Reality vs. Fantasy

Preface, Fast Forward
By Lauren Greenfield

The purpose of this piece is to “explore the ways in which young people from diverse background are similarly influenced by the popular culture.”

It seems as though the main theme through out the piece is that “young people are preoccupied with being someone other than they are.”

Our society puts importance on image and celebrity. Hollywood influences this culture. All or most children are influenced by Hollywood the same, even though they come from different economic backgrounds.

Greenfield’s photos shower there is a “powerful allure of the Hollywood dream.” The photos also reveal an element of our culture as it manifests itself in the lives of children.”
People go to Hollywood expecting to see stars and be glamorous but there are two sides to Hollywood. Geographical Hollywood: “there is a dramatic contrast between the run-down neighborhood that is the geographical Hollywood and the mythic Hollywood that exists in the media.” The media only shows a small population, a small percentage of the population live elaborate lives. Tricia Rose spoke about the statistic, ninety percent of our country’s wealth is owned by 10 percent of the population, at Journey to the Motherland.

The photos also reveal “an element of our culture as it manifests itself in the lives of children.” Greenfield photographed thirteen year old children holding $100 bills. Where did these children get the money? The reason they are taking pictures this way is because they are copying the artists they see in music videos and on TV. What message are we sending young children?