Jim Liebelt's Youth Culture Watch

19 Out of 20 Young Women 'Would Change Bodies'

Girls as young as seven would like to change something about their appearance and half of 16 to 21-year-olds would consider surgery to achieve their perfect body, a study has revealed.

The research, carried out by Girlguiding UK, shows that 95 per cent of 16 to 21-year-olds would change their bodies, with 33 per cent saying they wanted to be thinner and around a quarter of 16 to 21-year-olds said they would consider resorting to cosmetic surgery.

“We all compare ourselves to our peers, whoever they may be and for girls and young women, their peers are usually other young women,” said Dr Kerry O’Brien, a Psychologist at the University of Manchester.

“For them, as with others it is about finding their place in the world and wanting to compare favourably. Unfortunately, considering the approach of the media, that is often not the case.

“Many girls try to measure up to an image which is not a true reflection and can feel that they are coming up short,” he added.

Source: The Independent
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/19-out-of-20-young-women-would-change-bodies-1813551.html

Teens Sue High School That Punished Them for Racy MySpace Pics

I was waiting to see an article along these lines show up, where teenagers end up suing someone or some entity for being punished over sexting...and here it is. I'm sure it's not the first case and I'm sure it won't be the last. In this case, there's no question about what the teens did. They posted racy photos to their MySpace profiles. Those pictures ended up in the hands of their high school's principal. The principal acted in accordance with school policy and punished the girls by not allowing them to participate from fall semester extracurricular activities.

The girls (with the help of the ACLU) have now sued the school and principal claiming that their rights of expression have been violated and that their actions had no effect or impact on the school.

What do you think should happen?

I do believe that some students who have sexted or posted racy photos of themselves on their social networking profiles have been treated too harshly (through criminal prosecution.) But, it does seem reasonable to me for schools to set behavioral expectations that apply to students whether or not they are on campus. Suspension from a semester's worth of extracurricular activities does not strike me as excessive punishment either.

And what might be the result to the broader culture should students who sue win cases like this one?

Two Indiana teenagers have sued their school district after they were punished for posting suggestive photos on MySpace.

The girls, 10th-graders at Churubusco High School in Churubusco, Indiana, say they were humiliated after the school banned them from fall semester extracurricular activities and forced them to apologize to the all-male Athletics Board (composed of varsity coaches). The girls also had to attend three counseling sessions.

The American Civil Liberties Union has filed the proposed class-action suit on behalf of the girls and all present and future students at the school who participate or may participate in extracurricular activities. The ACLU argues the district violated the girls’ First Amendment rights and should not have punished them for activities conducted outside school. The suit names the girls’ high school, school district and principal.

According to the school’s student handbook, the principal “may exclude any student-athlete from representing Churubusco High School if his/her conduct in or out of school reflects discredit” upon the school or creates a “disruptive influence on the discipline, good order, moral, or educational environment” at the school.

The ACLU says the photos were meant to be a joke shared among friends and had “no effect on the school whatsoever.” The girls’ self-expression has been curbed as a result of the school’s activity, the suit alleges.

Source: Wired
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2009/11/teen-pics/

Miley Cyrus Voted 'Worst Celebrity Influence' by Teenagers

Disney's Miley Cyrus has been voted the "Worst Celebrity Influence" of 2009 by teenagers aged 9-15 on JSYK.com (Just So You Know), AOL's pop culture blog.

After 44,594 votes, Miley Cyrus generated 42% of the vote, beating out Britney Spears (27%), Kanye West (19%), Vanessa Hudgens (9%), and Shia LeBeouf (3%).

Cyrus, 16, has come under fire over the past few months.  In August, Miley was at the center of controversy when, at the Teen Choice Awards, she danced from a pole while performing her hit song "Party in the U.S.A."

Recently, some people have also become enraged that Cyrus has a cameo appearance in the upcoming "Sex and the City" sequel.

Source: Examiner.com
http://www.examiner.com/x-11484-Boston-TV-Examiner~y2009m11d1-Miley-Cyrus-voted-Worst-Celebrity-Influence-by-teenagers

US Holiday Spending May Be Cut Again: Survey

Two-thirds of U.S. adults plan to spend less this holiday season and 6 percent say they still are carrying debt from last year's holiday purchases, according to a new Consumer Reports Holiday Shopping Poll released on Thursday.

As recession lingers on Main Street and job losses mount, 65 percent of Americans say they plan to cut overall holiday expenses such as gifts, travel and entertaining.

In last year's poll, 76 percent of shoppers said they planned to cut back on holiday spending.

About 13.5 million consumers, or 6 percent of Americans, have yet to pay off debt rung up during the 2008 holiday season, a result that is virtually unchanged from last year's survey.

Source: CNBC
http://www.cnbc.com/id/33529078/

Follow-Up: AMP / Pepsi Apologize for Bad Taste App

Really, all you need to know about the AMP/Pepsi apology is that they didn't pull the "Before You Score" iPhone app from iTunes. But, depending on public sentiment, they might do it later. Don't hold your breath.

There’s been a huge reaction to our post earlier today about AMP’s new iPhone app – “before you score” – that aims to help guys land women.

The responses have ranged from threats of boycotting Pepsi to comments about what politically correct sissies we’ve all become to adulation of AMP for humorously portraying modern chivalry (ok, that’s not exactly how supporters have put it).

In any event, AMP and parent company PepsiCo have responded, using Twitter to explain the campaign and apologize to those that might be offended:

"Our app tried 2 show the humorous lengths guys go 2 pick up women. We apologize if it's in bad taste, & appreciate your feedback. #pepsifail"

Source: Mashable
http://mashable.com/2009/10/12/pepsi-and-amp-app/

AMP Energy Drink Releases "Before You Score" iPhone App

Just another "head's up" regarding marketing ploys that parents should know are out there in the culture.

AMP energy drink (Pepsi Co), whose primary target are young men, has come up with a new free iPhone application, "Before You Score" - intended to help said young men "score" with the opposite sex.

It seems these days that there isn't much that is considered "over the top" when it comes to marketing.

Pepsi’s latest foray into social media is certainly bold and controversial, but does it go too far?

The company recently launched an iPhone application for its AMP energy drink called “before you score,” with “score” meaning (to put it in the most subtle of terms) having a successful night with a woman.

Beyond the premise of the app being rather risqué, it’s when you drill down to the specifics that it becomes much more, breaking women down into 24 types and suggesting “lines” to lure each one of them. If “successful,” the app also encourages users to brag about it over email, or even on Facebook or Twitter.

AMP has actually built features into its application that make it seem one can systematically “score” by exploiting women’s naivety. Beyond that, they actively encourage users to promote such conquests through social media.

Source: Mashable
http://mashable.com/2009/10/12/amp-before-you-score/

Interest in iPhone High as iPod, iTunes Dominate Teen Market

The of the 18th bi-annual Piper Jaffray teen survey shows that Apple's share among teen consumers continues to grow. The results were based on a survey of approximately 600 teenagers, who were queried about their buying patterns and preferences.

Apple's smallest market among teens -- the iPhone -- is poised to greatly expand. While 15 percent of those surveyed currently own an iPhone, 22 percent intend to purchase one in the next six months.

"We believe the $99 iPhone 3G has been a meaningful part of share gains in the last six months," Senior Research Analyst Gene Munster said. "Previously, teens were indicating that the plan pricing and handset pricing were too high for them (and their parents) to buy iPhones. The lower pricing appears to have been a catalyst for share gains."

Apple has maintained its utter dominance of the portable media player market (iPods), with an 87 percent total share, up from 84 percent one year ago. Coming in second was Microsoft with 3 percent, followed by Sony with 2 percent.

Those who plan to buy overwhelmingly choose Apple as well, though Microsoft's share of that question grew significantly. Of those who plan to buy a media player in the next 12 months, 74 percent said they will choose an iPod, while 13 percent said Zune, and 9 percent opted for a Sony product.

"Apple's dominance in the PMP market remains largely unchecked," Munster said, "and it is clear to us that Apple has captured the 'cool factor' among high school students across America."

Source: AppleInsider
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/10/06/interest_in_iphone_high_as_ipod_itunes_dominate_teen_market.html

Will "Blow" Become Trendy?

Gee, look what some marketers have come up with for the latest energy drink being promoted on social networking sites popular with teens.

If it looks like cocaine, is packaged like cocaine, and causes the user to feel strange and energized like cocaine, is it cocaine? No, it's the latest energy drink called Blow and it's quickly causing controversy.

The energy drink mix, which is sold in a small vial, is measured in grams, just like the actual drug. As if that weren't enough, a small mirror is also included in the package so the energy deprived can grind the rocks into a fine powder.

Pour the Blow in your water bottle and you'll be flying high on caffeine. One vial contains 240mg of caffeine and 200mg of Taurine, which is equivalent to 2 Red Bulls and 3 cups of coffee. Essentially it's an all-nighter in a small and convenient package.

However, experts are concerned that this may be too much for the average person to handle. It is still unclear how this new product will affect different individuals. While it may provide energy for some, others could get sick. One of the main concerns is its potential effect on children and pregnant women.

While the manufacturer says that only those 18 and older are allowed to buy Blow, the website where the product is sold does not enforce age restrictions. Furthermore, the creators of Blow are utilizing social networking sites that are popular with teens, such as MySpace and YouTube, as a key component in their marketing and publicity strategy.

Source: NBC Los Angeles
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/health/Is-Blow-the-Latest-Trend-63322917.html

A Look at Lady GaGa

There's a lot of talk going on about Lady GaGa. As of this morning, her current single, Paparazzi, sits at #5 as a top download on iTunes. Her debut album, The Fame, released in 2008, is currently #9 on the iTunes album chart. She's on fire as a cultural icon today. But, just who is Lady GaGa?

Our ministry colleague, Jonathan McKee, the President and founder of "The Source for Youth Ministry," has written an article on Lady GaGa and it's a great read for parents who want to learn more about her.

You can find the article at: http://www.thesource4ym.com/youthculturewindow/article.asp?id=95

In Tight Economy Teen Retailers Take Notice of Moms

The tight economy has meant fewer jobs for teens, leaving more of them with empty wallets and at the mercy of that heartless arbiter of teen fashion: mom. The Wall Street Journal reports that even stores that specialize in clothes for younger consumers are following the money to its source. Aeropostale's employee handbook states: "Because parents make the final decision, they want to feel valued, and they want to feel good about what they purchase."

Retailers have traditionally catered directly to their teen customers. But some are now going out of their way to be mom-friendly, and the matriarchs are noticing:

"We're cognizant of the mom and the impact that that mom has," says Tom Johnson, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Aeropostale ... Mr. Johnson says meeting her needs "is critical to our success." ... Ana Greenfield, a mother of two teens from Paramus, N.J. finds the store "less snooty, less provocative" than other teen retailers.

Meanwhile, those "provocative" retailers may be ignoring mom at their own peril. Abercrombie & Fitch remains "committed to the nightclub-like atmosphere popular among teens" for both its flagship and Hollister brands. Turned off moms wait outside the store, seething over the "very aggravating, very loud" atmosphere on the other side of the door, and veto purchases that they deem too expensive.

Source: The Consumerist
http://consumerist.com/5366838/tight+fisted-moms-set-rules-on-teen-clothing-purchases#c