Kids + Money by Lauren Greenfield

Lauren Greenfield made a short film about the lives of youth in Los Angeles and how their lives are influenced by the amount of money they have. The film includes all financial classes: wealthy, middle class and poor. Everything about the kids lives has been influenced by commerce and the consumer world. Kids these days are influence to fit in with their peers. The kids who don't fit in are considered out of the norm, and who doesn't want to be normal? Materialism is a major part of kids lives, clothes, bags, shoes, make up, and cars are examples of the "wants" of youth. Often the wants are not necessary and become over indulgences. In the poorer areas, food a simple necessity is harder to come by is one of the many worries of kids and families without excess money. However even in low status living the pressure of fitting in and having the material goods is present. Brand names and having the right "image" is directly linked to money. Kids' desires are powerful and can be either beneficial or detrimental. Some kids learn the importance of money and will learn to help their families in times of need by getting a job to help pay for their many wants and needs.