As influential as the voices of young people were in 1984, kids today seem to have even more powerful influences on America's present and future. The involvement of the young in the politics of the year illustrate this.
This year children were exposed to more information and concerns about political candidates than ever before. With campaign advertisements showing on TV, in magazines and on bilboards and yard signs, and thier parents and teachers constantly concerned with the current state of the economy, kids of all ages took an interest in the future of thier country. An excellent example of this is the children of Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, GA.
In the Presidential Election of 2008, 55% of Americans ages18-25 turned out to vote- making up 18% of the voting population. 61% of this demographic voted for the democratic candidate. Since the economy was the most important issue claimed by the youth demographic, they voted for the candidate they felt was best able to relate to thier insecurities in job-hunting, aquiring affordable health care, and supporting their needs when it comes to taxes.
Pop Culture
The American obsession with celebrities has only grown since 1984. Entire networks like E! VH1 and MTV and are devoted to broadcasting every detail of the lives of musicians, actors and the newest generation of celebrities- the stars of reality TV. Our constant bombardment by those who have access to the newest designer goods and most luxurious services definitely impacts the trickle-down effect of fashion. Instead of only seeing thier idols in movies or red-carpet events, the constant window into celebrity life provided by the media provides the best publicity for designer jeans, the "it bag" of the season, and the trendiest ways to accessorize and glamourize.
Never before has this much celebrity influence been met with the level of discretionary income for young people. Credit cards funded by parents are common among high school and college students. Also many young people have part or full time jobs while living at home and not being responsible for any real expences. On top of this, since modern generations of young people have been largely raised in homes with both parents working, additional financial compensation and gifts have become very common as a way to make up for parents' lack of time at home.
The 16-24 year old demographic has never had as much influence on the economy- especially the fashion economy. With increased fashion savvy, spending power, and understanding of marketing strategies and tactics of advertising, young generations are driving trends and classic styles both. Having sped up trend cycles to an unheardof pace and shifted the focus of many brands to a younger demographic, young people's effect on popular culture has equalled the effect of the culture on them to create an incredibly powerful cycle.
Sources:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEKNAZbn9p0&feature=related
http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/campaign-2008/2008/11/06/young-voters-powered-obamas-victory-while-shrugging-off-slacker-image.html
Movie: The Merchants of Cool
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