Unit 9 Discussion

There are some that say that tween is a media construction   How does the media construct the "tween" and what are concerns with this?
Media and Tween Girls: Creating a Positive Influence. Psychology Today. http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/princess-recovery/201204/media-and-tween-girls-creating-positive-influence. "Tweens are an important part of the culture for marketers. The term “tween” was created by marketers, according to Peggy Orenstein in her book Cinderella Ate My Daughter. This age group, usually 8-12-year-olds, are not children, yet they are not yet teens. They do no want to be identified as “little” and yet they need their parents for most things. Tweens are just as likely to roll their eyes and demand independence as they are to jump in your lap as they did when they were five. " 
As this quote states, tweens are in between the independent nature of teenagers but not as involved with their parents as they were as a child. This can be dangerous in the media because of the vulnerability to new and different influences. There are many tweens who begin to be weight conscious or want to be waxed. They are influenced by the media and believe these products will make them a more popular person. Because tweens are exploring the world a little more, they are less likely to think things through. They go out and explore, then come back to their parents. If the media is not careful, the messages going out to these children will lead to actions that are unhealthy for the mind and or body of the tween. 
The article in Psychology Today explains how the psychological state of tweens are influenced negatively at the moment. The media still creates the ideal body and person as someone thin, tan, and not full of responsibility. The "cool" image is not a smart and driven person and has not been for a long time, if ever. It is important for tweens to have other influences in their lives that show tweens that being oneself is better than trying to fit the mold.