TOPIC: Assessing Contemporary Landscape
SUBJECT: Religion and Theology
TYPE: Essay (any type)
DESCRIPTION:
The youth of today have many different voices speaking into their lives. These can include, but are not limited to, social circles, community, and also popular media. In this assignment, you will write a 1,000-1,250-word essay that analyzes four different non-Christian perspectives conveyed by varying source media such as movies, games, books, or television shows that are speaking to teens on how to navigate life issues. Choose four different source media to analyze and complete the following for each of the four examples: Explanation how the source media (movies, books, etc.) promotes various perspectives. How does this media perspective provide direction to navigating life issues? How does this media perspective contradict the Christian perspective? How would you minister to a youth who has adopted this media perspective as a way of solving life issues? Complete your essay by briefly summarizing your findings on the impact of contemporary influences on youth. Utilize biblical references to support your research. Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required. This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion. You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin. Please refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.
In contemporary society, the youth are bombarded with a variety of perspectives on how to navigate life issues. These perspectives are conveyed through different media such as movies, games, books, and television shows. In this essay, I will analyze four non-Christian perspectives conveyed by varying source media and their impact on youth. Specifically, I will examine how each source media promotes various perspectives, provides direction on how to navigate life issues, contradicts the Christian perspective, and how to minister to a youth who has adopted this media perspective.
The first source media is the movie “Mean Girls.” This movie promotes the perspective that popularity and social status are essential to happiness and success in life. The movie portrays the protagonist, Cady, as she navigates high school life and attempts to become popular. The media perspective provides direction on how to navigate life issues by suggesting that conforming to social norms is necessary for happiness and success. This media perspective contradicts the Christian perspective, which promotes individuality and encourages individuals to be true to themselves. To minister to a youth who has adopted this media perspective, I would emphasize the importance of self-acceptance and individuality, citing biblical references such as Psalm 139:13-14, which states that God created each individual uniquely and wonderfully.
The second source media is the book “The Fault in Our Stars.” This book promotes the perspective that life is short and unpredictable, and that individuals should live their lives to the fullest. The book follows the lives of two teenagers with cancer, who fall in love and make the most of their time together. The media perspective provides direction on how to navigate life issues by encouraging individuals to seize the moment and live life to the fullest. This media perspective contradicts the Christian perspective, which teaches that life is a gift from God and that individuals should live their lives in accordance with God’s will. To minister to a youth who has adopted this media perspective, I would emphasize the importance of living life in accordance with God’s will, citing biblical references such as Proverbs 3:5-6, which states that individuals should trust in the Lord and seek His guidance in all things.
The third source media is the video game “Grand Theft Auto.” This game promotes the perspective that violence and crime are acceptable means of achieving success and power. The game allows players to engage in criminal activities such as stealing cars, robbing banks, and killing other characters. The media perspective provides direction on how to navigate life issues by suggesting that success and power can be achieved through violent and criminal means. This media perspective contradicts the Christian perspective, which teaches that violence and crime are immoral and sinful. To minister to a youth who has adopted this media perspective, I would emphasize the importance of respecting the law and treating others with kindness and compassion, citing biblical references such as Matthew 5:9, which states that individuals should strive to be peacemakers.
The fourth source media is the television show “13 Reasons Why.” This show promotes the perspective that suicide is a viable solution to life’s problems. The show follows the story of a high school student who takes her own life and leaves behind cassette tapes detailing the reasons for her decision. The media perspective provides direction on how to navigate life issues by suggesting that suicide is a valid solution to problems. This media perspective contradicts the Christian perspective, which teaches that life is a gift from God and that individuals should seek help and support when facing difficult situations. To minister to a youth who has adopted this media perspective, I would emphasize the importance of seeking help and support from trusted individuals, citing biblical references such as Proverbs 11:14, which states that there is safety in seeking counsel.
In conclusion, contemporary influences on youth can have a significant impact on their perspectives on how to navigate life issues. It is essential to recognize
