Weekly Resources, Ideas and Articles from The Source for Youth Ministry
Wednesday, February 18, 2009

When celebrities Michael Phelps and Chris Brown both said "oops" in the same week, it was on the front page of every paper. What effect does the "meltdown" of these young celebrities have on our kids?

We can use situations like these as "life lessons" in conversations with our kids. That's why we provided you with some information about the incidents in this week's Youth Culture Window article below, as well as corresponding Bible passages and small group questions for discussion.


One celebrity hit his girlfriend, and another celebrity took a hit from a bong. Both are paying high prices for their lack of self-control. These separate incidents – revealed within days of one another – have captured the attention of millions of teens. Here's a resource to help you address it with your kids.

Chris Brown Goes Downtown
Chris Brown is known for his stunning good looks, his incredible dance moves, his golden voice, his many awards, his sexy girlfriend… and now, for his recent visit to the Los Angeles County jail. On Sunday, February 8, he turned himself in and was arrested for accusations of assaulting his girlfriend – and fellow singing sensation – Rihanna.

Instead of performing live at the 2009 Grammy's on that same night, he paid $50,000 to be released on bail.

But that's not the only price he's paid in this fiasco. He has already lost an endorsement deal with got milk? and Wrigley's Gum. On top of that, Sesame Street is pulling the episode he starred in, and Kiss FM in Cleveland is "following the lead of our listeners," and is refusing to play Brown's music on their radio station.

Finally, his reputation is totally trashed. Brown was always admired by fans – and adults – for being clean. It's hard to predict exactly how much this incident will cost Chris. Some music biz experts think it could end his career if the allegations are proven true. (Click here for the details of this story.)

Michael Phelps in Hot Water
Michael Phelps could do no wrong at the 2008 Summer Olympics. During the contest, the good looking, 23 year old kid from Baltimore, Maryland won a record-setting 8 gold medals for his superior achievements in the pool, giving him more gold medals than anyone who has ever competed in the Olympics. Not only did he make history, he made swimming cool again.

But being cool out of the pool has a price, and Phelps is finding that out the hard way.

On Sunday, February 1, 2009, Phelps acknowledged that he had smoked marijuana from a glass pipe after a photo of him doing so was published in a British magazine.

"I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment. I'm 23 years old, and despite the successes I have had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner that people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public – it will not happen again."

For this incident, Phelps has been suspended by USA Swimming, the governing board of American swimmers, and has lost his endorsement deal with Kellogg's Cereal. (Click here for the full story and most recent updates on the continuing investigation.)

Sadly, this isn't the first time Phelps has been in serious trouble. Following the 2004 Olympics in Athens where he won 6 gold medals, he was arrested for driving while intoxicated at the age of 19. He issued a public apology here as well.

Hmmmm. I guess Kellogg's and USA Swimming are tired of hearing apologies.

Making Sense of the Meltdowns
Some celebrities seem prone to self-destruction. Snoop Dogg's arrest record is too long to count, and you can take your pick of multiple Amy Winehouse meltdowns. Dare I bring up Spears and Lohan? Let's not.

I don't pretend to understand why people who seem to have it all, suddenly – and publically – fall apart. But what I do know is that our teenagers have a front row seat to the spectacle when it happens.

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