Today, as I was watching the CBS evening news, they had a story about teens and issues on whether we're smart or not.
To me, it seems like teenagers are always being criticized. Some adults have even referred us as the "dumb generation." Is it just me, or does that seem kind of offensive? It is for students and for teachers. It's basically saying that teachers aren't doing their jobs educating the students, and that students aren't doing their jobs learning these concepts that they're being taught. I work hard in school to keep my grades up and I do my homework every night. Yet, I still manage to have time to go to my practices,get on the computer and get my favorite shows in. Sure sometimes I stay up a little late that usual, so what? At least I'm dedicated, which is why I also think people are stating that we're "dumb" We're supposively not dedicated.
I mean, there is so much more expected from us now a days. The curriculums in highschools are much harder than they were back then, and students grades are just as good, if not better, than they were in the 90's, 80's, or even 70's.
Ok sure, I'll admit most teens are worried about their social life or what's new on the internet, but does that really mean that we're dumb? No it doesn't. We enjoy the new technology that is offered to us, and I'm sure if the adults had the technologies we had today, they would be enjoying it too.
I haven' t heard that statement. I am sure people have thought though, with people being people and all.
As for the technology issue, I know that my dependency on calculators has blocked me from my memorization of basic multiples and what not. The internet is a great resource tool though, so it goes bothways. I don't know where you are getting that our curriculum is harder than in past decades. That is almost like saying that the past generations are therefore not as smart as we are because we have a better curriculum. I don't know about that.
luv, Monica
I agree with you. But, I understand where the media is getting these facts from. The technology we have is distracting our learning. For example, people text in class when students are suppose to be listening to the teacher. Also, some of the technology we have today wastes a lot of time. Listening to music consently and play on the internet...Im guilty though, I admit I do pretty much all of this stuff. Your other point that we are not doing as well as other genrations did. We have way more stress and homework to do than they did, even my mom argrees with me. Im sure when we have kids, they will have more years of school to complete. It drives me crazy that i have learned some of the same things over and over. Teachers can use that time to teach us new stuff. I know that I have been taught about Martin Luther King Jr. since second grade and now Im a junior and last week I had to do a project on him. Im not saying that it's a bad thing to learn about the civil rights movement, its just frustrating that I have to learn something that I already know.
what to people expect? teens are just kids having fun. teens aren't supposed to run the world yet, they are just supposed to have fun and grow healthy!
People need to lay off us teens. We have to go through a lot when growing up and it seems to be that lately a lot of people aren't realizing that. Give us a break! We're only young once!
I've noticed that lately it seems like everyone expects students to be perfect. In the eviornment I go to school in has become extremely competitive. I know that my mother expects a lot out of me and I can't always keep up with every other student. Just recently they posted the lists for who will graduate with honors and highest honors. I made the honors list, but I couldn't help like feeling I should have done more. The highest honors list had at least 35 students on it!
I feel like adults expect us to be perfect from the start and get perfect grades and do an excessive amount of volunteering and extra-curricular activities. And I know that I can't possibly do all of those things. I know that sometimes I feel a little dumb for not being one of those teens. I know I'm not, but sometimes it's hard not to feel that pressure.
“On with the dance! let joy be unconfined;
No sleep till morn, when Youth and Pleasure meet
To chase the glowing hours with flying feet.”
~George Gordon Byron, Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage
As a teenager I resent the any statement that has meaning that our generation is lazy and stupid. Every person is an individual and should not be grouped in such a broad characterization. I am still in high school finishing my last year. In addition to high school I also am a part time student at a university. On top of that I have two jobs, one at a bank and one at a retail store. I work at the end if not over the amount of hours that legally I should work. That doesn't include the time in school and the time spent on homework. Most adults work forty hours a week then relax the rest of the time. I would like to see these people that make these comments take on my schedule. I haven't had a day off since July. On top of all that I still find time to volunteer at the local library and join in on some activities in school. Many adults talk about when they were young. We all have heard it growing up, "When I was young I had to walk to town up hill both ways in the rain, without shoes," type of thing. Well the person that always says this to me had so much fun in high school that he got me as and add in. Yet I’m the lazy, party-to-much, can't get off my cell phone (that I ALWAYS lose.) bad kid. Really? I love the irony in life. Before we judge a generation realize that to classify is to confine and to confine is to decline possibilities.