I was in the 90th Percentile for Old

Here's how to feel old and out of touch: Go to a Christina Aguilera concert with a handful of teenage girls. When your friend and fellow chaperone mentions the name of the opening act, imagine she's talking about this group, not this group. Realize as soon as they hit the stage how completely wrong you were.

Am I the only person in the world who didn't know that the performers from the popular LA hot spot are also a touring singing group? That they have a CD? A hit single? A TV show?

Am I the only person who doesn't understand their popularity among teenage girls (and younger!). Look, I'm not offended by this type of thing. I've seen it all before. The dancing, the shaking, the grinding, the lack of clothing. It's lost its shock value. I get that.

But why do teenager girls look up to these women? That I don't get. Is it because it makes them feel older? Sexier? Emboldened? Or is it just becaue grown ups might not like it?

And are we really supposed to ignore the irony in an all-female group that says in one breath, "Be strong, ladies, and always remember that you don't need a man." But then, in the next (very heavy) breath, struts and shakes and grinds their stuff along a catwalk in a manner that is clearly intended to attract a man? Come on. I get the post-feminist empowerment schtick, but who are they fooling? Not me.

Comments

[Erika]

I've never even heard of these people. Guess I'm really out of it!

[Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah]

My main concern is what you were doing at a Christina Aguilera concert.

[marcy]

I saw a friend this past weekend, she said her mom was taking her 16 year old sister to this concert and she was jealous. She thought that I was the crazy one because I couldn't name or even recognize any of Christina Aguileras songs. It's good to know I'm not the only crazy one!

By the way, who in the world did you go see this concert with? And why haven't I heard anything about it before now?

[jen]

you could go with me. i have Christina Aquilara's 1st album with Genie in a Bottle and What a Girl Wants.
I know you'll still love me after I share this with you.
I saw Jessica Simpson last year. I was the oldest one there in a crowd of 13 year olds. I was totally cool with my 2 margaritas partying in the lawn.
i love all varieties of tunes. don't discriminate.
in fact, i just bought FERGIE this past weekend and haven't removed it from the cd player yet.
Later I may rock out to Muddy Waters, 'Champagne and Reefer', but during workouts it'll be Rage Against the Machine.
it's all good.

[Alison]

Erika: I'm sure you've heard their smug hit song, "Don'tcha wish your girlfriend was hot like me?"

Sarah: It was for the kids! Actually, for a friend - who didn't want to accompany 5 teenage girls by herself.

Marcy: It must not've come up. I also went for a 16th b-day.

Jen: I only like two Christina A songs. Coincidently, she only sang two songs. Everything else she BELLOWED. It can't be good for her voice.

[jen]

You're funny Wal.
I think Josie would be much better for society.
As a teenager I didn't like these girly pop bands, or the even the majority of pop bands, but now for some reason I kinda do.
Madonna -- I would never have bought as a teenager, but now I have 4 Madonna cdS.
What is happening to me?!?!?!