It’s been a while since I’ve spent a lot of time with you. I’ll be turning 50 this year, so I’m hardly
in your intended demographic. But I’m
definitely part of the MTV generation as I tuned in during your infant years.
I still have a crush on Martha Quinn, recall the debut of the Thriller
video, remember when Adam Sandler was an extra feature on “Remote Control,” and
cherish the memory of watching Live Aid.
You were a part of my daily life back then and I’m sure you’re still
part of millions of lives today. That’s
why I’m back for this chat.
Your network has a direct impact on pop culture and influences many
young lives. Your programming has
changed, but I know that today’s shows have as much punch as those from my
college days. Many of the shows now are
reality based…some more serious than others.
I believe one of your most successful shows is “Jersey Shore.”
Frankly, that show isn’t really to my tastes, but I know of many people
who enjoy it. I can appreciate that
while the people on that show are real, there escapades are cartoonish, thus
the entertainment factor. And yet, even
in the ridiculous scenarios in which these young adults participate, what they
do has some influence on your audience.
Whether it’s their fashion, their partying life, their language, or
their tendency to get into trouble, there are young viewers who see the Jersey
Shore cast as role models and copy their actions. I know that I copied the styles seen on MTV
from the 80’s (sometimes regrettably so).
There is one Jersey Shore “tradition” however towards which I think MTV
should post disclaimers. That involves
the cast’s seemingly addictive behavior towards tanning.
Many states across the country are adopting tanning bed bans for
minors. California led the way and
others are following close behind. The
main reason is that use of tanning beds significantly increases one’s chance of
being diagnosed with melanoma. Melanoma
is not “just skin cancer,” it’s one of the most aggressive and invasive cancers
there is. One person every hour dies
from this disease. And what may be
shocking to you is that melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young
adults 25-29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for young
people 15-29 years old. This is EXACTLY
your demographic!
I’m not asking for you to cancel “Jersey Shore” or even censor the
show. What I’d like to see is the
occasional public service announcement regarding sun safety. You were responsible for encouraging America’s
youthful population to “Rock the Vote” back in the ‘80’s…I would love to see
you spearhead a similar campaign to protect one’s skin.
Please Google “Dear 16 Year Old Me” and you’ll see the benchmark of
melanoma PSAs. I wouldn’t expect you to
churn out anything as long as this one, but just a simple yet hip notice that
sun safety should be taken seriously. I
know far too many younger people that have suffered greatly from melanoma…all
you have to do is check the blog-o-sphere.
I’m sure one of them would be happy to share her story.
As for Jersey Shore, I hope it continues to be a big ratings hit for
you. Eventually, you’ll come up with
another new show to be the next big thing, and the Jersey Shore cast will begin
to fade away. I can only hope that their
tans would fade a bit first.
Sincerely,
Black is the New Pink
I hope you actually sent this letter to SOMEONE at MTV!
ReplyDeleteGreat letter - great post!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Chelsea - please say you did actually send this to the MTV execs!
Keep up the good work.
Janice
: )
Awesome, love it! Hope they listen!
ReplyDeleteHi: I've mentioned your blog (and linked it) on mine today, and thought you might like to know. My URL: http://theogler.blogspot.com/. Cheers, Peter.
ReplyDelete