"In a report by the American Psychological association on the sexualization of girls, researchers explained how young teens take their cues from the cultural environment in developing a sense of self. " (p.106)
I work in a high school so I see this everyday. Female students want to look "good" and often will imitate people that they see on television or whom they admire at school. In working with cheerleaders it is especially prevalent as their idols are often icons such as pro-football and college cheerleaders who aren't necessarily the best role models. My girls get extremely frustrated in uniform styles and types of material that "don't make them look good." Very often they have poor self-esteem and their own interpretation of body image isn't the way it should be.
"Some dismiss parents' and educators' concerns
about the transgressive aspects of media culture that conflate sexuality, violence, and criminality." (p.111)
In short if media works to "sell" sex and violence it will be utilized. Effects of children not withstanding. For instance, violent video games such as Call of Duty are extremely popular with the teen set. Research has proven that these games have caused children to behave more violently at home and at school. Still doesn't stop the company from selling thousands of copies.
"When this approach translates into work with middle school and high school students, there's a tendency for teachers to vilify media industries for their profit seeing motives in attracting large audiences." (p.118)
Case in point my statement above. I see the effects of these profit seeking companies on a daily basis. Often the effects are negative. However, companies see the large audience as teens desiring whatever product and overall they are in it to make money.
Hobbs, Renee. Digital and Media Literacy.
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