Music & Culture
Role Models Were Hard to Find at the 2011 VMAs
Written by T.M. Gaouette | August 30, 2011
MTV’s Video Music Awards that was televised this past weekend was a major eye-opener for me. I suddenly realized why many teens behave so badly. Why? It’s because the majority of their role models do — and they do it without shame or consequence.
There was a time when an award show was treated with esteem, but I guess the VMAs is not worthy of it?
First of all, whatever happened to formal wear? Was this not an award show? This event was more of a dress-down day. Even nominated artists chose to wear T-shirts and jeans. Nicki Minaj – who should have opted for T-shirt and jeans – wore the most horrendous outfit I’ve ever seen. Katy Perry couldn’t even walk because of a ridiculous block she wore on her head.
Looking at Lil Wayne’s underpants while listening to him perform was equally unbearable. I’m still trying to understand how it’s cool for your pants to fall down and your underwear to show?
Swearing and rude gestures were also a norm at this event, even during acceptance speeches. I have no idea what Tyler, the Creator said after winning a new artist award. Every other word was censored and his mother was sitting in the audience watching.
What an embarrassment. These are the people we get to choose from as role models? It’s a disgrace. Trust me, I could go on, but I think you get the idea.
There were aspects of the show that I did enjoy, however. I loved Adele’s performance of “Someone Like You.” Bruno Mars’ tribute to Amy Winehouse was enjoyable. I pray he sticks to non-provocative songs from now on. He has a great talent.
Justin Bieber’s show of gratitude to God and Jesus is always a pleasure to watch. I was also impressed with Britney Spears. After such a scandalous phase in her life, she seems to be back on track. She’s matured and she looked good. I loved that she thanked God, too, and mentioned her children. I pray that Britney looks to God as she continues on in her career.
While watching the VMAs, I felt grateful for Christian and Country Music – I can’t wait for the CMAs in November. Overall, role models were definitely difficult to find at the VMAs this year, and I pray that teens will see the show as an example of how not to dress and behave in life!
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Image: MTV
Posted by L1ttl3_Th1ngs on December 3, 2012 at 12:56
I really want to be a singer. My parents dont think its a good idea but I know that i would stay close to God and always have him on my mind and in my heart when it comes to my choices.
Posted by on October 22, 2011 at 18:13
ok i love katy, she’s unique and outfits shouldn’t make her a ‘bad’ person. however, i HATE nicki and lil wayne.
Posted by on October 7, 2011 at 14:41
OK I COMPLETELY AGREE with this entire article. This was my FIRST TIME EVER watching the VMAs and I was both horrified and disgusted. I had to leave the room when Lady Gaga (or her “alter ego” I should say) tried to kiss Britney Spears. THANK GOD Britney didn’t really buy into it. And I was very freaked out by Lady Gaga as the opening act. I swear she was stoned or drunk or high or something. The only things I like about the VMAs were Adele and the Amy Winehouse tribute. Other than that, I can honestly say I won’t watch the VMAs EVER again.
Posted by Nicole on October 7, 2011 at 23:26
Thankyou! You understand. I know it was so gross!
Posted by on September 10, 2011 at 21:51
The pants hanging down trend has to do with convicts. When someone goes to jail, there belts are taken away so they don’t use the as weapons or try to hang themselves. After someone is released from jail, they have no belt, so there pants hang down. Some rapper copied this and left his belt at home to look like a tough guy who just got out of jail. Most people blindly copy this trend without knowing where it comes from.
Posted by on October 22, 2011 at 18:14
it also was a symbol for the guys in jail who had sex with their male inmates. gross, right?
Posted by tmgaouette on September 28, 2011 at 19:08
Wow! I never knew that. Thanks so much for sharing this information. God bless!
Posted by on September 10, 2011 at 00:49
I know that most people would disagree with me, but I think it’s kinda cool the way they dress. I mean, a lot of the time its not really appropriate to wear in public, but the crazy outifts they wear to the VMAs show their creativity.
Posted by on September 6, 2011 at 15:18
I know it is a good thing to look up to good role models, but it is also good to see how bad role models conduct themselves,too. If you are totally blocked off from the way people act in reality, you may not see the evil in their work and how society reacts to them. It is also fun to look for gems in the industry,too.
Posted by on September 6, 2011 at 13:37
The Do Something Awards were much more entertaining and fulfilling. I didn’t even watch these VMAs. They don’t do me any good. I watch a clip of demi lovato presenting an award and some rude comment from Katy Perry on YouTube though. I prefer the Do Something awards because celebrities and regular people get acknowledged for big things. I felt INSPIRED by the Do Something Awards. I plan on volunteering a lot now and helping make changes on my campus. What did I get from the VMAs? Nothing that made me feel good. Lol.
Posted by on September 6, 2011 at 12:29
i think she only watches stuff like that for her articles
Posted by Nicole on September 6, 2011 at 18:32
exactly.
Posted by on September 4, 2011 at 18:53
Lady Gaga won something!!!!!????? Ick.
Posted by on September 5, 2011 at 16:22
i agree 100%…. but it’s sad that lots of people like her… creepy
Posted by on September 3, 2011 at 11:20
OK #1!! Her Name is Nicki Minaj not Nicky!!!! And secondly how you dress doesn’t express who you are as a person, Plus most kids don’t consider these people “role models” anymore.
Posted by tmgaouette on September 4, 2011 at 16:29
Oh, Whoops! Sorry! I knew that. Made the fix. Regarding how you dress, it actually says a lot about you. Do you know that many people actually go to job interviews in shorts and flip flops? Many teens do look up to these people, sorry to say, dress like them, and maintain an indifferent attitude that says they don’t care what people think. I’m not saying that people’s opinions should define you, I’m saying that you should understand what’s appropriate at what time, while maintaining high standards of personal appearance and behavior…i.e. glorify God in everything you say and do. God bless you.
Posted by on September 1, 2011 at 20:20
No offense or anything but musically talented people aren’t the ONLY role models out there! In fact, I personally think there aren’t very many to look up to as far as being in the music industry, but I also think we should look up to God not other people. Why would we want to be like someone else? We don’t want to idolize them. Good article though! I enjoyed it, and agree completely! Even though I don’t have Cable Television, I think MTV is garbage!
Posted by on September 3, 2011 at 07:30
wow, ur kinda lucky u don’t have cable tv….. i’ve seen tons of my friends get addicted to netflix and these really dumb reality shows and stuff…. and video games…. i don’t own ANY video games!!!
Posted by on September 2, 2011 at 13:41
I agree 100% Olivia!
Posted by on September 1, 2011 at 18:04
That’s why I watch the Dove Awards, and not the awards. Everyone in Hollywod is messed up. Bruno Mars music is pretty good though.
Posted by on September 1, 2011 at 17:09
I agree! Watching Lil’ Wayne I seriously wondered why people even listen to him! And I agree about the Brittney thing, she seems to be more on track, she even denied more public attention by denying Gaga’s attempt at kissing her! Which I thought was a big step for her!
Posted by on September 2, 2011 at 15:33
gaga scares me like crazy!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Nicole on September 1, 2011 at 22:32
I loved that too!! Go britney!
Posted by tmgaouette on September 2, 2011 at 06:24
She also seemed uncomfortable with Gaga’s gross comments in the intro. of the award giving and when she was on stage with her. She was laughing, but looked uncomfortable.
Posted by on August 31, 2011 at 20:56
That’s exactly why I prefer to watch Korean award shows, because they are actually grateful for be recognized as a good artist instead of thinking that they deserve it. And swearing like that will get you kicked out of the business; they want to keep their kids from turning out that way.
Posted by on August 31, 2011 at 19:05
is anyone gonna write an article on harry pottter please??? i would really like some advice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by on September 4, 2011 at 04:39
I am not allowed to see these movies because of the sorcery in them. My parents believe that if the people are getting their powers from other gods or evil spirits or other things,it is not something I should be watching. It’s just an opinion,but I kinda agree with them.
Posted by on September 5, 2011 at 16:21
but also i still love the series… but still people have different opinions
Posted by on September 4, 2011 at 19:06
see, this is why i’d like t.m. gaouette or nicole or jenn arman or someone to write an article… becuz im TORN
Posted by on September 4, 2011 at 18:57
I know a lot of people like that. But I LOVE Harry Potter!!!!!! The Movies are really good, and so is the story.
Posted by on September 1, 2011 at 16:03
I am a Christian, and I LOVE Harry Potter!!! I don’t think Jesus cares about us reading or watching it because it is only fantasy, and as long as we dont start believing that stuff exists, youre good. Its basically just a harmless fairytale as long as your not one of those crazed fans lol.
Posted by on September 3, 2011 at 18:20
ok…………………………….. but it still would b kewl if someone could write an article on that
Posted by on September 2, 2011 at 16:35
Amen! haha HP is a great story, and the movies are really good considering they’re book adaptations, as long as you don’t suddenly think all the magic is real, and you still love God&Jesus, I don’t see how they could be a problem…what she ^ said 🙂
Posted by on September 2, 2011 at 15:32
kk……….. it’s i just wondered what was goin on with people who created the site, and what they think is the right thing….. i agree, but i just wanna make sure i guess
Posted by Nicole on August 31, 2011 at 23:11
why don’t you write one? I don’t know anything about Harry Potter haha. (I’ve never seen ONE of the movies. Crazy huh?)
Posted by on September 3, 2011 at 18:21
oh, and i don’t know how to write an article… so i couldn’t…
Posted by on September 2, 2011 at 10:55
which i s why i would like someone to write an article on it
Posted by on September 1, 2011 at 18:05
Never seen Harry Potter either. I do want to see it though after a friend recommended it. I’m not sure if it’s good or bad though.
Posted by on September 1, 2011 at 17:38
they’re incredible, but i am the one seeking advice on whether people should b watching them!!! i ADORE them…. but…. should i b watching them!!!
Posted by on August 31, 2011 at 18:49
Great article! I agree, most of the people on the show weren’t such great role models. “someone like you” always bring me to tears although i’ve never been through what adele was singing about, haha, i guess music really speaks to me. I absolutely loved it when Justin Bieber thanked God and Jesus. I didn’t watch most of the show, because it was full of all these weird people. but i kept checking on it because of the hunger games movie teaser 🙂
Posted by on August 31, 2011 at 14:34
oh my gosh! Sounds like God has really worked through Brittnay Spears life! 🙂
Posted by on August 31, 2011 at 14:18
I didn’t watch itm but I can guarantee you 100% that Selena Gomez was an amazing role model. 🙂 I love her, she’s MY role model! ♥♥
Posted by on August 31, 2011 at 14:00
I didn’t even know about when it was on, so I didn’t watch. It’s not a big deal though, considering I don’t like most of the artists that were there.
Posted by on August 30, 2011 at 23:24
Lady Gaga looked disgusting!!
Posted by on September 5, 2011 at 15:10
I know! and when she tried to kiss Britany it really freaked me out!
Posted by on September 7, 2011 at 16:36
Definitely! ugh, gross stuff!
Posted by on September 4, 2011 at 18:55
TOTTALLY!!!
Posted by on August 30, 2011 at 22:47
Yeah I couldn’t believe the lack of rock musicians (or any musicians of real substance) there
Dave Grohl was the only one (although Brian May the guitarist of Queen played with lady Gaga. Love Queen, hate Lady Gaga lol)
Dave gave an inspiring speech – he said “I just want to say: Never lose faith in real rock and roll music, you know what I mean? Never lose faith in that. You might have to look a little harder, but it’s always going to be there.”
Great speech. It gives us salvation instead of digitally produced over-commercialized pop music that is dominating the airwaves. Long live rock n’ roll!
Posted by on August 30, 2011 at 22:21
It’s KATY Perry 😀
Also, VMAS have never been high-dress and fashion. It’s hosted by MTV, so you can’t expect much. High dress award shows are the big ones: Tony, Emmy, Oscar, Grammy.
Posted by on August 30, 2011 at 20:45
At award shows,a lot of people don’t dress in a simple outfit anymore. A simple dress is fine once in a while.
Posted by on August 30, 2011 at 20:41
I love the Dove Awards 🙂
Posted by on September 1, 2011 at 13:12
yes! i always seem to miss them but i do go back and look at the winners. its so inspiring to see good role models out there 🙂
Posted by on August 30, 2011 at 18:23
I think its a little ridiculous to say they are bad role models bc of their outfts lol. and yeah yeah i know about the other stuff u say on here about them… o.o
Posted by on August 30, 2011 at 18:15
that totally makes me want to cheer for Britney. I think we should all pray for all the celebs!!!