Emily Graves considers what today's young generation are being influenced and inspired by

Emily Parker

'Inspiring a Generation' was the slogan for the 2012 London Olympic Games and now we find ourselves just weeks away from the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Once again the excitement and expectation returns for these games; just as they did for London in 2012. Future athletes will be watching and getting inspiration from the performances and medals won. Skaters, snowboarders and skiers will reach great heights and speeds and the wonder of new world records will be made. It will be the catalyst for many young people, as they see others fulfil their dreams and wonder if they can attend the historic event one day.

When we look at other areas of life, do we still see a similar slogan of 'Inspiring a Generation'?

One area of life which gained major news coverage in 2013 was the subject of the sexualisation of the music industry. In particular, Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke sparked a huge debate and conversation, both online and on social media, about their music, dance routines and clothing.

Singer Charlotte Church posed one particular question, based on her own experiences, as to whether or not pop stars in videos are acting as 'submissive sex objects'. She commented on the pressures she found in the industry back in the noughties and specifically of how she regrets wearing a corset in one of her music videos.

Another area of sexualisation in the music industry is in the sexually focused lyrics that are being played through our radios where sex, alcohol abuse, rape and violence are more frequently being referred to in popular songs. With more and more songs like this appearing in the charts a new 'normal' is being shaped, inspiring a generation with often destructive values.

The boundaries are continually being pushed in music video content and lyrics, encouraging a generation of young men and boys to grow up believing that this is how women should look and young girls to believe that this is the way to get a boyfriend and be popular.

On the 19th December, news broke that a Chinese children's TV cartoon was blamed alongside the child's guardians for the injuries of two children after they imitated a scene from Xi Yangyang and Hui Tailang (Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf), in April 2013. The brothers were badly burned when another boy tied them to a tree and set them on fire. It sounds ridiculous doesn't it? It certainly brought the issue to the attention of a nation, showing how impressionable young children are, raising the issue of what else could be negatively influencing them.

Before Christmas I went and saw Matilda the musical; a classic Roald Dahl story, of a very clever little girl, from a family who wish she was a boy instead of a girl. After the interval, Mr Wormwood walked onto the stage and began advising the audience of how there were certain things in the show which were not advised to be done at home. Mr Wormwood described reading books as foul, which certainly sparked some laughter and thought on the importance of reading. A few rows in front of me, a little boy shouted with great gusto: "No, you're wrong!" Seeing his reaction was simply amazing! In that moment you saw just a fragment of his passion and the love he has for reading. It made me wonder what adventures and inspiration he's discovered from simply turning a page.

We have just as much influence as those we see through TV, radio, film, music and others. We can share our experience with those around us. We can offer advice and be able to sit, listen and share on a one to one basis. Sometimes a small amount of snow falling off of a branch in the Alps is enough to cause an avalanche!

Last week, as I reflected on the year, I was reminded of a quote by William Ward: "The adventure of life is to learn. The goal of life is to grow. The nature of life is to change. The challenge of life is to overcome. The essence of life is to care. The beauty of life is to give. The joy of life is to love." As I read this quote I realised I had seen all of these in action in 2013. Whether I had encountered them myself or seen friends, family or complete strangers do just this. I hope that as 2014 begins you are able to see these things in your own life and you discover the part you have to play in inspiring a generation.