Ya Heard: Unfortunately, youths take cues from pop icons

"If there is any responsibility in the cycle of life it must be that one generation owes to the next that strength by which it can come to face ultimate concerns in its own way."

-Erik H. Erickson

Talk has been swirling in the entertainment community after a few racy photos of R&B singer Cassie surfaced online followed by some even racier photos of the evermore relevant R&B superstar Rihanna. Both ladies claim that the photos were stolen from their personal collections and were not intended to go public.

Personally, I reject the claims of innocence, considering the times we live in. It has become acceptable practice for Tinseltown celebrities to turn their nude photos and sex tapes into fame and fortune. In turn, this current phenomenon has trickled into some of our more common areas of society.

Sexting, as it has been dubbed, is the 21st century version of phone sex as well as the 21st century version of a parent's nightmare. The technological advancements in cell phone and computer capabilities in addition to our willingness to equip everyone with such devices no matter the age has raised concern.

Young adults who choose to use their cell phones for more than just a 'Kodak moment' are encouraged and, in some ways, rewarded for their naughty photos.

It looks as if Generation X may soon be followed by Generation X-rated and pop culture has a big influence.

We, as a society, have admired the risk and freedom of many high profile personalities. Their willingness to continuously push the envelope has been a driving force in not only trends, but in ways of thinking (i.e. Sammy Davis Jr. being accepted and beloved as a member of the Rat Pack). However, a growing number of today's trendsetters are now making it fashionable to publicize some of their most intimate moments.

Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, Ray J, Tommy Lee, Pamela Anderson, Eve, Miley Cyrus, in addition to Rihanna and Cassie have all had varying degrees of racy photos or videos made public.

Who among them has received even an ounce of crippling backlash?

In fact, many of them have socially and financially benefited. Now it is understandable that it is easier for these images to be stolen in today's digital world, yet it is becoming clear that sex tapes and nude pics are becoming the rave.

In the incidents involving Cassie and Rihanna, both have claimed that the pictures were illegally obtained.

Really? I find it quite a coincidence that the naked photos of Rihanna have emerged as she is going through a lingering high profile domestic dispute scandal. In the last week, it seems as if people have had their minds taken off of the abuse scandal and had their eyes glued to their computer screens instead. Cassie, whom cannot buy a hit record, has had her name mentioned more time this week than anytime in her career.

Just as many times before, these individuals have benefited from their supposedly 'personal' sexy scenes. The question is: who stands to gain more from situations such as these, some disgruntled friend who wants to get back at their superstar associate or the actual person in question? I know if I were trying to get back at somebody, I'd catch him or her in the bathroom instead of the bedroom. Let 's see if that trend catches on.

Unfortunately, young impressionable minds are seeing the benefits from incidents like these and that is scary. 'Sexting' would be viewed as just another juvenile act if it was not being practiced by celebrities who should be setting an example instead of gaining fame.

Now tell your daughter to stop looking over your shoulder as you read this… 'Til next week, Peace!!!

Dennis Winn can be reached at 703-200-4928 or YaHeard40@gmail.com.