An outside observer might see that American society has a lot of work to do. Today's youth are only focused on the media and how to become the next Kim Kardashian or Lil Wayne. The media, 9 times out of 10, is a negative tool used to convince younger minds what it means to be beautiful, cool, popular, or anything else someone younger might want to strive to become. The media attacks younger minds because they are more vulnerable and open to believing what they see. The problem with the media is getting bigger and bigger because we Americans don't take the time to teach young people about right and wrong, we rely on the media to do the job. In the past, things shown to younger children created pathways for those children's lives. Rappers always talk about how smoking and drinking are things to do because they can make you seem "cool" or "cool", when in reality the effects of these things have serious consequences and can lead to a terrible life of addictions or lack of positive opportunities . There are also people who promote violence and murder. Young American women see how some celebrities in the eyes of the public show the meaning of beauty. They don't come out "natural". They wear makeup and wear tight, short dresses. This leads our younger girls to think that they cannot be beautiful or attractive without wearing this type of clothing, covering their faces with makeup, and showing off their God-given assets. All these things remain in the minds of young people and guide their future. Getting young people away from the media and closer to reality, giving them the chance to form their own opinions instead of having to jump on someone else's bandwagon, is the best solution to this problem. If there are enough people in... middle of paper... ng because it's not reality. This is something we simply want to tell ourselves; an excuse we give ourselves to let them rely only on the media. We, as Americans, must step up and do what is right. We need to get children away from the media and closer to reality, to ensure a better future and reduce chaos. Works Cited Anderson, Craig A., et al. “The Influence of Media Violence on Youth.” Psychological Science in the Public Interest (Wiley-Blackwell) 4.3 (2003): 81-110. Elite academic research. Network. November 22, 2013. Ginsburg, Kenneth R., et al. “Improving their likelihood of a positive future: the perspective of inner-city youth.” Pediatrics 109.6 (2002): 1136. Elite Academic Research. Network. December 2, 2013. Saltzman, Joe. "Children see the damnedest things." USA Today Magazine November 2008: 61. MAS Ultra - School Edition. Network. November 22. 2013.