of 3,369 children which began in the 7th grade, was continued in the 12th grade, and completed at age 23.

                http://www.pediatrics.org/cgi/content/abstract/111/5/949  (free abstract, fee for article)

See also: Ethics of studying teen alcohol effects

                http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20030506/5131435s.htm

                See also: Ozzy Osbourne’s son Jack checks into rehab

                http://reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=entertainmentNews&storyID=2654961

 

9) Smoking Parents

According to researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and University of Washington, parents can reduce the likelihood of their children smoking as teenagers if they stop smoking when their children are still young. One parent who quits smoking by the time a child is 8 or 9 years old reduces the odds of a child becoming a teen smoker by 25%; 40% if both parents quit.

                http://www.fhcrc.org/news/science/2003/05/07/parents.html   

                See also: Asthmatic teens smoke more than peers

                http://reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=2684632

                See also: Anti-smoking web art winners

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/05-07-2003/0001942292&EDATE=

See also: Cocoa in cigarettes not addictive

http://reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=healthNews&storyID=2706044

 

10) Suicide Solution?

Harris Interactive reports the results of an online survey of 2,715 adults in March 2003 about suicide.

                http://www.harrisinteractive.com/harris_poll/index.asp?PID=376

See also: Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students.

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/05-07-2003/0001942102&EDATE= 

 

11) Parent/Child Relations

Teen People (June/July 2003, p. 110) surveyed 700 readers regarding their feelings about their parents.

CPYU Resources:

MUSIC RESOURCE!!! If you want to know and influence kids in today's culture, you've got to know and respond to their music. In the “More Than Noise” video, CPYU's Walt Mueller takes viewers on an informative and practical journey through the confusing maze of today's popular music. The video is broken up into 5 parts for classroom use, and includes a helpful study-guide. Copies are available for a suggested donation of $15. Order your copy with a credit card by calling CPYU at 717-361-8429.

 

“How to use your HEAD to guard your HEART: a 3-D Guide to making responsible music choices” is a colorful 12 page resource by CPYU’s Walt Mueller. 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 24-page quarterly magazine that is full of up-to-date information and in-depth analysis on today’s youth culture. See promotional blurb at top of e-Update.

 

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/cultquest.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

 

“Who does it in the woods? There’s sticks jabbing at people. I barely knew the girl, but I had to be deflowered. She barely got her pants down before we were done, but I made it up to her the second time.”

- Actor Ashton Kutcher (MTV’s Punk’d, “That 70’s Show”) speaking about “losing” his virginity at age 15, Rolling Stone, May 29, 2003, p. 48.

 

“If you like someone enough to sleep with him, then you probably like him enough to have him be your boyfriend.”

                - Actress Amanda Peet, Rolling Stone, May 15, 2003, p. 56.

 

“There are girls, people in the industry who just kind of flip through magazines and pick out guys, like ‘I’m gonna date him.’ I could never do that. I don’t think being set up works. I’m big into fate.”

                - Actress Kate Bosworth (Blue Crush), Teen Vogue, June/July 2003, p. 137.

 

“Sex has never been taboo for me. I enjoy it, and I praise it, and I celebrate it openly and funly . . . if that’s a word.”

                - Justin Timberlake, Rolling Stone, May 29, 2003, p. 10.

 

“It is demoralizing to indulge yourself in drug and drink and chasing women—this takes its toll on your strength and on your character.”

                - Novelist/writer Robert Stone, Entertainment Weekly, May 2, 2003, p. 43.

 

“In the past, you never saw a man naked in a film, and you always saw the woman naked. There's something not right about that. So I like to even it up. I feel that the film should represent life. There's a lot of nudity in everyday life.”

                - Actor Ewan McGregor (Episodes I and II of “Star Wars”, “Black Hawk Down” and “Moulin Rouge”).

                http://usaweekend.com/03_issues/030511/030511mcgregor.html

 

“It is true that I have gambled large sums of money. I have also complied with all laws on reporting wins and losses. Nevertheless I have done too much gambling, and this is not an example I wish to set. Therefore my gambling days are over.”

- Bill Bennett’s (“Book of Virtues” author) response to gambling allegations

                http://reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=entertainmentNews&storyID=2685767

See also: 63% of Americans saying gambling is morally acceptable; 34% say it is morally wrong.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/releases/pr030514.asp

 

“It virtually has all the characteristics of a church, a religious state. If you define religion as a process in which you search for all the answers in life, many people in the state of Alabama view football in that way.”

                - ESPN analyst and former Alabama coach Bill Curry, USA Today, May 5, 2003.

                http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20030505/5128797s.htm

 

“I understand that as a culture, we cling to this idea that celebrities look exciting. But not only is the standard too high for most normal women, it's too high even for us.”

                - Actress Sarah Jessica Parker, as reported by USA Today, May 6, 2003, 2D.

                http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20030506/5131586s.htm

 

“When I was a teen, I felt like death was facing me anyway. I was ready to get away from the pain any way I could, and if that meant dying, then cool.”

                - Singer/rapper Mystic, Vibe, June 2003, p. 108.

 

“It [shouldn't be] so much about ‘the mainstream,’ ‘the Christian,’ whatever. I feel like music is music. I am an artist and yes, I am an artist who is Christian, but I make music about all the things I deal with in life, not only my faith. I sing about my faith, my relationships, the good things I do, the mistakes I make. All those things. There's not Christian doctors and non-Christian doctors. You do what you do, and some are better than others.”

- Pop artist Stacie Orrico responding to the barrage of questions regarding her crossover from the Christian to mainstream market.

                http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1471487/20030423/orrico_stacie.jhtml?headlines=true

 

 “It’s the experience of believing that what you do matters, but also having the perspective that it only matters in what it means to you.”

                - Zwan’s Billy Corgan (formerly of the Smashing Pumpkins), Spin, June 2003, p. 86.

 

“My lyrics have always been the best way for me to say how I feel.”

                - Staind lead singer Aaron Lewis, Guitar World, June 2003, p. 70.

 

Lyrical Expression

I need a sign to let me know you‘re here, All of these lines are being crossed oh the atmosphere

I need to know these are going to look up, Cause I feel lost drowning in a sea spilled from a cup

There is no place safe and no safe place to put my head, you can feel the world shake from the words that I say

I, I’m calling all angels, I, I’m calling all you angels

I won’t give up; you don’t give up (2x) I won’t give up; if you don’t give up (2x)

I need a sign to let me know you‘re here, cause my TV set just keeps it all from being clear

I want a reason for the way things have to be, I need a hand to help me love some kind of hope inside of me

When children have to play inside so they don’t disappear

While private eyes saw marriage lies because we don’t talk for years . . .

                - Calling All Angels by Train

                Watch the video: http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/train/artist.jhtml

 

Lil' Kim not a whore, But I sex a nigga so good, he gotta tell his boys
When it, come to sex don't test my skills, Cause my head game have you HEAD over heels
Give a nigga the chills, have him pay my bills, Buy matchin Lambo's with the same color wheels
And I ain't out shoppin spendin dudes C-notes, I'm in the crib givin niggaz deep throat
Tonight Lil' Kim gon' have you in the zone, Girls, call ya crib, I'm answerin the phone
Guys wanna wife me and give me the ring, I'll do it anywhere, anyhow, I'm down for anything
Couple of humps, give a nigga goosebumps, This junk in my trunk ain't made for chumps
When Lil' Kim's around you don't need to lie, It's the "Drugs" baby, I'm makin ya HIGH!!

- Magic Stick by Lil’ Kim from the La Bella Mafia album. Magic Stick was the “Greatest Gainer in Airplay” on Billboard’s Hot-100 singles chart, dated May 17, 2003, rising to #19.

                http://www.billboard.com/bb/daily/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1883482

http://azlyrics.com/lyrics/lilkim/magicstick.html  (Viewer Discretion!!!)

 

IMG src="ParentLetter37_img1.jpg"

Current Culture Image

This ad for LifeStyles condoms appeared in the June 2003 editions of Vibe (p. 109) and Spin (p. 87). The urban setting ad shows a scantily clad and provocatively posed African American woman standing in front of a basketball hoop with the tag line, “Ready for a little one-on-one?” The small print reads, “These days, defense is the name of the game. But playing it safe doesn’t mean you can’t have great sex . . .” This ad could be used to spark a discussion about the objectification of women and/or the trivialization of sexual intimacy by reducing it to a game of one-on-one basketball.

 

Culture Links

Bolt.com boasts 6 million members and describes itself as “a leading Web and wireless platform for 15 to 24 year olds that provides cutting-edge communications tools that enable young adults to interact in a relevant, member-created environment.”

http://www.bolt.com

 

In their own words, “CMCentral.com is an online magazine about Christian Music, with weekly original content such as News, Album Reviews, Artist Interviews, and more. It's also an all-in-one resource for Christian Music fans, with a complete Artist Database, and a full library of various resources of up-to-date information.”

http://www.cmcentral.com

 

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

“If children and teens are looking for answers and direction regarding their developing sexuality, the world of movies and film is ready to help. Movies aimed at a younger audience appeal to this curiosity by including elements of sexual innuendo. Some films portray adolescent sexuality in a manner that assumes all teens are doing it—and that sex is a regular, normal, and expected part of the adolescent experience. Still others encourage promiscuous behavior through humorous portrayals of the teen sexual appetite. . . . it can be assumed that average filmgoers (especially those who are teens) will be attracted by their hormones and not their head.”

- From Walt Mueller’s award winning book, Understanding Today’s Youth Culture, p. 157.

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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 youth workers, 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.

CPYU grants permission to cite or quote the youth culture e-Update electronically or in print as long as the source is cited as “the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding's Youth Culture e-Update #37 - Doug West, ed.”

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