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 | Jonathan’s Resource Ezine |
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
- Featured: A Bitter Taste of Pop Culture-Jonathan Chimes in on What Can Be Taken Away from the Teen Choice Awards
- An Idea You Can Use: Using Kesha’s hit song Your Love Is My Drug to Talk about True Love
- Jonathan in Person: Jonathan will be doing his CONNECT workshop in Amarillo, TX this weekend
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By Jonathan McKee
Teens and tweens jumped to their feet, their pubescent voices shrilling as 2010 Teen Choice Awards host Katy Perry took the stage and sang her new song, Teenage Dream.
And got drunk on the beach
Got a motel and
Built a floor out of sheets
I finally found you
My missing puzzle piece
I’m complete
Let’s go all the way tonight
No regrets, just love
We can dance until we die
You and I
We’ll be young forever…
Once again, the Teen Choice Awards provide us with a current, but bitter taste of pop culture. In other words, what kids are watching on TV (Gossip Girl, Vampire Diaries and Glee reign) and in the theatres (Twilight: New Moon, KickAss, The Runaways), who they scream for (Taylor Lautner and Justin Bieber), and who they listen to (Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and, once again…Justin Bieber).
It happens every year at these awards. Celebrities who haven’t earned the right to be role models are elevated to role model status. Take it from Ellen DeGeneres, who when collecting her “Choice Comedian” award said, “I hope to not only be funny but to actually be a role model.”
This year didn’t have any shocking headline moments like Miley’s little pole dance in 2009, just an accurate glimpse into the porthole of youth culture. After all, teens vote for these awards, so the nominees speak volumes as to who and what our culture values, as well as what parents actually allow into their homes.
Have parents ever watched Big Bang Theory, Glee, Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, or Vampire Diaries with their kids? Sadly, many parents just use the TV as a babysitter. And what about R rated movies like Kickass or The RunAways?
While the content on the screen might be a mystery to some, any parent watching the awards can merely listen and quickly become aware of what today’s music is communicating. If Katy Perry’s song wasn’t enough, then maybe Jason Derulo’s song, In My Head got through as he performed it live:
I’ll be your teacher. I’ll show you the ropes.
You’ll see a side of love you’ve never known.
I can see it going down, going down.
In my head, I see you all over me.
In my head, you fulfill my fantasy.
You’ll be screaming out.
In my head, it’s going down.
In my head, it’s going down.
In my head. Yeah. In my head. Oh yeah…
Lyrics like these are always tricky for parents. Cusswords? Nope. But what’s the message of the song? Parents need to learn to look at lyrics and help their kids use good discernment when choosing the music to simmer in for the summer.
Main Point of Discussion:
The world paints a self-destructive picture of love, so we need to focus on the true definition of love given by God.
“Your Love Is My Drug” is by Ke$ha-a 23-year-old American recording artist and songwriter-from her debut album, Animal. “Your Love Is My Drug” (Animal’s third single) hit the top of the Billboard Pop Songs chart in early June; it’s at number seven this week (it’s number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart). The main idea behind the song is being so in love that you stop thinking clearly…
This year I have already had several chances to do my CONNECT workshop! This is my favorite workshop to teach-we always have a great time! In August, I’ll be doing this workshop in Amarillo, TX. Come join us for this fun little Friday night and Saturday morning workshop in a retreat setting!
“Connect” -Training Seminar
What: This Friday-Saturday workshop equips youth workers, both paid and volunteer, in connecting with today’s teenagers.
Where: The event will take place at Ceta Canyon Camp & Retreat Center located in the beautiful Palo Duro Canyon near Happy, Texas. Click HERE for a map and directions to the camp.
When: We’ll begin Friday, August 13 with dinner at 6 PM followed by Jonathan’s training from 7 PM – 9 PM. We’ll continue Saturday, August 14 with breakfast at 8 AM, followed by training from 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM, then we’ll share lunch before parting ways.
Cost: The seminar, three meals, and lodging all for $79. ($49 without lodging) See here for more details.
REGISTER: Easy! Jump on this web page for more details and to register.
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Jonathan McKee
Jonathan McKee is the author of over twenty books including the brand new The Guy's Guide to FOUR BATTLES Every Young Man Must Face; The Teen’s Guide to Social Media & Mobile Devices; If I Had a Parenting Do Over; and the Amazon Best Seller - The Guy's Guide to God, Girls and the Phone in Your Pocket. He speaks to parents and leaders worldwide, all while providing free resources for youth workers on TheSource4YM.com. Jonathan, his wife Lori, and their three kids live in California.