Consumerism Killed the Video Star

Britney Spears new music video, "Hold it Against Me" is full of product placement. This seems to be a new trend in music videos.

You can view her video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Edv8Onsrgg

You can also read what the Montreal Gazzette has to say about it in the article, "Is selling out 'hip'? Kids OK with product-placement by Britney, Lady Gaga" here: http://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/selling+Kids+with+product+placement+Britney+Lady+Gaga/4335376/story.html

So what do you think? Is product placement ok? Does it detract from the value of the video? From the message of the song? Does it not affect you one way or the other? Or does it change your impression of artists willing to place adds in their videos?

Of course, musicians have been promoting specific types of guitars, amps, and other equipment for quite some time. Is this really any different?

Scott

Finally Some Answers

Back in December, I did a post with several questions...actually ten. I thought I should begin answering a few of them now.

 

Here are a few questions to help you challenge your own beliefs:

1. What should the appropriate attitude of Christians be towards alcohol? (This is not a cop-out answer, but I have written about this on my website, so here is the link: http://popcultureandfaith.com/Drinking.htm)
2. What should the appropriate attitude of Christians be towards listening to secular music, watching television, and watching movies? (I think it is ok and even necessary to engage in some secular music, television and movies. I think how much one does so is a matter of personal conviction, but I also know that there is a tremendous amount of material available, so I suggest limiting what you watch or listen to to what is really good. No one has time to see or hear everything, so you might as well use the time you do have to partake in the best of the art.)
3.  Is it ok for Christians to watch Rated R films? (yes, but you must not turn off your mind while watching, and you must know what you can handle, if a film is more than you can handle, turn it off. If you are under 17, only watch with the guidance and approval of your parents.)
4. What should the appropriate attitude of Christians be towards violent video games? (I think there is a place for violence and sometimes video games help people work through anger issues and they help them to constructively deal with those feelings. So I am not opposed to violent video games, but if the games make you want to go out and mug someone, perhaps you should find another more constructive way to spend your time.)
5. What should the appropriate attitude of Christians be towards the issues of dancing and gambling? (I think dancing is fine so long as it is appropriate. The Holy Spirit can guide you to help you know what is appropriate, but wanting to dance is a perfectly valid way of expressing emotion and feeling. I think it is ok to gamble so long as you control your spending and only set aside certain money to go towards it. If you are compulsive, you should not gamble. If you can't stop and the next thing you know, the rent is gone, then you should not gamble. Most wealthy people do not become wealthy by gambling, so it should be seen as an extracurricular thing, not a way to get ahead in life. To get ahead financially, you must save money and invest. By invest, I am not talking about the lottery.)
6. How should Christians be involved with politics? (They should vote, they should know the issues, they should let their convictions determine who would be the best candidate and not a party line. If they feel called by God to enter into the political world, they should do so--seeking prayer, counsel, guidance, and with all reliance upon God to grant them the wisdom to lead well in their political arena. Finally, all Christians should pray for their political leaders....yes for them, not against them.)
7. Should Christians be wealthy? Did Jesus suggest that they should prefer being poor? (It is ok to be a Christian and to be wealthy, but God never promised to make anyone wealthy just because they were Christians. Those who are wealthy must understand that they have a responsibility to obey God and he may call them to be the ones to feed the poor, etc. In other words, if God has blessed you with money, you too should bless others by giving what you can.)
8.  How should Christians treat homosexuals, alcoholics, pregnant teenagers, and anyone else who is frequently judged/ shunned by those with a more holy than thou attitude? (They should love them and care for them. They should not treat them as less valuable human beings, because no one is perfect and nothing they do makes them less human or less valuable in the eyes of God. I am not suggesting that Christians accept these lifestyles, but shaming those in them is certainly not the answer.)
9. What is the appropriate attitude for Christians in reference to sports? (Christians can and should enjoy playing and watching sports. Sports provide great enjoyment in life. However, they should not make sports their god.)
10. What should the appropriate attitude of Christians be towards American patriotism? (America is not, nor has it ever been a "Christian" nation. God has never had a covenant relationship with America. However, there have always been a number of Christians living in America including the founding Fathers. There is nothing wrong with being proud of your country, after all, part of your identity is found in where you are from. But Christians should not blindly following whatever America says is good in an act of blind patriotism. They must remember that their first allegiance is to God.)

So there are some brief answers. Any questions?...

Prayer for Justin Bieber

I am stealing this...

actually this was sent to me in an email by the Hollywood Prayer Network and I wanted to pass it on to you all:

Let’s pray especially for Justin Bieber, who is the hottest young artist in the world right now. HPN has been asked by Justin’s team to start a global prayer effort for Justin and his single mom Pattie Mallette. Justin is 16 years old and has become a global phenomena, not yet understanding that celebrity can be more of a curse than a blessing. His mom asked that we pray for both of them, to keep their eyes on Jesus, to make wise decisions and not be swept into the dangerous mindset that fame and celebrity suck people into. We have set up a facebook page where you can post your prayers for them.  Let's be a part of praying Justin into a continued safe place with the Lord, no matter how much the industry pulls on him! Would you join us in covering this young man, who is currently the most popular star in the world and his mom, who

is trying to handle his life, career, schooling and spiritual training? Click HERE and post your prayer - then ask your friends to do the same.

 

To hear some of Pattie’s thoughts on why it’s important to be praying for Justin, go to our website at: http://hollywoodprayernetwork.org/content/prayer-justin-bieber

Aaron Rodgers Seeks to Follow Christ

Thought you sports fans might be interested in this one:

http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=6287

You can watch the video here:

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=34574&ref=BPNews-RSSFeed0202

Escape or Engage

When people watch movies, they often tend to "turn off their minds." They seek to escape reality for a while and lose themselves in a visual story. Perhaps there is a time for this, but even when we seek to escape, our minds are still fed messages--messages that contain another person's worldview.

Another way to approach films is to engage them. To ask ourselves what the point is at the turn of every new scene.

I think there is a time for escape and a time for engagement.

Just some thoughts.

As opposed to movies, literature often calls and even compels us to put on our thinking caps.

It is almost impossible to read a novel to escape, but when reading one is easily whisked away to another world.

Just some more thoughts.