hine blog

The chapter that spoke to me the most is “The Teenage Mystique.” I related to the chapter because I was a just a teenager. (I am twenty years old). As a teen felt as though every adult (especially my parents) did not understand me or were out to get me. Just like most teens I spent ages 13-19 trying to find a place to belong. I think what Hine says about people creating a “mystique” for teens are so true. I think the mystery comes from a lack of knowing and understanding. Society has created such a negative view of “the teenager.” Let’s face reality the things teens had to deal with decades ago are not like today’s teen challenges. There’s poverty, sexual transmitted diseases, pregnancy etc. I think teens how have to go through so much plus keeping grades. Society fails to gives teens the credit they deserve. In my opinion the “mystique” comes from a lack of understanding. Adults are quick to judge a teen by a music choice or a clothing selection instead of stopping to ask what’s going on. In a lot of ways baggy pants, outrageous music is cries for attention and help. If that does not work a teen looks for more drastic measures. Look at the girl who delivered her child in the bathroom at prom. HELLO people motherhood is a terrifying thing at any age especially eighteen. At eighteen you’re stuck between teenager and adult. At that age you’re trying to figure out the rest of your life. She just wanted to be a kid and have fun at prom but she must been taken aback by her contractions! She just did not have an adult with a will to listen to her. Yes teens are influenced by peers and the media because parents don’t or can’t be bothered with issues like sex, drugs and alcohol. So rather than getting the facts teens make decisions on curiosity.