Popular Culture Causes Social Deviance

759 Words2 Pages

Popular culture surrounds the lives of everyone. It is reflected in every form of mass media, and it can be seen everywhere people go. With its prevalence, many are beginning to question its negative themes and their influence. Popular culture’s constant production of unhealthy body images and messages have begun reshaping the thoughts of people and are causing them to reform to fit its ideals. Popular culture causes this social deviance, because it endorses sexual promiscuity, unhealthy body images, and destructive decisions.
Sexuality and popular culture have become somewhat synonymous. Celebrities, magazines, and movies produce themselves in a way that exploits sexuality in order to sell a greater number of products and gain widespread fame. An iconic example of this scenario is Miley Cyrus’ Vma performance. “Cyrus, 20, kicked off her performance by singing her hit summer single, ‘We Can’t Stop.’ The pop star (who described herself as a ‘pro-twerker’ in the ABC Celeb Quiz) appeared on stage with a multitude of dancing teddy bears while she wagged her tongue out to the cameras and slapped a woman’s butt on stage. The former Disney star eventually stripped off her bear-inspired ensemble and revealed a nude bikini underneath as her dancers surrounded her with giant teddy bears strapped to their backs. The weirdness turned into raunchy when Robin Thicke appeared on stage to perform ‘Blurred Lines.’” (News)Although this performance goes against the social standards of sexuality placed on women, it has received more than seven million views (Bruinius).
This shows that society has become more accepting of such sexual promiscuity. However, with society’s acceptance media is become more apt to use this selling point.It is projected t...

... middle of paper ...

...een Ink. N.p.,N.d. Web. 15 Jan. 2014.
Daniels, Mike. “ Do Violent Vidoes Beget Violence?” Asbury Park Press. 07 Apr. 2013: N.p. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 13 Jan. 2014.
Heimach, Nick. “Blurred Lines: The Uneasy Relationship Between Sex and Pop Culture.” Porch-Drinking. N.p., 5 Sept. 2013. Web. 07 Feb. 2014.
Hoover, Shelby. “Pop Culture’s Effect on Body Image| Popular Culture.” Popular Culture. N.p., 21 Feb. 2011. Web. 17 Jan. 2014.
Mckee, Jonathan, and David R. Smith. “ Promiscuous Programming Promotes Promiscuity” The Source for Youth Ministry- The Source4YM.com. N.p., 24 Aug. 2012. Web. 07 Feb. 2014.
News, ABC. "Miley Cyrus’ VMA Performance Stuns Crowd." ABC News. ABC News Network, 26 Aug. 2013. Web. 16 Feb. 2014.
Rollins, Ron. “Are Movies, T.V., Video Games Causing More Bloodshed?” Dayton Daily News. 18 Aug. 2013: A.18. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 13 Jan. 2014.

Open Document