Media Ecologist Jack Myers: Hooked Up Generation & Gaming (Game Marketing Summit Keynote VIDEO)How the Hooked Up Generation influenced gaming as we know it and changed the landscape for media, marketers, education and entertainment. Watch: Visit: http://www.jackmyers.com/ Tweet: http://twitter.com/JackMyerscom Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jackmyers Subscribe for more Jack Myers Videos: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_c… |
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Lean In to the Third Wave of Women’s Rights ActivismWith the publicity surrounding the release of Sheryl Sandberg’s new book and organization focused on encouraging women to Lean In to their careers, and the expansion to eight cities of the Women in Media Mentoring Initiative (www.wimmi.net), which I founded in 2011, it’s appropriate and relevant to share this chapter from my best-selling book Hooked Up: A New Generation’s Surprising Take on Sex, Politics and Saving the World. From Hooked Up: A New Generation’s Surprising Take on Sex, Politics and Saving the World , by Jack Myers Third Wave of Women’s Rights Activism The infamous 1968 advertising campaign – “You’ve come a long way, baby“- may have been launched to convince more women to start smoking, but its catchy tagline still resonates today. From voting to political participation, career trajectories to academic participation, women have broken––or at least cracked––that metaphorical glass ceiling in more than one societal sphere. Women couldn’t attend the same colleges as men until 1831. Women’s enrollment on college campuses first overtook men’s in the 1980s, and the imbalance continues to increase 30 years later. Women’s rights, especially reproductive rights, suddenly were thrust into the spotlight during the 2012 Presidential campaign, as several states considered and passed laws giving the states rights over women’s bodies and their role in society. For some politicians and those who vote for them, women may have come too far! The Nineteenth Amendment floated around the House of Representatives and the Senate from the time of its proposal in 1878 until its ratification in 1920. Almost a hundred years ago, women still couldn’t hold political office or even vote. In contrast, 54 percent of voters were women by the year 2010. Women also held 17 percent of the seats in Congress, 24 percent of state legislature seats, and six of the 50 governorships. Until 1972, no woman had ever been CEO of a Fortune 500 company. By 2011, 15 women had joined these exclusive ranks. While still a disproportionate figure, it reflects progress, and the percentage will inevitably increase as larger numbers of females gain corporate power and influence. Women’s increasing participation in the workforce ( projected to grow to 70 percent by 2018), rising representation in politics and high college graduation rates seem to point toward continuing progress toward egalitarianism and gender equality. Waves of Progress These societal changes occurred in waves, beginning with the courageous actions of those 19th-century revolutionaries, the suffragettes. The second wave of the women’s movement came around the mid-20th century, bringing groundbreaking political, journalistic and academic treatises. But today, influences that shape young adults’ perceptions of issues such as women’s rights, gender roles and sexism come from multiple directions, including the pervasiveness of the Internet, the pressures of the media, and the influences of family and peers. Perhaps this is why the views of Internet Pioneers seem to be a curious combination of liberation and ambivalence. Not so long ago, sexism was institutionalized into almost every facet of life. Women––and the way both men and women perceive their place in society and their rights––have indeed “come a long way, baby.” Just how far can best be understood in context of where the journey began. A Brief Timeline of Sexism “Home is woman’s world, as well as her empire. Man lives more in society. The busy marts of trade, the bustling exchange, the activity of artisan life are his spheres….What is the sphere of women? Home. The social circle. What is her mission? To mould character, to fashion herself and others after the model character of Christ.” Daniel Wise, 1851 With this paragraph, Wise neatly relegated women to a life of domesticity. He summarized the feelings of many of his contemporaries: a woman’s job involves taking care of the home, safeguarding morality––and staying far, far away from the man’s world of business, economics and politics. A woman’s life was at home, with a focus on bearing and rearing children. Without reliable sources of contraception, most women had little choice: they were born to be mothers. Known as the “cult of true womanhood,” this paradigm dominated popular thought for generations with its claim on women’s inherent:
As blatantly sexist and archaic as they seem now for most people, these ideas about the role of women were deeply ingrained in society––in the minds of both men and women. However, a few brave suffragettes in the mid-1800s held revolutionary views. In 2012, Georgetown law student Sandra Fluke’s views toward women’s rights should have been considered far from revolutionary. Yet media commentator Rush Limbaugh and others sought to brand her with a “Scarlet Letter” for her views on contraception. Limbaugh, Republican primary presidential candidates, and several governors and state legislators renewed the public discourse on the “cult of true womanhood” and the role of women in American society. America has served as a role model for leaders of women’s rights movements in countries where women are being denied basic rights. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed fear that politically charged debates over these issues could set back not only America’s leadership position but also the fundamental rights gained by women throughout the 20th century. Among Internet Pioneers, both male and female, these rights are unquestioned. Women’s Movement: The First Wave In 1866, Elizabeth Cady Stanton ran for Congress; she received 24 votes out of the twelve thousand votes cast. Two years later, Stanton and Susan B. Anthony began publishing The Revolution, a pro-suffrage, pro-union and anti-slavery newspaper. They founded the National Women’s Suffrage Foundation the next year and introduced voting rights legislation that would eventually become the Nineteenth Amendment. The goals of the early women’s movement focused on legislation and issues including:
In the early 1900s, only one-fifth of women worked outside the home, and most left or lost their jobs if they married. However, as the driving forces of the economy migrated away from rural farms and toward urban industrialization, massive societal shifts began to occur. These shifts gradually led to a sea change in attitudes toward women’s rights. Women’s Movement: The Second Wave The publication of two influential books––Simone de Beauvoir’s 1949 The Second Sex and Betty Friedan’s 1963The Feminine Mystique–– heralded a major transformation in the women’s rights movement. The goals of feminism’s “second wave” shifted from individual rights to broader political aims. Many interpreted the shift as a push toward higher education and increased workforce participation. The percentage of women obtaining college degrees rose from 40 percent in the 1970s to 57 percent in 2006. With regard to increased workforce participation:
An unexpected outcome is that while participation in higher education and the workforce has increased liberation, it has also increased feelings of ambivalence about issues of women’s rights fed by the belief that activism is no longer required to gain advances. Other factors contributing to this ambivalent attitude include being bombarded with conflicting information about gender roles, women’s rights and sexism. These factors are discussed later in the chapter. Women’s Movement: The Third Wave Most studies since the 1970s show growing public support––from both men and women–– for greater gender equality in the home and the workplace. Research also shows decreased belief that women’s ideal role is that of wife and mother and increased support for efforts to improve women’s rights and status. However, many studies also show a decrease in support of feminism. The studies also reflect an increase in both women and men who associate the term “feminism” with negative connotations. Is this simply semantics, or does the issue go deeper? A 2011 University of Maryland study explored changing ideas about women’s rights and roles over four decades. The researchers found that attitudes toward gender roles shifted consistently toward egalitarianism––or becoming more liberal––from 1974 until 1994. At this time, attitudes appeared to stagnate––or even reverse––toward conservatism and traditional gender roles across most demographic groups. The study listed potential causes for these shifting attitudes, including:
A 1997 study showed that while 63 percent of both male and female college students approved of feminist ideological goals, none of the females identified themselves as feminists. Similarly, a 2000 study of 276 college students found that while most agreed with feminist ideals, only 29 percent of the women self-identified as feminist. The Feminist Paradox Scholars and activists interpret these results––sometimes known as the “feminist paradox”––differently. Some, like journalist Susan Faludi, feel that this “anti-feminism but pro-women’s movement” trend among college students in the early part of the 21st century is a backlash against––and attempt to repudiate––women’s victories over the past century. Others see the feminist paradox as a reaction to an unreceptive political and social climate that has weakened and dispersed the ideals of the women’s movement. New York University professor Judith Stacey sees these post-feminist attitudes as a “a new form of gender consciousness . . . that includes the incorporation, revision, and de-politicization of many of the central goals of second-wave feminism.” A 2004 study by women’s rights researcher Pia Petola explored feminist identity across three generations. The study shows that the college-aged adults of 2004 didn’t feel that collective action––or a movement––was needed to decrease sexism and improve women’s rights. Most people in this age group agreed with the principles espoused by the women’s rights movement, yet they didn’t view themselves as activists. These attitudes are similar to the “active but not activists” perspectives of Internet Pioneers. Internet Pioneers Accept Feminism College students of 2011-2015 are likely to reject the findings of a 2008 Sociological Journal report by Shannon Houvouras and J. Scott Carter on college students’ attitudes toward feminism and women’s rights. This study found that although most students agreed with the goals of the women’s movement––such as gender equality, equal pay and representation in politics––44 percent of participants described feminists as having negative personal characteristics, e.g., militant, aggressive, whiny, crazy, or man-hating. The use of such derogatory or stereotypical terms indicated hostility toward feminism and, by extension, the women’s movement. Although they are only a couple of years younger than the study sample, Internet Pioneers reject such hostile classifications and tend to be inclusive and accepting in their attitudes. The differences between older Millennials and Internet Natives reflect this shift in core attitudes. Internet Pioneers are more openly accepting than their older cohorts of feminist principles, but they’d probably agree with the study’s conclusion that feminism is more about integrating feminist principles into everyday life than activism. Sexism and Sexualization Internet Pioneers tend to be sexualized and integrated with members of the other sex at an early age––in large part due to Internet exposure. According to the American Psychological Association, an overdose of media exposure––from the Internet to television––has created a culture of sexualization in which both men and women perceive females as sexual objects. A 2003 study by Jacqueline Lambiase, journalism professor at Texas Christian University, focused on how celebrity fan sites––often geared toward young women––present female celebrities. Her research showed websites present women in a highly sexualized manner compared with male celebrities. For young women seeking strong, powerful female role models, this barrage of sexualized imagery sent a potent message thatsexualization equals success. Internet Pioneers, on the other hand, are more likely to view the opposite sex without bias or inappropriate sexual connotations. Female sexuality is accepted as a norm. In the same context, female Internet Pioneers are more likely to accept male behavior and lifestyles they consider to be immature. Lady Gaga Hits the Right Sexual Notes No one embodies this sexual equality quite like Lady Gaga. Ubiquitous on the Internet––a Google search for her name brings up 314 million results––the artist is often upheld by the media ––from the “Guardian” to “Ms Magazine“–– as an example of “lady power” or a poster child for post-feminism. However, when the star was asked if she was a feminist, she replied with an unequivocal: “ I’m not a feminist––I love men. I celebrate American male culture, and beer, and bars and muscle cars…” Lady Gaga embraces both the feminist ideal of the empowered female along with the traditional image of the stick-thin, skimpily dressed sexpot. Characterizing the evolving state of gender-related attitudes among today’s students, the star strongly defends women’s rights and emancipation. At the same time, she presents herself in an unconventionally––and highly––sexualized manner. The star turns traditional ideas about femininity upside down––while embracing them at the same time. As a2010 New York Times article puts it, this “tension in Gaga’s self-presentation, far from being idiosyncratic or self-contradictory, epitomizes the situation of a certain class of comfortably affluent young women today.” Equality Gained––But At What Cost? Internet Pioneers have grown up in the wake of feminism’s second wave. Their feminist grandmothers struggled and achieved greater equality and rights. More women than ever attend college, work in high-paying careers and participate in politics. These opportunities didn’t exist a hundred years ago, and they were far less available to women only 50 years ago. Tempering these gains is the increased pressure on women to be physically attractive and participate in the current “hookup” culture, where sexual encounters without relationships seem to be the new norm. Third Wave of Women’s Rights Activism Young women graduating from college and entering the workforce are better prepared than any previous generation to balance the disconnect between the self-empowerment necessary to succeed and the ongoing trend toward sexual objectification. They are following the Lady Gaga route; i.e., not viewing these trends and behaviors as sexual objectification, but rather embracing them as expressions of self-confidence and personal choice. Today’s college-age women are the third wave of women’s rights activism. They live in a post-feminist world, stuck between a rock––feminism’s second wave with its focus on equality through careers, education and achievement outside the home––and a hard place––today’s pressure to have it all. The goal is to achieve everything: career, modern lifestyle, family life, while still looking and behaving in a way that’s seen as traditionally sexy and feminine . Author Wendy Wasserstein highlighted this irony when she said: “No matter how successful I become as a playwright, my mother would be thrilled to hear me tell her that I’d just lost 20 pounds, gotten married and become a lawyer.” Looking Ahead Internet Pioneers are bombarded by conflicting information about gender roles, women’s rights and sexism from a range of sources. Carolyn Sumner, a former professor at Southern Methodist University, believes, “As far as we’ve come, as a nation and as a sex, we still have so far to go.” Over years, women such as Hillary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, Nickelodeon’s Geraldine Laybourne, Facebook’s Sheryl Sandberg and many others have shattered the glass ceiling, but it takes just minutes on the Internet or watching television to see that women are still sexualized and that women’s rights are still politicized. Sumner believes, “The stereotypes that are perpetuated through more subtle avenues such as beer commercials and sports are more powerful weapons than overt sexism. Soft sexism is the new enemy.” A report in the June 2011 Psychology of Women Quarterly concluded that men don’t realize the effects of such innate sexism; but this is changing as females challenge men when they express inappropriate sexist comments or actions. This is reinforced by the uprising of women against Limbaugh and those who supported his outbursts against Georgetown law student Sandra Fluke. Although “soft sexism” still exists and women’s rights are still debated, Internet Pioneers comprise the first generation that is entering and graduating from college recognizing sexism as inappropriate behavior. The Internet and television have provided much information about sexism and its implications for both men and women. With female college enrollment approaching 60 percent, women are a powerful force for assuring both equal rights and imposing a zero tolerance for sexist behavior. These attitudes will extend into the workforce, into marketing campaigns and into post-graduation relationships. |
Hooked Up Generation Jack Myers on the Radio Program ‘The Wall Street Shuffle’ |
Perfect Stocking Stuffer for College Students & Parents Who Love Them
Jack Myers’ best-selling new book, Hooked Up: A New Generation’s Surprising Take on Sex, Politics and Saving the World, is an important holiday gift for all Internet Natives and their parents. Here’s what readers are saying. For more reviews and to order your gift copies of Hooked Up, visit http://amzn.to/XOHOuT
“While reading Hooked Up, I frequently stopped to run different concepts past my 20 and 17 year olds as well as their friends. It was amazing how communicative they were with me about sex, religion and their viewpoints! Because of this book, I feel I have a better understanding of not only my own kids, but their generation. Communication will always be the key element in progress, in my opinion, and this book has given me a way to continually improve my relationship with my children.” Pamela Powell, Amazon Reviewer
“Jack Myers has accomplished something in his book HOOKED UP that he may not even know: he has assuaged the fears in those of us who were not born into the computer/Internet generation, mistakenly thinking that spending the bulk of time in front of a computer or an iPad or iPhone or laptop or other device that provides constant Internet access is producing a generation of asocial creatures – people who will eventually not be able to adapt to the world of reality. As Myers explains in this excellent book, nothing could be further from the truth.” Grady Harp, Amazon Top 50 Reviewer
“I am 3 years older than Myers’ target “Internet Pioneer” age, but the overall messages still resonate. Because I’m close to the target demographic a lot of the results were not a complete surprise to me, but the ones that were not what I expected really shook me.” Thomas Calabrese, Amazon Reviewer
“If you are an employer, a business owner, a politician, a priest, rabbi or minister or have nieces and nephews or grandchildren in this age group then there are things you need to know about the young people who are just now graduating from high school or college. In his fascinating new book, Myers conjures up a pretty comprehensive portrait of the views, attitudes and attributes of these young people. If you are anything like me you will be alternately distressed, encouraged, alarmed and thrilled by what you will discover. And yes, the “Internet Pioneers” are unlike any other generation who has roamed the face of the earth.” Paul Tognetti, Amazon Reviewer
“I found this book fascinating. While full of facts, the writing style is engaging rather than a dull recitation of information. As the parent of a 21-year-old, I was both encouraged and enlightened by some of the material. This age group is the first to grow up completely immersed in technology and, finally, we are given a clear and honest look at what that means. The good news is that it’s not nearly as negative as some ‘experts’ would like us to believe.” BookAddict, Amazon Reviewer
For more reviews and to order your gift copies of Hooked Up, visit http://amzn.to/XOHOuT
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VIACOM UNVEILS FINDINGS FROM GLOBAL RESEARCH STUDY, “THE NEXT NORMAL: AN UNPRECEDENTED LOOK AT MILLENNIALS WORLDWIDE”
DESPITE SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC CONCERNS, VAST MAJORITY OF MILLENNIALS ARE VERY HAPPY, ACCORDING TO LANDMARK STUDY OF YOUNG PEOPLE ACROSS 24 COUNTRIES
LONDON / NEW YORK – 15 November 2012 – Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA) and its Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) division, today unveiled in-depth findings from its groundbreaking new study, “The Next Normal: An Unprecedented Look at Millennials Worldwide,” which provides the first truly global portrait of this highly influential demographic. The findings were presented at the Monaco Media Forum by Colleen Fahey Rush, Executive Vice President and Chief Research Officer, Viacom Media Networks.
The study spans every continent and delivers insights into the attitudes, values, aspirations and perspectives of young people (ages 9-30) from 24 countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom and United States. In total, this project included 15,000 interviews, in-depth explorations and expert contributions/commentaries.
“‘The Next Normal’ is the broadest single study of the Millennial generation to date,” said Rush. “It is a truly detailed understanding of this complex generation from all corners of the world, and is without a doubt the definitive guide to this demographic’s evolution. These insights will help inform our content and further strengthen our connections with Millennial audiences around the globe.”
The study revealed that the economy is the #1 factor impacting the Millennial generation today, with 68% feeling personally touched by the global economic crisis. This percentage increases in Spain (86%), Italy (85%), and Greece (80%). But despite significant economic concerns, the vast majority of Millennials worldwide demonstrate a strong sense of happiness and optimism.
“We have a wealth of research on how young people approach life, what they consider important and how they cope with challenging situations,” said Christian Kurz, Vice President, Research & Insights, VIMN. “This study builds on Viacom’s already significant leadership in understanding our audiences and is a perfect example of our commitment to extending this knowledge and expertise globally.”
Following is a snapshot of additional key findings from the study:
MILLENNIALS SUFFER FROM JOB INSECURITY Economic concerns have resulted in a legacy of fear around job security and doubts about upward mobility.
…YET THEY FIND REASONS TO BE HAPPY Spending time with family is the top driver of happiness for Millennials today.
“Thanks to the importance Millennials place on family bonds, the family unit today is closer than ever,” added Kurz. “‘The Next Normal,’ based on the widest ever cross-section of Millennials, confirms that this emphasis on family is a global phenomenon.”
Friendships, both real-life and online, are another key driver of happiness. Among Millennials, there is a trend towards smaller circles of real-life friends compared with online friends, which are skyrocketing.
TECHNOLOGY DOESN’T DEFINE, IT ENABLES Rather than defining the Millennial generation, technology is more of an enabler. If asked, a Millennial might say, “Technology doesn’t make me who I am. It lets me be who I am.” Technology underpins relationships and plays an important role in sustaining happiness and broadening horizons.
PRIDE AND TOLERANCE Millennials are displaying a growing sense of national pride and interest in maintaining local traditions. At the same time, they have an increasingly open and tolerant view of other countries and cultures.
“A key priority for VIMN is to provide its audiences around the world with ‘glocal’ content –programming that strikes the right balance between global and local themes,” continued Kurz. “Our findings from ‘The Next Normal’ indicate a truly positive display of ‘glocalisation’ in action among Millennials at an even deeper level.”
THE NEXT NORMAL: “WE” VERSUS “ME” This study indicates that “The Next Normal” is much more “we” than “me.” Key defining traits for the Millennial generation include a sense of global community, newfound tolerance and flexibility, increased creativity and a powerful desire to share and connect.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
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About Viacom International Media Networks Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is comprised of many of the world’s most popular multimedia entertainment brands, including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount Channel, VH1, VIVA, COLORS, Game One and Tr3s: MTV, Música y Más. Viacom brands are seen globally in more than 600 million households in 170 territories and 37 languages via more than 200 locally programmed and operated TV channels and more than 550 digital media and mobile TV properties.
Press Contacts VIMN the Americas:
Miami and Colombia Marimar Rivé (305) 938-4910
Argentina and Chile Vanina Rodriguez (5411) 5295-5272
Mexico Erick Zermeño (5255) 5080-1729
Guillermo Reyna (5255) 5080-1766
Brazil Natasha Novak (55 11) 3866-1732 natasha.novak@viacombrasil.com
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Hooked Up Tweetsdavemorgannyc Dave Morgan 12 Nov
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Social TV Will Continue to Explode as Hooked Up Gen Enters WorkforceBy Jack Myers
Since Andy Batkin launched the Social TV Summit events in July 2011, Social TV has exploded as a
As those generations shrink and lose control they cling to their traditions, their history, and the
Enjoy the ride! |
How Spongebob and Rugrats Influenced This Election!By Jack Myers Young people, who voted overwhelmingly Democratic, had their politics shaped by Nickelodeon
Transcript: In my survey of today’s college students, the first generation to grow up with the Internet, I discovered how many of their ideas, perspectives, sensibilities and attitudes – including their voting decisions — can be tracked back to Nickelodeon. Nick programs dominate the shows they name as their favorites at age 12 or younger.
When Nickelodeon was launched in 1990, the network issued a Declaration of Kids’ Rights, the mantra the Hooked Up Generation grew up with and that defines their rights and entitlements. They have the right to be seen, heard and respected; to be treated with equality regardless of race, religion, nationality, gender, personality, grades or size. They have the right to make mistakes without someone making them feel like a jerkhead and the right to be protected from harm, injustice and hatred. The right to an education that prepares them to run the world and the right to their opinions and feelings, even if others don’t agree with them.
Internet Pioneers’ Favorite Shows from When They Were Age 12 and Younger Source: Myers Survey of 1,000 Internet Pioneers born 1991-1995, conducted July 2011
1. * Rugrats 2. * Spongebob 3. Pokemon 4. * Hey Arnold 5. * Doug 6. * All That * Nickelodeon programs
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Hooked Up Tweets
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