...a tock who ticks...

Don't ask me why these are the conclusions I am reaching when studying, but reading Averroes late last night gave me insight on my reaction to Gossip Girl. Averroes was discussing the relationship between philosophy and religion, and the risk that careless philosophical study might influence someone to lose faith in God. He conceded that this was so, yet never advocated cencorship and always maintained that it is not only permissible but obligatory that we read, even if it means we lose faith. He said that philosophy is only dangerous in circumstance and not in essence, and that the situations where reading would have detrimental results is the fault of a weak intellect or bad instruction.

Well, I have decided that Gossip Girl is dangerous in circumstance, and not in essence. Yes, it is vapid crap with no redeeming quality whatsoever. However, it is not in itself going to turn teenage girls into high-end fashionista sex machines. It's a quirky fun read for adults and OLDER teens; not appropriate for younger ones, who don't have the judgment or experience to realize that it's ridiculously hyped-up fantasy. The people who should be making sure the right readers get ahold of these books are the parents.

Now - this only is in response to the blatant sexual and drug content of the books, not the more hidden marketing aspect. That part I will never get on board with. Marketing companies buying publishing houses and social-networking programs, getting paid to write books featuring certain brands. None of these series are literature in any form - hell, most of the "writers" were former marketing editors at Alloy and 17th Street. I mean, this newest Gossip Girl features a Chanel charm bracelet on the cover, the logo clearly visible. The last two volumes had "On The Cover" segments inside the copyright page, telling you where you can buy the clothes that the girls are wearing in the picture. Has anyone ever seen that in a book?!

So ridiculous.