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Weekly Resources, Ideas and Articles from The Source for Youth Ministry Wednesday, August 22, 2007
The Question That Gives You a Glimpse into Their World By Jonathan McKee A week ago I was hanging out with some of my friends and I noticed their youngest son sitting by the pool with his iPod on. I went over and struck up a conversation with this young tween, asking him what he was listening to. He answered honestly, "Umbrella" (a fairly catchy Rihanna song that rode Billboard's number one spot for months). So I asked him the question I ask a lot of kids to get to know them better: "May I?" (asking to see his iPod) An iPod will tell you plenty. I immediately navigated to his playlists, looking over his 'On-the-Go' lists that he had created for quick listening. I peeked at his 'Recently Played' and 'Top 25 Most Played.' These speak volumes. For this young man, some of the 'Top 25 Most Played' were Akon's Smack That, 50 Cent's Candy Shop, the Shop Boyz single Party Like a Rock Star and Fergie's Big Girls Don't Cry. I asked him, "Wow, do you own all these?" He blushed a little and then leaned in close. "Well, my friend has them. I just go to his house and set his iTunes on 'manual' when we sinc it." (Mental note: ask this kid for help when I need assistance tricking out my iPod.) You can learn a lot about a kid from his or her iPod. In this case, I learned what kind of lyrics this 11 year old was putting in his head daily as well as the source of the music. But the iPod wouldn't have told me a thing had I not been aware of youth culture today. And one of the best sources to keep you current about today's youth culture is happening in the next few weekends on your TV set. THREE TIMES A YEAR Three times a year I'll tell you to put the kids to bed, turn on the TV sets and get ready to get a peek into the porthole of youth culture today. One of those times is this Sunday, August 26, on FOX at 8/7c for the 'Teen Choice Awards.' Let me quickly summarize what Fox's 'Teen Choice Awards' looks like every year: a bunch of adults are allowed to talk and sing about stuff that we wouldn't want our kids to hear... and we televise it. It's kind of funny to even think about. If you were in the grocery store with your kids and you wandered past an isle where two adults were discussing sex... you probably would do the same thing I would-grab my kids, hang a quick U-turn and head out the door. Yet somehow, millions of parents let their teens and tweens watch or even attend Fox's televised Teen Choice Awards where last year Nelly Furtado and Timbaland sang the song "Promiscuous," spewing lyrics like:
"Wait! I don't mean no harm I can see you with my t-shirt on I can see you with nothing on feeling on me before you bring that on I think a lot of parents aren't aware of the meaning of lyrics like "let me hit it." (If you don't know, go ahead and look up "hit it" in our slang dictionary.) After all... the song doesn't have any curse words. So if it doesn't have the explicit lyrics logo, it must be clean. Right? You might want to watch it and judge for yourself. And two weeks later on September 9th, MTV brings us their annual VMAs (Video Music Awards). Count on MTV to give you a true glimpse into the depravity of what our kids are filling their iPods with each day. Don't take my word for it-watch these upcoming VMA's... after all, most the kids you work with will be watching it too. SET YOUR TiVO I'll be sharing my "2 cents" with you shortly after these two shows like I did last year and the year prior. So set your VCR's, DVRs and TiVo's to record these shows. Or check out some of my past articles about youth culture and these portholes:
2007
-Our Response to the MTV Movie Awards and Three Essential Practices for Your Youth Ministry
2006 -Who Ordered the Poo Poo Platter? Jonathan's Two Cents on the Teen Choice Awards and the MTV VMAs 2005 -The Crap Your Kids Will be Watching This Sunday Night-What you Should Know About the MTV Video Music Awards 
Jonathan McKee is president of The Source for Youth Ministry and author
of numerous youth ministry books like
"Do They Run When They See You Coming?"
and the brand new "Getting Students to Show Up."
Jonathan studies youth culture and trends, speaking
and training across the country
and providing free online resources, training, & ideas for youth workers at
www.TheSource4YM.com
Anyone who has spent any time on our site has noticed that we love to use music and movie clips to kickstart discussions about Biblical truths. Check out this recent addition to our MUSIC DISCUSSIONS page using the song 'Sorry, Blame it on Me' from Akon. This song worked its way up the charts and became the #2 downloaded song on iTunes. Currently it sits at #18 on Billboards Hot 100 chart and the #25 most downloaded song on iTunes. The intriguing thing about this song is that the lyrics are what drove it up the charts. The song isn't much musically-nothing new. But kids have been intrigued by the controversy surrounding the song and probably surprised to hear an apology from a rap star. Akon- Sorry, Blame it on Me August 14, 2007 Main Point of Discussion: When we mess up and make mistakes, we need to admit them, correct them, and move on. Akon (born Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam) on April 30, 1973 is a Senegalese-American hip hop and R&B singer, songwriter, and record producer. Akon rose to fame in 2004 following the release of his single "Locked Up" from his debut album Trouble. His second album, Konvicted, earned him a Grammy Award nomination for the single "Smack That". He is the founder of Konvict Muzik and Kon Live Distribution. He is well known for singing hooks and has over 130 guest appearances and 15 Billboard Hot 100 songs to his credit. In April 2007, Akon drew criticism for a raunchy dance with a fourteen year old girl at a Trinidad club, as part of a fake contest, despite the club's claim to have an eighteen-years and over age limit. The incident was filmed by Akon's crew and later uploaded to the Internet. On April 20, 2007 local media, channel TV6, aired the video clip publicly. Amid criticism on the radio, television, and from the blogosphere, Verizon Wireless has removed ringtones featuring Akon's songs. Verizon has also decided not to sponsor an upcoming tour where Akon was to be the opening act for Gwen Stefani. However, Universal Music Group did not take action against Akon, but rather simply ordered the video clip be removed from the video-sharing site YouTube due to copyright infringement. Conservative commentator and Parents Televisio Council founder Brent Bozel called this "corporate irresponsibility." In a newly released song, "Sorry, Blame It On Me", Akon apologizes to the young girl and Gwen Stefani for the incident at the club, though citing the club for admitting "Even though the blame's on you, I'll take that blame from you. You can put the blame on me." He also tells how Verizon dropped promoting him and Gwen's tour, and stopped sale of his ringtones. The song is available to listen to on Akon's MySpace page and was released onto iTunes (U.S.) on July 17, 2007* At THE SOURCE FOR YOUTH MINISTRY we like to use pop culture references to start Biblical conversation (just like the Apostle Paul used culture to start conversations about Jesus in Acts 17). This music video might be a good discussion starter in some circles. Use your discernment. If you want, you can print out the lyrics (below) and give each student a copy to refer to. MTV.com has the video on their site for free right now and iTunes offers the video as a download for $1.99. Ask the tech guy at your church how to play the video on a laptop through a projector. Introducing the Music Video: Many of you have probably heard (or at least heard about) the song called 'Sorry, Blame it on Me' by Akon. It is basically a musical confession/apology from Akon for an incident at a night club where he publicly simulated sex with an underage girl. Tonight we're going to take a closer look at the song and what it says about mistakes, consequences, and personal responsibility. Pass out a handout with the lyrics on it. Song Lyrics:
"Sorry, Blame It On Me" As life goes on I'm starting to learn more and more about responsibility I realize everything I do is affecting the people around me So I want to take this time out to apologize for things I have done And things that have not occurred yet And the things they don't want to take responsibility for I'm sorry for the times I left you home I was on the road and you were alone I'm sorry for the times that I had to go I'm sorry for the fact that I did not know That you were sitting home just wishing we Could go back to when it was just you and me I'm sorry for the times I would neglect I'm sorry for the times I disrespect I'm sorry for the wrong things that I've done I'm sorry I'm not always there for my son I'm sorry for the fact that I'm not aware That you can't sleep at night when I am not there Because I am in the streets like everyday Sorry for the things that I did not say Like how you are the best thing in my world And how I'm so proud to call you my girl [Bridge] I understand that there are some problems And I am not too blind to know All the pain you kept inside you Even though you might not show If I can apologize for being wrong Then it's just a shame on me I'll be the reason for your pain and you can put the blame on me [Chorus] You can put the blame on me [4x] Said you can put the blame on me [3x] You can put the blame on me Sorry for the things that he put you through And all the times you didn't know what to do Sorry that you had to go and sell those packs Just trying to stay busy till you heard from Dad And you would rather be home with all your kids As one big family with love and bliss And even though Pops treated us like kings He got a second wife and you didn't agree He got up and left you there all alone I'm sorry that you had to do it on your own I'm sorry that I went and added to your grief I'm sorry that your son was once a thief I'm sorry that I grew up way too fast I wish I would've listened and not be so bad I'm sorry your life turned out this way I'm sorry that the FEDS came and took me away [Bridge] I'm sorry that it took so long to see They were dead wrong trying to put it on me I'm sorry that it took so long to speak But I was on tour with Gwen Stefani I'm sorry for the hand that she was dealt For the embarrassment that she felt Just a little young girl trying to have fun Her daddy should never let her out that young I'm sorry for Club Zen getting shut down I hope they manage better next time around How was I to know she was underage In a 21 and older club they say Why doesn't anybody wanna take blame Verizon backed out disgracing my name I'm just a singer trying to entertain Because I love my fans I'll take that blame Even though the blame's on you [3x] I'll take that blame from you And you can put that blame on me [2x] You can put that blame on me And you can put that blame on me Transitional Statement: Talk to the group about why they think this song is so popular and how it seems to connect with so many people. Then say something like: "I'm Sorry, Blame it on Me" shows a different side to most of the hip hop music out there, see if you can pick them out. Play the song, then divide into Small Groups: Let's go ahead and split up into our discussion groups to discuss this video, and then afterward we'll come back together for a final word.
- Jonathan McKee - (CLICK HERE for more about Jonathan's speaking) OR HERE FOR OUR PODCAST PAGE SUMMER GIVEAWAY Podcast listeners get special perks like THE SOURCE PODCAST SUMMER GIVEAWAY. It's simple. You listen to the podcast... you have a chance to win any of these prizes:
Each of our episodes has a clue. To enter, simply listen to any of our podcasts and fill out the form on the PODCAST SUMMER GIVEAWAY PAGE COMING SOON:
Grand Rapids , MI September 8th, Jonathan is doing a Saturday workshop (9AM to 3PM) for youth workers within driving distance of Grand Rapids, MI. If you're a youth worker, paid or a volunteer, this is for you! Here's the details for this Michigan training: WHEN:
10376 Felch St. Zeeland, MI 49464
or Mail check payable to ZAYM for total number of attendees x $10 to Kim Betten North Street CRC 20 E. Main Ave Zeeland, MI 49464 Or for questions: Call Phil Harbison at Community Reformed Church 616-772-4907. Delivered free via e-mail to subscribers each week. We encourage you to distribute this newsletter freely and ask only that you not change its contents. HAVE YOU MISSED PAST "EZINE" ARTICLES? CLICK HERE FOR JONATHAN'S "EZINE" ARCHIVES And for more FREE resources and ideas ... go to THE SOURCE www.TheSource4YM.com Copyright ©2007 The Source for Youth Ministry All rights reserved. |
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