“Make ’em say ughhhhhh! Na-na, na-na!” In 1996, inspirational lyrics such as these flooded my ears on a regular basis. As the popularity of such rap giants as Master P increased, I jumped on the bandwagon of pop culture and poor taste. In retrospect, how “No Limit Soulja’s” could capture the fascination of teenagers across America is beyond me. Somehow, the No Limit record company managed to brainwash simple-minded youngsters such as myself into buying every piece of merchandise bearing the No Limit insignia. Master P managed to create dozens of albums, movies, and even a clothing line. I found myself buying every new cd No Limit released. Artists who were lacking exposure and talent could sell albums simply by associating themselves with the “Dirty South” and wearing massive necklaces bearing a cartoon tank. I was to be a “true tank dog” for life. Now, I am embarrassed to say I own the awful excuse for music known as No Limit rap.

While one might assume there is nothing to learn from this experience except that Jason has poor taste in music, let’s dig a little deeper. The music giant No Limit simply ceases to exist as a presence in 2001. It became another victim of the fickle nature of public opinion. American teenagers have the attention span of a rat on speed. The Backstreet Boys, razors, and glowsticks will fade away into our distant memories and something newer, shinier, and prettier will have replaced them. These silly things that we hold in such high esteem reflect our values. Teenagers enjoy instant gratification, style over substance, and self-centered whining. Our values and morals are fickle and changing to whatever makes us feel best. If pop culture has taught me anything, it is that young adults are focusing on trivial topics such as fashion, beauty, and trends. Whatever happened to morality and empathy?

As we busy ourselves obsessing over clothes and cars, the youth of America tends to be ignorant of current events around the world as well as in their own country. Off the top of my head, I can come up with a fairly large number of issues that no one seems to care much about. For example, the majority of countries around the world desire a treaty making biological germ warfare illegal. The reasons why are rather obvious. This type of weapon is capable of devastating an entire population and killing innocent civilians. President Bush does not find such humanitarian actions to be in the best interest of our nation. Similarly, the United States does not support a ban on landmines which is advocated by over one hundred countries as they usually kill civilians. On average, a first time federal drug offender receives more jail time than someone convicted of manslaughter. Our government teaches an eye for an eye with its implementation of the death penalty. Right here in San Diego, we allow a mockery of the ancient Aztecs to exist as a mascot of our local state university. I could go on forever. Many people simply do not know about some of these issues. However, the majority does not care. The United States has the lowest voting percentages for young adults of all democratic countries.

Though far-fetched, a thorough examination of pop culture appears to present an explanation for the apathy among American teenagers, allowing the current degradation of American society to continue unabated. Pop culture is not simply a reflection of the most original, new ideas. Rather, it displays society for what it currently is. We value the platinum around Master P’s neck, the beauty on the Backstreet Boys’ faces, and the entertainment value of pants big enough to fit three people. As a former, and most likely current, member of the many pop orientated teenagers, I know how such things can create a world too busy to think about serious issues. But as we continue to ignore things outside of our own bubble, other people’s realities are getting worse. School shootings, drug overdoses, and suicides will plague our own communities. Meanwhile, torture, starvation, and genocide await some in other countries. But I’m too busy thinking about my civic right now. I don’t have the time to see past the booty girls in the rap video. It’s not my responsibility if my friend is going to snap any day now. I can’t help it if workers are treated as slaves in Nike factories. The new Jordan’s are just too cool to pass up. Why should I care about voting? I have no sympathy for the lazy and poor. I’m doing just fine…..but when I lose everything, who will care about me?

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