So lets just jump right in with, Tonight I felt like my mother must have felt over my tweeny obsession with the New Kids on the Block. (With that said, I love her a little more for the patience she showed me during that time.) That's right, I took my girls to see "Never say Never". While it took us a while to jump or should I say get hit by the Justin Beiber train it def has decided to pull into the station. As we were waiting for the movie to begin, I surveyed the scene. We were surrounded by tween and teen girls with homemade Beiber t-shirts. They were talking and squealing non-stop about the boy wonder and I couldn't help but become a little uncomfortable when upon the beginning of the film the girl next to me starts sobbing and uttering over and over again..."I love you Justin, I LOVE you". The movie in its own defense, was actually pretty interesting. Justin seems like a hometown boy who wouldn't let anyone tell him "NEVER say NEVER". LOL The message of the movie was also very positive with the push to Never let anyone extinguish your dreams. But the line that seems to haunt me was a segment they did about the AMA's...or the Oscers..not sure which. They were discussing the tribute Madonna did about Micheal Jackson. They highlighted the portion of her speech that surrounded "that his career and success robbed him of his childhood". Justin then turns to his manager, Scooter (promise I didn't make that up) and says "Don't let that happen to me". I had to sigh. Will we see this young man in the future falter to the demands this business takes? Will he be able to maintain his positive roll model likability over time or will he reinvent himself into something darker and "more Mature" to prove to the fans and labels he can be more edgy? As a parent , this is a weighty question. We as parents want to steer our children into the most positive of places...which is not always the most trendy. Right now the "Beib" is fun for my girls. Someone to dance too and sing to and yes...daydream about, but will Justin be responsible to maintain his image. I hope he will. Its fun to have someone to look up too. And music is such a good outlet.
So here is the thought provoking question...How do you teach your children that most of the hollywood idols are smoke and mirrors? How do you protect your children from the heartbreak that comes when that person you look up to fails you? I know where to ground my children...the question is Do you?
That's a good question. Part of it is letting the experience that failure. It is a part of life. I remember when my favorite basketball player of all time retired with HIV. Seeing Magic Johnson retire in that was was scary and heartbreaking. I thought he would die in a few years. I was in 7th grade it was a major let down. At the end of the day though it helped me see that everyone has flaws and no one can replace the savior.
ReplyDeletelet me just say--i am SO glad that i don't have girls! that being said, if you want to watch my boys, i'll take your girls to see Beiber anytime!!!
ReplyDeleteThe Bieber train has pulled into our station too. And (w/ embarassing smirk) I like him too :-) I feel the same way....seems like a great kid, but will be interested to see if he can take the heat of being in that business. Let's pray for him, shall we :-) God knows we need some strong role models in the music business.
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