Local News
Youth News: You Say Potato; The Influence of the Media
Published: October 21, 2004
Why did you wear an American Eagle shirt this morning instead of a plain pink one? Did you ever think it might have something to do with the media?
The media affects our everyday lives in so many ways, whether or not you want to admit it. As girls, the media puts so much pressure on us to be thin and have the perfect body. The few times I have actually tried to work out, I didn’t do it because I needed to become healthier; I put myself through painful exercises in order to look better. Another message girls pick up from the media is that we have to have all the right clothes and perfect hair or we won’t be accepted. I am guilty of falling into this trap many times. I have naturally frizzy, curly hair but straighten it if I have time. I love Jennifer Aniston’s flawless hair and am jealous of my friends who say that all they do is get up, take a shower, and go to school.
I am guilty of wanting to wear clothes from a certain store in order to advertise this particular brand. Very few girls aren’t guilty of having a purse by a certain designer or at least a knock-off version because some celebrity was sporting the exact same purse on the red carpet, in a magazine, or on TV. I have had my own struggles when I don’t feel good about how I look. Although I have friends and family who love me, there has always been the desire to want to be better. I was not raised thinking I was never good enough, but I believe I inherited these ideas through the constant intake of not-always-positive media.
Hollywood tells us how to act now too. Directors and producers have made movies and shows that portray people having sex before marriage, giving the message that it is OK and there are no consequences. Stereotypical rap music encourages sex, drugs and violence. It’s not only rap music anymore, but many other artists sing about un-Christian-like activities.
Even though it may seem like the media has defeated us, sometimes we can beat them at their own game. I like to look at God as my anti-drug. He has helped me get through so many temptations. One of the things I do now is look at movie reviews before I go see a movie at the theaters. There’s a Web site I go to which gives ratings and reviews from a Catholic perspective. After finally reading what the movie is really about, I decide whether or not I want to support this movie.
I like to revert to the cliché “What Would Jesus Do?” If I have the urge to cuss, words that have been ingrained in my mind as OK to say by television and lyrics, I just remember those four little words that make all the difference between making the right and wrong choices sometimes.
The media has told us time and time again we aren’t good enough. We could stop watching television and movies and listening to the radio altogether to avoid these messages. Who wants to do that though? A better solution might be that whenever you feel too much pressure from the media to change who you are—turn to God! We were made in His image so then why do we try to change the way we look? He has made us each unique for a reason. Whether you were given the gift of beauty, sense of humor, brains, or artistic ability, embrace it. We each have something that is unique to ourselves. God loves us for who we are.
Everyone is an awesome human being and when it is hard to realize how special each of us is, pray. Pray, pray, pray! Read the Bible. It is amazing how God can guide us to all the right places.
So if you ever feel the pressure of the media is too much, say a prayer and take time to reflect on all the wonderful gifts God has already given you.
Mary Beth Gizinski is a sophomore at Blessed Trinity High School, Roswell, and attends St. Catherine of Siena Church, Kennesaw.
‘YOU SAY POTATO’ is a new segment in which two writers, usually one male and one female, express their opinions on a particular subject.
