'Gres' talks up a storm about matters of youth

'Gres' talks up a storm about matters of youth

By Sri Ramadani

JAKARTA (JP): A group of teenagers prowled around a mall,
their hair a rainbow of colors. Some wore nose rings, others
sported piercings in their lips, eyebrows or navels, which were
exposed by skimpy T-shirts. Their jeans were torn at fashionably
strategic areas; some of them had body tattoos.

They have tapped into the funky fashion and lifestyle trends
for adolescents who are interested in experimenting and testing
the boundaries of their growing freedom. But what is the
motivation for adopting the style?

That was the question asked last week to students from two
Jakarta high schools by singers Opie Andaresta and Dik Doank,
hosts of the talk show Gres, the acronym for gaya remaja
sekarang, or "the style of youth today" (TPI, Sunday, 5:30 p.m.)

At the outset Opie told the group she was not interested in
following trends but simply wanted to be herself. Dik said he was
interested in coloring his hair if it would be easy to remove
before he went to pray!

The discussion got going as a student offered his thoughts
about the new fashion style. He said it was acceptable if it was
appropriate for the occasion, such as a birthday part or a
performance by a band.

However, he drew the line at having tattoos or men with
earrings. He said it was against God's will.

A friend of his interjected that the environment was conducive
to students experimenting with unusual trends even thought their
parents were against it.

Matters became more serious when another student said that she
had a friend who became blind in one eye after he removed his
eyebrow ring.

In the middle of the talk there was a fashion show with models
wearing some of the funky fashion styles. It led to more comments
and debate. As usual, there were also video clips of public
figures giving their opinions on the subject.

Gres, with its weekly exploration of teenagers' knowledge,
attitudes, efforts and opinions on topical issues, is not only
interesting for adolescents, but also for parents and other
adults. It may provide them with a better understanding of youth
and the challenges they face today.

The show's production house, Indigo Productions, provides a
script to the hosts to guide the show, but most of the discussion
ensues from the comments of participants and the responses of
their peers. It is up to the host to keep the discussion flowing
(Opie is leaving the show, citing time constraints).

Although there is no deep analysis of the problems, the show
leaves it up to teenagers to form their own opinions and take
what they want from the different views.

The general conclusion from the show on funky fashion was that
followers should be careful not to violate norms of culture and
religion.

Planned for this Sunday is a show about teenagers taking the
plunge into marriage. Artist Adam and swimmer Kevin are scheduled
to talk about their experience and opinion on why they married at
a young age. Two groups of students will present their views on
the subject, looking at the positive and negative aspects and
their parents' expectations for the future.

Upcoming themes will include crime, children from broken
homes, pocket money, graffiti, study abroad, students dating
teachers and culture.