Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Not-so-Teeny Boppers

I was watching some interviews with today's teen stars on YouTube - girls like Victoria Justice, Miranda Cosgrove, and Selena Gomez - the names you hear mostly among the preteen demographic.

In one clip from Regis & Kelly, Kelly mentioned to Victoria Justice that in her generation, "real performers" did singing, acting, and dancing well... It seemed like a jab, especially given that these younger actresses - and their shows - just seem frivolous.

I confess I've watched some of their shows, and a lot of it is pure silliness. I don't think iCarly episodes ever really have a message - just a lot of manic plot lines and acting. Same goes for Glee.

Do kids today grow up in a generation of vapid TV programming for teens? Are the highest-paid actors (Miranda Cosgrove is the highest-earning teen actress) a reflection of our cultural values, of what we find entertaining?

If what our generation has lost is "serious actresses" what we've gained are relatable girls. Girls who say "like" and collect purses but who actually have a lot of confidence and insight to share (Victoria Justice: "The exterior doesn't matter - be giving and have good energy and be the best person you can be"; "When I go out onstage the important thing is to feel comfortable in your own skin"). In the interviews, these celebrity teens are fun, down-to-earth, and have interesting things to say. I think we've entered a new era where things are more laid-back, lighter, and sillier - and their message of "Just have [good, clean, smart] fun" - should be taken seriously.

So they're not Jodie Foster or Julia Roberts but they're weirdly inspiring and needed in this generation. As the Millenial generation, we've lost face-to-face interaction. Human connection, realness unmediated by polished, pre-scripted interviews, is refreshing.
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On a related note, Amanda Bynes (personally one of my favorite teen stars) talks about how texting can connect you to people and skirts the trashy nature of being in Maxim magazine.