Main Character Effect
Growing up in the 2000s meant being introduced to widespread information on pop
culture presented in media and technology at a young age. We obsessed over
celebrities on a whole other level than we do today and often looked up to their
success. Since social media hadn’t really taken off yet, you had to be in the know by
chatting with friends, reading the newest issue of Tiger Beat, and catching up on the
latest Disney Channel episodes.
The shows we watched on Disney and Nickelodeon gave us the hope that any regular
kid can make it to Hollywood. For example, iCarly, Hannah Montana, Victorious, Austin and Ally, etc. Each of these series starred regular kids having another identity in the spotlight.
From my own experience as a kid, I genuinely wanted to become the next big teen pop star, just like Hannah Montana. I had this sort of sensation that I was destined to be famous and well known. However, now I realize that I am very introverted in real life and don’t think I could even step out on the stage to perform.
So why did I feel this way? What made me believe that I was on the path to becoming
the biggest name in Hollywood??
After recently talking with my friends on this subject and seeing videos of similar discussions on social media, I’ve realized that I’m not the only one who felt this way as a kid. The entertainment that was shown to us while growing up was determined to make the viewers feel special.
For example, when Disney Channel’s “Shake it Up” came out, they allowed viewers to
actually submit dance videos in order to win a prize of being on an episode of the show. This opportunity had me in a chokehold; as I probably submitted at least 5 different videos of choreography that I had made up with my friends.
Unfortunately, I did not win, and I’m not sure if anyone really did. Just like I'm not sure if people actually won the Danimal Sweepstakes that was hosted by Dylan and Cole
Sprouse. Disney Channel giveaways were very questionable… yet very popular.
Similarly, Nickelodeon has their annual kid choice awards, which is like a kid's version of any Hollywood award ceremony, like the Oscars. When I was younger I loved being
able to vote on their website for nominees, because I felt like I was a part of the whole
production.
Reflecting on my childhood, I am very happy to have grown up during the 2000s era. It was the perfect amount of media that was exposed to us; and I believe that we had the most entertaining content (biased opinion).
Now take the time to imagine: It’s a Saturday night in 2009 and your mom is letting you stay up extra late to watch the insane crossover of "That's So Suite Life of Hannah
Montana.” After watching, you slowly drift to sleep and dream of being able to live the lavish life of the characters you see on TV.
The next morning you go to Walmart with mom and you're allowed to pick out the
infamous “Sam’s Remote” toy that is seen on the set of iCarly. You feel fabulous.
Evie Westfield — March 20th, 2022
