The media’s negative portrayal of education stems from a huge influence in the lives of teens and children. Whether in the form of television, films, or magazines, teenagers receive a sense of the importance of material wealth, yet education (the means of attaining material wealth) is criticized or is dubbed “un-cool”. This opinion has been bred within the psyches of our children who grow into disrespectful teenagers with a taste for materialism and the ‘fun’ things in life, such as sports and socializing with friends. It is not uncommon for there to be subtle negative opinions surrounding education in the television shows and films teenagers watch. Therefore, where the success of society is measured by education greatly affects the true benefits by the media’s negative attitude targeting teens and children.
Unfortunately, teenagers take the derogatory messages referring to education seriously, so they pressure other students into the same beliefs. All those who have been to high school understand the complex social system established by the students. The desire to be ‘cool’ or to fit in is atop most students’ lists. Teenagers are capable of being truly nasty to each other and some get their pleasure out of pressuring other students to go against their beliefs. Teens absorb anti-intellectual messages in the media and channel them towards target students, students who are susceptible to peer pressure. Teens who are so desperate to be cool will disband their beliefs. Over time students have succumbed to the pressure that school is not cool, thus the general consensus is that education is not a top priority. Students who are studious are considered ‘nerds,’ and no one wants to be a nerd, because being one is equivalent to being a loser. The issue of peer pressure in society has measured by the meaning of education where teenagers and children are affected.
What is worse than being a nerd loser is being ignorant. Since students do not realize the benefits of an education leads them with ignorance. They make false or negative statements, because they just do not know any better. Many students close their doors, because they do not realize their potential. All people should have equal opportunities, but because some do not realize the importance of an education, their lack of education on the subject contributes toward false assumptions.
It is time to turn these incorrect assumptions around and educate the ignorance, and change the negative messages sung by peers and the media to promote the importance of education. For the economic benefit of our country and the quality of life led by the general population, the media must encourage earning a higher level of education. In addition, students must learn the value of respect, and hard work which they will eventually realize that education is ‘cool’ and there will be time for work and play.
