Before reading this chapter, I had never really considered age as a major factor of culture. The text brought up some very interesting points, though, and it made me think about how much the age group to which I belong affects my life and my self-perception of culture. It also made me look back on the age groups I've outgrown, and ponder what's to come.
As a middle school teacher, I spend my days with students ranging from about 11-14 years old. Most of these students are riding on a roller coaster of hormones and emotions, as they go through puberty as well as the social demands of adolescence. The first topic within the Adolescence section of the chapter is "Relationship with Parents," which is such a big deal to kids at this age. I chuckle to myself as I see students have their parents drop them off a block away from school, just to make sure their friends don't see them getting out of their parents' car! It's clear that these youth want to be independent from their parents, and they refuse to admit how much they depend on them. I overheard two seventh grade boys discussing their cell phones and as one boy pointed out how much cooler and expensive his phone was, I couldn't help but interject and point out that neither of them paid for their phones or the coverage, so they should just be thankful for what they have. Of course, in response, they rolled their eyes and walked away.
This mindset of independence goes beyond the embarrassment of being seen with one's parents, and becomes overwhelmingly a surge of rebellion. I realize things have changed drastically since I was in middle school, but I'm still shocked at some of the things the students say and do. When I was in middle school, it was a big deal if a boy and a girl kissed. But there are plenty of students at the school I work at who are sexually active; there are even several girls pregnant in middle schools across the district. It's frightening to think of how quickly their childhood passed by and that they're now facing adult issues, like pregnancy, at age 13. Beyond the sexual behaviors, many students are experimenting with drugs and alcohol. These adolescents are so vulnerable to peer pressure, and if one kid has access to drugs, it won't be long before he and all his friends have tried it.
Aside from their risky behaviors, what shocks me most is the way adolescents treat each other. They all want to fit in and be accepted so badly that it seems they'll do whatever it takes. And the students who don't make it into the "in" crowd are clearly isolated. Bullying has become such a problem, and despite how much we try to talk to the students about it, it doesn't seem to be getting any better. Just like there is peer pressure to have sex and do drugs, bullies have a way of influencing other people to follow in their footsteps. Soon, what was once a bully picking on another kid, has become a group of bullies picking on that same kid. With youth violence and street games active and growing, bullying can quickly escalate from name-calling to someone being seriously injured. Furthermore, the emotional wounds of the person being bullied can cause depression, anxiety, or even lead to self-injury or suicide.
Being a middle school teacher is not easy, but I wouldn't have it any other way. It's a very unique population with very unique needs. It is our role, as teachers, to give these students positive guidance, support, and role models to help them get through the difficult years of adolescence.
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