Branded Chunk #2 [pgs.76-151]

In chunk # 2 of the nonfictional book title "Branded", the author Alissa Quart discusses the effect video games, colleges, movies, surgeries, music videos, and models have over teenagers. She discusses the measures teens will go for to achieve these brands and the status that comes along with this. She explains how majority of teenage movies are focused on the popular kids at school and she talks about the influence this has on the young teenage mind. She also discusses the intent on tv images and the effect it has on teens in search for new looks. It makes teens want to have skinnier bodies and they idolize the tv images. Alissa Quart uses statistics and talks about the many surgeries teens are obsessed with. Messages in movies have greatly influenced teenagers over the years. Teen movies have centered their focus on the "popular crowd" to increase sales. Because these movies are mainly about the "in" teens, it pressures the teen audience to be like these characters. The biggest influence movies have is that it makes teens want to change their outer appearance. These movies are called the "make-over" films. The films include: how to become popular, what to wear, who to hang out with. Movies are being such a great influence that now even teenagers are looking to change themselves through surgery. Also they have placed a standard of the way teens bodies should be and their views of body image changes. No longer are teens comfortable with their bodies, but now are longing to become skinnier.

Discussion Questions:

Clarification:
Do you agree with the author that video games, colleges, movies, surgeries, music videos, and models are the main influences teenagers obsess over?

Application:
Do you feel as a King/Drew student you lose your individualism and this cause you to buy into brands or trends?