Change in American Popular Culture

Changes in American Popular Culture


America has the potential to greatly improve its society by making practical and ethical adjustments to its pop culture. People in America have become so focused on materialistic things and money, that our values have diminished as a society. On a daily basis we encounter negative media images, the desire for unhealthy fast food, and a total reliance on electronics for our means of communication. By simply having less of all of these things, I believe America could improve itself as a society and regain it’s morals, health, and relationships.

Both the youth and adults in America tend to have unnatural obsessions with celebrities and body image. The media has distorted the minds of America into believing their definition of beautiful is the only type of beautiful. Thoughts like this can emotionally and physically harm girls and boys of all ages. Deirdre Wilson argues that, “an obsession with body image can lead to anorexia.” The media should be held responsible for the increasing amount of people that are diagnosed with eating disorders every year. By displaying pictures of girls that are unrealistically thin and fake, wearing provocative and revealing clothing, were impelling people (especially girls) to have a low self esteem and many insecurities. The media should change it’s emphasis on beauty to an emphasis on character and values. Just this minor innovation could better advance America’s morals and dignity.

American pop culture’s attention to the fast food industry is causing serious health issues in America. Fast food and junk food advertisements are constantly being broadcasted on the television and radio, telling people they are hungry and need to eat their food in order to be satisfied. And by believing their deceitful and untruthful advertisements, America now has another national epidemic that is crossing the nation: obesity. The obesity rate did not decrease in a single state last year, despite all the new obesity policies and weight watchers programs that came into effect. Fast food is extremely convenient when life becomes hectic and the quality of food isn’t important. Healthy alternatives should become more accessible when people are busy, and this starts with advertising. More advertisements need to made for healthy food in order to restore a fit America.

Electronics like cell phones and iPods are negatively effecting the way Americans interact and communicate. People can instantly check out of the world and what’s going on around them when they engage in one of these activities. While this may seem like a desirable alternative to dealing with reality, it’s teaching people to not face their problems but rather ignore them. Instead of confronting someone about an issue face to face, people are beginning to text or talk on the phone to work things out. Americans are having less meaningful relationships because of pop culture’s obsession with electronics. We need to take the focus off of technology, and remember to build relationships with people in a personal way again.

If we ever want to see significant change in society, we must first modify America’s pop culture. Our minds have become warped by it, and preoccupied with things that aren’t truly important in life. We as individuals need to take a stand against the stereotypical pop culture ideals, and choose to make our decisions based on our own values. These decisions will begin to make a positive impact on American society, and promote needed change.