One of the greatest windows into the current culture of your students is the annual MTV Video Music Awards. I wasn't able to watch Sunday night but caught them online today. Most everyone already knows about the Kayne West/Taylor Swift fiasco, but there were so many more key glimpes into the world of students. Of note especially was Lady Gaga and her performance. She is worth paying attention to since she is one of the main voices influencing your students.
But instead of taking my word on it and repeating what many worthwhile folks have already blogged, let me give you a link to go to. Walt Mueller is a foremost expert and culture guru in Student Ministry. I read him every chance I get. He gave a very thoughtful and insightful breakdown of the VMA's a couple of nights ago on his blog. I highly suggest it. Go to learningmylines.blogspot.com to get his take on the famous night.
I also suggest you watch a little bit of the VMA's yourself, just to begin to get a pulse on the worldviews out there. You can watch the entire program or each segment separately at www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2009 .
As much as you may not like much of what's in it, the music and video industry is a mainstream window into the world of your teen. If we're gonna have a chance to redeem culture we need to see and understand it first (not necessarily agree with it). Catching glimpes afforded us by mogul giants like MTV help us see and hear the hearts and souls of a generation that is normally very guarded with us. Look for these opportunities and think through how Christ would use them.
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