VOL. XVII, NO. 8
FEBRUARY 6, 1976
Teenagers Revolt Through Disrespect
Many teenagers seem to feel that they are on the same level as their teachers and parents. Instead of displaying a little common courtesy by saying, "Good morning, Mr. Smith," it goes something like this: "Hey, Smith, how'd I do on my grades this quarter."
Teenagers may have acquired this irresponsibility and lack of respect by thinking their teachers are out to get them any way they can. Sometimes a psychological conflict may be started unknowingly by his teacher, when a student is criticized as being "dumb." He then may lose his self-esteem.
Another cop‑out of teenagers is the continuously growing use of obscenity. Many students seem to be acting out of defiance. They don't realize how damaging this can be to their reputations and their families.
Many young women have also developed an act of revenge towards their parents. A young woman who allows herself to become pregnant at a time of life, when parents ask her not to get involved
Teenagers may have acquired this irresponsibility and lack of respect by thinking their teachers are out to get them any way they can. Sometimes a psychological conflict may be started unknowingly by his teacher, when a student is criticized as being "dumb." He then may lose his self-esteem.
Another cop‑out of teenagers is the continuously growing use of obscenity. Many students seem to be acting out of defiance. They don't realize how damaging this can be to their reputations and their families.
Many young women have also developed an act of revenge towards their parents. A young woman who allows herself to become pregnant at a time of life, when parents ask her not to get involved
sexually, before she is married is rebelling in rage against her parents. Her excuse may be her profound love for a certain young man. Although, if she truly loved him, she would marry him.
Two final forms of the lack of respect are the teenager who steals and the drug user. First of all, the teenager who steals is crying out for love and attention. He is in a way saying he doesn't care enough about himself or his parents to observe the laws.
On the other hand, drug users claim they find an "identity" through turning on. Their true identity can only be found without drugs. Drugs tend to distort identity.
These several examples of cop‑outs on behalf of teenagers show the need for understanding. Maybe if both adults and teenagers can relate to each other's needs, these escapes from reality will diminish.
Two final forms of the lack of respect are the teenager who steals and the drug user. First of all, the teenager who steals is crying out for love and attention. He is in a way saying he doesn't care enough about himself or his parents to observe the laws.
On the other hand, drug users claim they find an "identity" through turning on. Their true identity can only be found without drugs. Drugs tend to distort identity.
These several examples of cop‑outs on behalf of teenagers show the need for understanding. Maybe if both adults and teenagers can relate to each other's needs, these escapes from reality will diminish.