Move Over Miley!

In the modern world professionals are more interested in what will make them the most money, than what will actually please the population. Musical artists, television, and movie stars are becoming less talented and driven yet are selling their products faster than ever. Major executives are not looking to please the common man looking for more depth than the Jonas Brothers or Miley Cyrus can give, yet these “stars” are rising more quickly and younger than ever. In the past people used to care about the level of performance or product being put out there, artists and stars with less talent did not seem to make it as far, thereby giving us the “greats” like the Beatles, Elvis, and Frank Sinatra. Consumers from previous generations did not really care about who looked best as a Barbie Doll or on a lunch box. Corporate greed and ability to give us less than what we deserve needs to be addressed and hopefully lessened before “teeny boppers” completely control the airwaves.

So many artists, actors, and musicians go unnoticed by bigger labels because they simply do not have the “right look” or “appeal” a company is looking for. Amazing talents are forced to stay underground and without the fame they really deserve while others rise to the top because of their look or ability to use technology in order to enhance their mediocre vocals. It needs to be less about commercial appeal and more about what is actually being put on shelves, the radio, and television. Adults would never let their young pre-teen child make an executive, important decision yet it is these young adults that completely control what is being placed on the market today. Go into a store and you will see these celebrities endorsing t-shirts, posters, even cereal boxes at the grocery. It is hard to find a lunchbox or Barbie without one of these under-talented people on it. America needs to re-shift its focus from what is cute and popular, to what actually sounds good or is acted out well. It is the only way to get people who do not deserve to be on the radio or on television back to where they belong in order to make room for those who do.

A topic that is frequently brought up within our generation is how we will be remembered or the legacy we are leaving behind for others to see. With our financial troubles, environmental issues, and inability to produce entertainment that really makes a life changing statement like it had in previous generations does not make us look like we made a positive impact on the world. Our world has been taken over by celebrities and their ability to persuade us to purchase their products or see their movies simply because their name is behind it. I can honestly say the last three movies I went to see in theatres were absolutely terrible, mildly entertaining but never something I would dream of owning or ever want to see again. The biggest reason why I went to see these films was because of who was in them and because of the work they have done in the past. Who pays attention to plot lines and actual ability to make a difference when Robert Pattinson or Beyonce is playing the title role? Our world will hopefully one day get past this tendency to support those who are simply attractive or are the daughter of a one hit wonder.

If a twelve year old wants to listen to artists made popular on the Disney channel or Nickelodeon it is absolutely acceptable, though I would not recommend them as role models. The problem is when these people meant to entertain children are clogging the airways of adult radio stations and television networks. That is the reason why radio Disney and other children’s channels were created: in order to keep the adult and kid stuff separate. I want to listen to an artist that has real life experience and that I can relate to in order to help me through the rough and easy times in my life. Everyone is looking for a story or public figure that they can possibly relate to in order to feel like their not alone. The underground figures need to rise above and make their voices heard so the world can get the level of entertainment and quality of life it deserves because we cannot accept beautiful yet talentless role models and public figures anymore.