The other day I was sitting on the subway reading when a bunch of high school girls crammed on the train. Now, I know this is going to make me sound old, but it has to be said… What the &%$# is wrong with kids these days?
It’s liked I walked out of work and into an episode of The Simple Life.
First the outfit: leggings, uggs, and some cheeky t-shirt with a saying and a tight jacket accessorized by some obvious bag (LV, Coach and double-C’s ruled the day with this particular crowd). I thought fads were supposed to change!! Is it me or was I blogging about these hideous trends YEARS ago? I mean, if you’re going to be a shallow slave to mass-media produced trends, you could at least swap the Uggs for a pair of riding boots (I’m not saying I’m a huge fan of that look… but if you’re going to go for it, GO FOR IT, you know? Don’t muck around in a three-seasons ago look… so depressing!)
Then the conversation: “OMG, like I’m going to read this? I haven’t read a book in like, years.” Followed by laughter. I don’t know what book our Herbal-Essences-dyed blond friend was talking about, but it was clear she hadn’t read anything in years. I know when you’re in high school there’s that whole popularity thing you have to reconcile with… but I guess the way I’ve always looked at it, the popular kids always had some kind of substance. I mean, even Blair wants to get into Yale… right?*
Lastly, the complete and utter self- centeredness . When I was a teenage I was SOOO self-obsessed it wasn’t even funny. I think that’s part of being a teenager. But these chicks, with their over-sized purses, loud conversation and complete and utter disregard for other people were astounding.
Enter: Old woman with a limp. You’d think instead of rolling their eyes and giving this 90-year old woman the critical eye (I mean, her knit sweater was like, sooo 30 years ago) they would offer her a seat. You’d think. I mean, they were congregating right by the door. Instead, the thuggish looking kid in the hoodie listening to hip-hop so loud I could hear who it was (Rick Ross) got up and offered the woman his seat. Mad points for the Jr. Thug.
Anyway, I had just had to rant. Not to be completely pessimistic, but no wonder America is on shaky ground. I wouldn’t be ranting about these four girls if they were an anomaly, but they’re like an American endemic. Materialistic, vacuous, shallow, promiscuous, meaningless girls. I’m sick of it.
This is why I LOVE Ndoema and I’m quite certain you will to. She’s started a “Global Girl” movement based on her short film “I’m not Britney.”
It’s like a PSA for the above mentioned girls.
Her message is that of a strong, powerful, positive woman. A global woman who has her priorities in check and her eyes on something greater than the next Gucci sample sale.
About Ndoema:
Actress, producer, college girl extraordinaire, human rights advocate, new media entrepreneur, technologist and fashion phenom, Ndoema (en-Doy-mah) is inspiring and empowering college girls around the globe. Half African/Half European and 100 percent cosmopolitan, Ndoema ricocheted between a dozen countries before the age of twenty, garnered a pair of Master’s degrees in International Relations, graced the Parisian catwalk, served as a UN field rep in the mine-strewn wastelands of Mozambique, pursued a Ph.D in International Law, served as legal advisor to the Tibetan government in exile, drafted reports and legal documentation for the UN High Committee on Human Rights and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, and simultaneously trained as a classical ballerina at the French National School of Music, Dance and Dramatic Arts. Springboarding to the Parsons School of Design in New York, within a month the chronic overachiever was approached by the faculty and invited to teach. Her portfolio was submitted to the chairman of the Fashion department and within 48 hours Nodema went from student to guest lecturer.
Her designs have been featured an impressive array of Hollywood and fashion publications, spearheaded by a profile in Variety’s “Designing Hollywood” special issue. Ndoema’s spectacularly staged multimedia events, at prime venues such as Hollywood and Highland, (home of the Oscars), as well as her own 60,000 square foot gallery in downtown L.A.’s historic Southern Pacific Railway building, have since attracted thousands of attendees and garnered high-profile corporate sponsorships including Shiseido, Vespa, Carlton International and Wilhelmina.
Ndoema is also a pioneer and heartfelt advocate of the concept of entertainment as a vehicle for social change and is currently developing a slate of feature films that will propel her dynamic themes of inclusivity, unity and empowerment into the Hollywood spotlight, and into the hearts and minds of audiences across the globe.
Be sure to check out her film (you can watch on her site) and the Global Girl website. Look at that, free entertainment with a positive message! You know in these tough economic times, I always have your interests at heart!
*Yeah, that’s a Gossip Girl reference. We all have our weaknesses…..
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at 2:07 pm
Amen! I’ve felt this way or so long! Are Hollister graphic tee’s really necessary? NO. They’re not and I cannot stand it when I still see them everywhere. Uggs are the worst. I will admit I have a pair and I love them when I go to the mountian and what not, but never with leggings and short jean skirts like I often see. Riding boots are a better choice I’d have to agree. Again with the jean skirts—they’re done, over, and should be gone. High waisted anything is so much more appealing these days. THROW THE LOW RISE JEANS AWAY. Not many people can pull them off anyways. Retro styles are so much more flattering to women’s bodies. I find myself seeing way to much crack and guts these days, especially from 13-18 year olds. (Hate to be harsh, but it’s true.) And LADIES LADIES LADIES…stupidity is NOT cute. Knowlegde is truly power… so by acting “dumb” you are making yourself seem powerless, naive, and just plain stupid. It’s not attractive and it’s not going to get you very far.
I recently moved away from my home and it pushed me to grow up pretty quickly. I am now understanding the true meaning of style and why it’s so important to be educated when making choices. I’ve always been extremely expressive with my clothing choices, and I’m now understanding how important it is to present yourself in the right manner. Hate to sound shallow or materialistic, but the way one presents themself is so very important. Chances are a girl wearing a large over sized coach purse with some leggings, a grapic tee, and uggs is not going to be taken very seriously.
The poor old woman! Ah what is with this generation. I have such wonderful parents and they have taught me to respect each and every elder and nothing less. I have never once been disrespectful to any form of authority let alone rude to an older, helpless, lady. MAJOR props to the thug listening to Rick Ross. Karma, Karma, Karma. I’m a huge believer.
So glad I’m not the only one who feels this way! I’m going to look up Ndoema and hopefully I will find her as even more inspiration. Thanks for the great blog entry!
at 5:55 pm
haha it’s hilarious how you describe paris hilton’s wannabe’s… The problem is that I have to deal with it everyday, because I’m surrounded by those arrogant self-centered aliens. They remind me of those kids you see on “my sixteen 16″. God, some days you just wanna smack them!
Just by reading this post, I’m embarrassed for my generation… I’ll commit suicide if my kids turn out like that!