Final Project Link

http://prezi.com/tk9clqx8smtk/gend-354-final-project/?kw=view-tk9clqx8smtk&rc=ref-39370177

Post 11, Resisting Representation: Teens Talk Back

1)    Teen Ink

2)    What do teens have to say when they represent themselves:

The way I approached this was by searching for websites for teenagers. One website that stood out was Teen Ink This is a magazine for teens by teens. It includes memoirs, poetry, art, opinions, review sections and more. When I got to this website, I did a quick search for “stereotypes” in their search bar and found many opinion essays by teenagers that deal with teenage stereotypes and what they think about them. I think these texts show how teenagers view themselves and the problems they have with how others may view them.

Here are some examples of these essays:

Media Stereotypes of Teens by ficklefiction:

“What is being grossly overlooked is the fact that real teenagers don’t fall into one category. Without sounding completely cliché, every person has something that makes them unique. But, according to almost every depiction we see on TV or hear on the radio, teenagers are too limited to venture from certain expectations. We’re told that we are self-centered and shortsighted. We’re told that we are not distinct enough to be distinguished by the small things that make us different. What the media doesn’t tell me is that I’m seventeen, but I already know I plan to attain a PhD in English and I want attend Anderson University. What the media doesn’t tell me is that I am a person who thinks independently of my Teen Vogue. What the media doesn’t tell me is that I don’t need the media to know who I am.

A Stereotypical Teenager? by Mitch1991

I believe that there are many misconceptions about teenagers. Many people in different generations sincerely believe that all teenagers are up to no good, and are guaranteed trouble no matter where they are. I am not arguing that teenagers like that don’t exist…but it bothers me that one type of teenager has been able to spoil the image of all other teenagers…For many people, stereotyping does more than just become a bothersome hassle. For a handful of teenagers, the effect of stereotyping makes them feel pressured into behaving like a stereotypical teenager….Are all teenagers loud, obnoxious, rebellious, out of control, and up to no good? Obviously not, there is no way that every single teenager in the world could fit that description. And yet, society still labels every teenager in the world by a description very similar to that.

Unfair Teen Stereotypes by Melaena P. 

It isn’t just teenagers that are stereotyping, parents are stereotyping teens, have you ever heard the song teenagers by my chemical romance? One of the verses is “Their gunna clean up your looks with all the lies in the books, to make a citizen out of you, because they sleep with a gun, and keep an eye on you son so they can watch all the things you do”. That’s what I feel parents are doing, they are so afraid of us screwing up that they don’t trust you and assume that you are going to mess up, get pregnant, do drugs, or shoplift, not every teenager is like that, I’m not, but my parents don’t trust me. Ive seen it all the time, parents thinking that some kid who is dressed a certain way is a awful nasty person, but they aren’t , that is stereotyping.

3)    For class:

I am just interested in seeing other examples people come up with.