Teenagers, a world wide phenomenon. And throughout the years this phenomenon has evolved and morphed, depending on where you're from. Turning 13 seems like it will be a whole new world, where you'll be with the older kids and you'll be deemed "cool". But in my experience this is what is most infuriating. These older kids are yes older, but are not seen as mature. There is still a gap that has to be filled.
This predicament is only amplified by what mainstream media portrays to the world about teens. In most popular shows with teenage characters, it shows teenagers as these hormone - charged, druggie party - goers. One of such shows is Euphoria. To be honest I am not sure if it's legal that I watched it. This show, yes as much as it depicts teenage problems and the world that teenagers are living in, it is oh so American and also in my personal opinion, OVEREXAGGERATED. Although this shows is aesthetically pleasing and has amazing music, it tells the story of being a teenager the same as the other shows. Oversexualisation, drinking, partying etc. Not to mention the completely outrageous and insane situations of these 20-27 year old "teenagers".
The depiction of teenagers in shows not only gives the parents a negative outlook on the youth but also puts a lot of pressure on teens themselves. Teenagers start to question if this is how their life should be, if they aren't doing enough. As well as make expectations for those who are just coming into teenagehood. Especially during where one is just growing into themselves, it really messes with one's mind. And of course I'm not ignoring that these situations do happen, I'm just stating that for the most part that's not really how it is. These shows are not exposing adults to teenage lives, they are promoting an unhealthy image of them and encouraging very mistrusting parents.
For the most part, teenage life revolves mostly around school and grades and friends and trying to figure out what we want to be. But there are also immature moments that make me question people's common sense and sanity. I very much believe that your teen years are for making mistakes and learning, but it's not sensible to do something just for the sake of it. Dumb things usually ensue after saying "life is too short". As much as these are not as extreme as what is shown by the media, it really shows that growing up is accepting that life has consequences.
Every generation has had it's defining teenage symbol. In the 80s the most important thing in Kenya was finishing school as well as R'n'B. In the 2000s Kenyan teens were obsessed with TV series and Genge music and now it's synonymous everywhere in the world: Social Media. In this new age everything revolves around it, we getting our latest trends from there, creepily worship other famous human beings and create worldwide obsessions. Being famous is now more appealing more than working a 9-5 and having a family(which I'm pretty sure will change with age).
To be honest I'm writing this out of curiosity and disappoinment. Disappointment in the media, disappointed in some teenagers but with a lot of curiosity with how the next generation will be like, I don't really have an idea how it will look but nonetheless I am curious on who I'll raise.
So yeah, these are my thoughts. The inspiration came after watching KennieJD's video on Youtube, which further cemented my issues with the show. Also I'm turning 16 in 4 days and can't help but wonder about teenage life.
Song:
Wheatus - Teenage Dirtbag
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