I wonder about women these days. The younger ones. The younger ones, that is, younger than me. Is this the kind of stuff they’re into? How come I don’t relate? I think the idea of a “party in a box” is creative and thoughtful gift idea and something that I think I might try some time, for a friend who doesn’t think shit like that is weird. I think my fancy photographer friend, JBS, would like that. And I definitely know my sister would. (note to self).
But seriously, do videos like this – the Martha Stewart-types for GenY – put pressure on the younger ones to be perfect wife, mother, entrepreneur, homemaker, cook, teacher, lover.. whatever… or are these young women just keen to the fact that women will watch this stuff?
In the video, the young woman (whose a major blogger player, apparently – I did some research) has music going in the background, awesome edits and a storyline. Stuff I have no idea how to do, but so wish I did. Holy shit, the quality is even more polished than some of the videos I’ve seen produced by major marketing firms. Like, hello.
But as impressed as I am with it all, I can see why so many young people feel the pressure to step it up with their digital presence. Is this what it takes – awesome videos and a big online following, not to mention a personality to match? If that’s what it takes, I’m screwed. Cause alls I gots is words.
In any case, watch the video and ask yourself: Is this stuff just creative outlet fluff and, sure, a few lucky ones are actually profiting from their online Domestic Diva-like persona? Or is this setting a whole new standard for things like personal brand and influence?
Wow, I know I’m going to sound lame here, but I don’t even remember people giving a shit about things like “personal brand” 10 years ago. And I definitely won’t write how crazy it is that times are changing so fast, because that’s also lame to say.
-sandy.
p.s.: curious to see what kind of pervs find this page because “party” and “box” are in my header. sometimes I really hate seo.
Hi Sandy, I just came across your blog from a link on “The Kit”, and thought I’d comment.
A friend of mine pinned this video, so I clicked through to see what all the oohs and awwws were about. I got through the first 15 seconds before shuttin’er down due to the huge why-would-i-waste-time-doing-this factor. I think people should do whatever makes them happy, and I try not to judge, but I can’t help but think that stuff like this does reinforce scary-traditional priorities. I mean, even though I knew I didn’t want to watch the damn video, I still had a ridiculous fleeting feeling of inadequacy for having zero interest in it.
Thanks for reading, Sunday (what a great name). I’m glad you got something from that..I’ve noticed a lot of these types of videos and, although they’re crafty and creative, I wonder if these young women feel what they’re doing is helpful to others or if they’re caught up in their own obscured idea of “homemaker perfection” as well.
I love your blog, and this is my first time commenting because I love this post especially. I think you’re absolutely right when you say that it seems like it is going to put pressure on younger girls to come off as “perfect”. I end up doing a lot of crafty things, but I’ve done them my whole life and I do them because I enjoy them – not because I see a blogger do it (I’m 26).
I think a lot of this is fluff, and the internet is starting to get saturated with so many girls that seem exactly this way! However, what scares me is not necessarily things like this, but the fact that (this specific blogger) put out a diet called the ABCDE diet (almonds, broccoli, chicken, vitamin D, eggs) and she is not certified in nutrition. That’s when things (to me) become scary – the ‘healthy living’ brands and trends that younger girls will follow just because they’re on the internet.
Melanie, thanks so much for coming out and saying hello! Very happy (and relieved!) to know that others see this dilemma with the online world – sometimes I’m not sure if others feel the same, but I guess that’s silly! It’s amazing how many people feel a certain way but say nothing of it, ever.
Thanks for reading!
sandy.