Mook And Midriffs Essay

1. Describe the characters of the “mook” and the “midriff.” How prevalent do you think this approach is today? Give examples of contemporary mooks and midriffs. The “mook” and “midriff” are characters that large companies have created in order to catch the attention of teenagers. The “mook” is the character meant to reel in teenage boys. The “mook” is the type of guy you’d find callings all of his friends “bros”, vulgar, loud, and extremely self-centered. Examples of mooks today could be seen in movies like “Jackass”, “Beverly Hillbillies”, and “21 Jump Street”. The “midriff” is the character meant to attract teenage girls. This character is hyper sexualized, often shown to be very bored with life, shallow, and cynical. Examples of midriffs today can be seen in a
I think this approach is extremely prevalent in today’s media, especially when things like “Toddlers and Tiaras” and “Jackass” are available to watch by youngsters. Shows like “Toddlers and Tiaras” teaches young girl that they need to pile on the makeup and dress a certain way in order to be the best of the best. Movies like “Jackass” teach young kids that it’s okay to play crazy pranks on people that may hurt them and that doing extreme tricks will catch the attention of others, even if it ends with you being seriously injured, like Johnny KNoxville, who injured his penis trying to recreate a stunt.
2. The documentary discusses the changed culture in which kids are growing up today, and the forces influencing this change. How seriously should we take this influence? Give at least three reasons to support your position. The culture in which children today are