Sunday, September 7, 2008

Random thoughts on the VMAs. . . Britney's Back . . . What did you think?


So what did MTV have up its VMA sleeve this year? . . especially after last year’s experiment in format change? I watched, as I hope you did too, looking to see what I could see in the map and mirror of the 25th Anniversary version of the VMAs as the show offers a peek into where the map of youth culture is sending our kids telling them the way the world should be, and what the mirror can tell us about what the world is and how to bring the light of God’s Word to bear on the reality of where our kids are at.

This year we sent out a reminder to watch along with a list of questions to get you thinking about and processing the show and what we can learn that might further our understanding of kids, touchpoints for communicating the truths of the Gospel, and even thoughts on how to best do ministry to kids. I hope you’ll use the comment area of this blog and the discussion spot on our CPYU Facebook page to post your thoughts. We’d love you to share your insights. We’re depending on you.

Here are some of my random initial observations and thoughts regarding this year’s VMAs. . . in no particular order.

The format change from last years roving Las Vegas party set the show in a more intimate theater setting – a theater set up in Paramount studios - with a smaller live audience than in previous years. The relatively minimalist staging and presentation made it sound and look like a stand-up set. MTV was going for that more intimate feel that they went for last year. The set and the show’s general feel seemed to be an attempt at authenticity (valued by the emerging generations), from the smaller venue, to the amount of live – not lip-synched (sans Christina Aguilera) – performances. Even Rihanna’s more theatrical opener was sung live, unlike many past VMA performances. Extending several performances out to the sets on the studio’s backlots captured the place that music video now holds in pop culture as a form of film that tells stories.

Notoriously absent was the usual pit of screaming "regular people" and fans, as was the balcony or gallery seats loaded with screaming young adolescents who would keep the shrieks of adoration coming regularly throught the broadcast. Instead, a deliberate effort was made by MTV to cater to young viewers with the choice of presenters and performers. . . . including everyone from the cast of High Shool Musical, to Miley Cyrus, to the Jonas Brothers, to Jordin Sparks. With so many media choices facing our kids, MTV knows they've got to get 'em young.

The show kicked off with a little sketch featuring a healthy and happy-looking Britney Spears. She didn't sing or dance (remember last year's fiasco?). She was, however, "there." Was it to be a sign of things to come later in the evening?

The tone of the show was set when host Russell Brand, an English comedian, took the stage and performed a monologue that combined political and sexual humor lambasting George W. Bush, the Republican Party, and the Jonas brothers who are outspoken about their Christian commitment and intent to stay sexually chaste until marriage. All media promotes a worldview, teaching impressionable young viewers the values, attitudes, and behaviors they should adopt, live, and celebrate. Brand's comments set the agenda and the tone for an evening where worldviews would collide.

I was especially struck by how so many of the commercials were visually embedded in textual promos reminding viewers to hang in there and keep watching for what’s “coming up in 5 minutes. . . .”, quizzes, teasers, etc. Even MTV is battling to hold the attention of a generation that’s been so media-blitzed they’re having a hard time focusing. I seriously wonder if our ministry attempts to draw them in by providing more entertaining stimulus is a good thing. I don’t think it is. We need to teach kids how to “be still” to listen, hear, and know God.

During the entire show I tried to envision what audience the show was designed to primarily cater to. If you look over the list of nominees and performers, it was weighted heavily on the side of the younger, pop/dance music loving audience. This is the music that’s heavily marketed to the late elementary and middle school screamers. These kids are very, very impressionable. They buy lots and lots of music, and they more easily buy into the message of that music. MTV really went after the Disney Channel crowd.

Lil’ Wayne. . . . I must really be getting old. There’s an entire generation of grandmothers out there who were once mothers themselves. When they were mothers themselves they were constantly telling their boys to “pull up your pants” and “stop scratching yourself in public.” Oh how I hope they weren’t watching!

While all the performers have talent that they’ve been given by God, we have to use a Biblically faithful sense of discernment to evaluate whether or not those who thank God (and there were lots of them this year!) are living a life that is consistently integrated and glorifying to Him. (What did you think when the Pussycat Dolls thanked God so eagerly and sincerely after getting the VMA for Best Dancing In A Video?) Considering that so many of this year’s nominees and performers have found their popularity and success with an increasingly younger and younger music-loving audience, how do the performers’ lifestyles, lyrics, videos, and verbal attributions of thanks to God combine to define the shape of Christian faith for our kids? And you wonder where Christian Smith’s “Moralistic, therapeutic, deism” comes from. Sure, there are a variety of sources. You got to see a big one on the VMAs. On the other hand, there are bands like Paramore and the Jonas Brothers who seem to be succeeding at integration . . . . so far.

Unlike past VMAs, this show didn’t present a one-sided message on sexuality. . . . although it looked like it might from the beginning. Between Russell Brand’s mocking commentary on the Jonas Brothers and their Promise Rings, to the overt visual and lyrical titillation of many performances, a do-anything culture was promoted (Kid Rock singing about his own adolescence in northern Michigan). But then there was my favorite moment of the night. . . Jordin Sparks. . . and her brief, unscripted, to the point commentary on Promise Rings and sexuality. Gutsy and great! Our kids desperately need voices that speak God’s wonderful life-giving sexual ethic into the culture. I found it interesting that Russell Brand came out soon after and, well sort-of, issued an apology.

Objectification. . . . that’s what we’re doing with our girls. Modesty was largely absent. Female outfits definitely promoted the stereotype of the boy toy (exhibit A: Pink’s costume; exhibit B: Lindsay Lohan's halter).

The return of Britney, and she’s being reinvented. She was the biggest winner of the night and who would’ve thought it?!? On a personal level, it’s nice to see her at least appearing to be getting her life together. On a PR/marketing level, Britney’s spots on the VMAs were more reminiscent of the relatively innocent 16 year-old version of ten years ago, than the rapidly unfolding trainwreck that’s been getting progressively worse over the years. She came off as one of the most staid, mature, and humble members of the lineup.

Finally, ego and celebrity. . . it drives so many performers and as a result, it’s what so many of our kids aspire to. (Ever see the audition lines for American Idol?). Kanye West has always embodied that. . . . perhaps no more than anyone else who was on the show. Still, I think it was fitting that West and his ego closed out the VMAs.

So, what did you pick up on?

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Walt, I don't have much to say, but I must agree with you that I was frustrated with Mr. Brands chance to politicize the event and poke fun at the Jonas Brothers. I feel like the more time that goes by the more hosts and performers are willing to bluntly vocalize their immoral views. I must agree though, that Jordin Sparks gutsy remark is just what needed to happen. I found myself saying out loud "you go girl!" and found it interesting that right after she said this that Rihanna came out in a quite revealing outfit herself. The VMA's are eye opening to me and at the same time help me think as a youth pastor of how I can relate to my kids to some of the things the show brings us and to some of the things you bring up. I appreciate your thoughts on this event every year. Keep up the great work!

GL said...

Walt, once again, you are on target. It seems that MTV is indeed trying to sway the younger generations. However, in order to keep a more balanced audience, they relegated the tweeners to one area while putting the older and more hip generation to the front for all to see. You may be on to something, especially when they are seemingly losing everyone elses attention. The attention getting tactics got old for me pretty quick.

It is a shame that the ones who openly espouse values that are countercultural are lost in a sea of values that are sliding farther and farther south, if you get my drift.

As youth workers, we need to educate our tweens and teens that they have a choice in how they live their lives. Let's teach them to choose based on a Biblical world view and not one based on what society and a group of marketers have chosen.

Good Work Walt!

Greg

Ken said...
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Ken said...
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joshkeller said...

Howdy from the Ndak, Walt... I would have to say what hit me the most was how horribly awkward Russell Brand was... I didn't care so much about the promise ring comment, though wrong it was... I honestly think he was forcing all of his comedy through the show... He would over-exaggerate how good every performance was and it felt like mtv was forcing him to be so hype it seemed ingenuine...

I felt like there was a lack of "25th anniversary" star power when it came to performances... why not bring back Bruce, Eminem, Madonna, etc... not that it would have been any better for our students to watch... just a quality control statement for mtv... they dropped the ball...

and lastly... lets see if this brings britney back... or just makes mtv look dumb in a year or two... a good experiment to see what the power of mtv can do...

Keep it real... much love... keep doin' what you're doin bro... the church needs it...

slandini said...

I watched it last night and walked away being very unimpressed with Russell Brand. He seemed to be digging his hole deeper and deeper each second he talked. He didn't come off well, didn't communicate well, and did a poor job. He was irritating, tacky and off-base, period. I'm okay with people being funny via being politically incorrect at times, but he just dropped it.

He certainly didn't do Barack or the Democrats any favors by his 'endorsement' either.

I also was a bit horrified to think, while watching, about all the teenagers who might be watching it--mostly because of all the ridiculous and inappropriate things that came out of the host's mouth that had nothing to do with the music.

I thought most the performances were well done, pretty creative and interesting to watch, but on the whole, the show seemed a bit mediocre.

I'm also glad Jordin Sparks went off script and said, "I just have one thing to say about promise rings. It's not bad to wear a promise ring, because not everybody — guy or girl — wants to be a slut,"

I'm glad somebody said it. The best possible scenario would've been to not make the promise ring thing such a big deal. What does it matter to Russell Brand? There's no point in making it a big deal. Weird.

Anonymous said...

I'm just streaming the show online right now and thought I'd take a break & peek in at your thoughts here, Walt. (and at the previous commenters' thoughts too!)

Sarah just made use of the word "mediocre" & Josh's words about Brand being "ingenuine" really struck a chord with me. As I've watched the host seemingly force himself through "controversial" yet "politely tolerant" dialogue, I've been wondering if he's not secretly wishing for the evening to be over so he can just tuck the publicity & a paycheque in the fame bank & move along.

I feel bad for him--to see a person struggle through a display of their own "personality" like that makes me wish there was someone in there not just holding down the fort on the opposite pole (the show so far makes me think "Perry-Pants vs. Promise Rings"), but bridging the gap as well. I think this is a great piece of media to use in getting conversations started and passions stirred within ourselves and the young people in our lives about creating culture that is not merely countercultural, but that challenges everyone to a higher level of creativity and thinking.

In a "culture" where I can tune into this program and feel like I'm watching a redressed rerun from Britney's first go-round during my own junior high years(this is what a lot of my generation's "art" and "culture" feels like), mediocrity and ingenuine behavior are the chronic symptoms we seem to be collectively suffering from.

I'd like to encourage us all to consider these issues of repititious mediocrity in youth (and the larger) culture, to recognize that its influence in the production of ingenuine "personalities" is a huge factor at play in the no-attention-span/let's-move-on-to-the-next-piece-of-cotton-candy phenomenon, and to spark ideas and inspiration in those around us--challenging each other to "be still," like you said, and to be countercultural by taking the time to craft interesting and relevant creations to share with our culture. Our whole culture. Maybe something to set in between Team Perry-Pants and Team Promise Ring, and get a conversation going? ;)

Ken said...
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