As you MAY (just might have) guessed from the title, I’m doing another Dear Adults episode today! Hopefully this one is as interesting as the previous one, which you can read here.
Alright, the subject of today’s Dear Adults episode is: we are an electronic generation. What’s the big deal?
To clarify what I mean, I’ll give a little example: this blog. It’s completely electronic, isn’t it? That’s pretty much what a blog (or vlog) is - a completely electronic, creative platform that’s very popular. Invented in 1997, this platform has appealed to many, many writers and artists (and stay-at-home moms) because of its openness and informality.
As many of you know, I work a LOT on this blog. I’d say between admin work, writing, finding subject matter, and convincing new authors to give blogging a try, I’d average about 7 to 8 hours a week on my two blogs (including Steve the Wimpy Dragon) It is, so to speak, my secondary job, after doing well in school. It’s a job I enjoy, a job that I relish in, but it’s a job, all the same, and it requires a lot of work (just like any real hobby)
My teachers (I won’t name who, for politeness’ sake) claim that ‘this generation never slows down to admire the world around them, be truly creative, and to just play like children again’. Is that so?I guess I’ll just have to stop writing my books and blogs. Or drawing my artwork and painting every second I can. Or thinking about the world around me and worrying about the modern politics of our nation.
A sales person at Lowes laughs with my Mom about how ‘kids are always on their phone, I know how you feel!’ because I’m editing a picture for my blog (heck, I don’t even have a phone! It was Mom’s!)
True, my teachers are exaggerating, and the sales person was probably just trying to make a joke. We’re living in the most electronically-intertwined years that have ever existed on the planet, and the idea of a teenager having a phone generally brings up a negative image of Instagram, selfies, texting and driving, and acronyms taking up the majority of time in a teen’s day, which could be better spent on studying their school work, upping their grades or spending time with friends. (and may I add, slightly off subject: are grades really the point?? I’ll probably talk about it next Dear Adults episode)
True, my teachers are exaggerating, and the sales person was probably just trying to make a joke. We’re living in the most electronically-intertwined years that have ever existed on the planet, and the idea of a teenager having a phone generally brings up a negative image of Instagram, selfies, texting and driving, and acronyms taking up the majority of time in a teen’s day, which could be better spent on studying their school work, upping their grades or spending time with friends. (and may I add, slightly off subject: are grades really the point?? I’ll probably talk about it next Dear Adults episode)
And yet, when I go out in public (yes, I actually do leave the house sometimes. I’m not a complete vampire...yet), what do I see? ADULTS. WITH PHONES.
Adults are probably muttering at this point, saying things like, “Not all adults...” Take off your fedora, adult reading this post, and listen to me: that argument goes both ways. “Not all teenagers.”
Most of the people that I’m friends with, actually, don’t have phones. I’m not even talking about us ‘sheltered homeschoolers’. Public schoolers! Private schoolers! All of them, all participating in games, chatting with friends, enjoying life, and what’s best: not on their phone.
But back to my original point - when I got out in public, I see lots, and lots, and LOTS of adults with phones. When I went to the art museum recently, what did I see? Adults, sitting around on their phones, not even paying attention to the amazing pieces of 20 x 20 foot artwork literally right in front of them! People texting while walking right past Van Gogh paintings! If that isn’t enough to truly horrify you, then get this: the people who weren’t on their phone were teenagers and kids younger than me, who were absolutely amazed and thrilled to be there.
Look, it’s true. I admit that this generation of kids are much more electronically-involved than any generation before us. We are always typing, snapping, texting, lol-ing, whatever the heck you people are doing these days on your phones, computers, and gaming devices.
But it’s incredibly, completely insulting to assume that doesn’t mean we’re not creative, or that we don’t take time to admire and attempt to improve the world around us, because of a small glowing screen.
The world is a crazy place (the presidential election has definitely proved that) As teenagers, there’s not much we can do - we can’t vote, we don’t really have a voice, and as I’ve proved, no matter what we do, adults assume that we’re just goofing off. It makes me really sad that people think of it like that. And yes, “not all adults think like that.” And neither are all teenagers. You don't get to generalize around here.
I know that this episode was a little shorter than the last one, but let’s wrap this up, because I’ve made my point, very, very clearly. Diagnosis: staaaaaph.
Adults - stop making assumptions.
Teenagers - stop making it so easy for adults to belittle people your age. You can be creative. You can change the world. Prove it.
And I think that this episode has pointed out something else - while this blog series is labeled “Dear Adults”, the problems I discuss need to go both ways. It’s more than just teenagers pointing fingers at adults and whining. I’m not saying, “We’re a self-entitled generation that DESERVES to be treated better because we’re all special snowflakes and have opinions!”
No, that’s not how it works. It needs to be a mutual discussion.
So, in conclusion...next time you see a teenager in public with their phone, don’t tsk. Respect them as a human being who has dreams, creativity, and hopes for the future. Have a great week, and comment below with which issue “Dear Adults” should address next!
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