Teen Article

Report: Teens Behind Florida YouTube Attack to Be Charged as Adults

By now most of America is aware of the scandal and controversy about the 6 teens in the state of Florida who all conspired to lure a former friend to their home and enact an "animalistic attack" as retribution for this individual "talking smack" about them on her Myspace page. These six teens as a result of there stupidity and desire for notoriety by posting the video on You-Tube are now being charged as adults with felony battery, false imprisonment and kidnapping in which all charges carry a hefty prison sentence. To take a critical look at this incident we must first factor in many components. Since the story caught wind it has been sensationalized by the Media and to some extent has become larger than life. If we were to removed the media aspect of this incident would it be viewed with the same magnitude its has been viewed to captivate audiences? Its safe to say, No. But if this is any indication or reflection of the current state of teens in America.. Thomas Hines may have had a point after all. But seriously i will never condone nor find any grounds to justify what these teens did to their unsuspecting victim god only knows would could have happened if these individual had a more sinister objective in mind. But this one isolated incident cant not be viewed as it would be viewed 10 or even 5 years ago due to the current climate of our country and advances in technology. In my personal opinion all 6 of this teen are fucking stupid .. first off someone insulting you on their own myspace page does not warrant a beat down. If how people view you and think of you weighs that heavily on your mind you need to take the time and re evaluate some of your personal issue, like your self esteem and self worth. Two for you to have the audacity to put the video on the world wide web as a badge of honor shows no remorse for what you've done and although i don't feel these children should be imprisoned for the remaining duration of their lives they deserve a good hard slap on this fist. And to the parents of the accused who justify the actions of their children and don't see why this incident is ," such a big deal". The state of Florida should impose a fine on you or at least mandate some type of psychological evaluation and find out whether these individuals are suitable parents. Stupid is what stupid does and this whole thing is stupid.. really really stupid as if America doesn't have more pressing issues to worry about than 6 teens beating the crap out of each other..... by the way does anyone know when the wars going to end... heres an idea this teens are so eager to fight suit them up and ship them out that's one way to settle a score lol

"Unlearning the Myths That Bind Us"

Linda Christensen's piece "Unlearning the Myths That Bind Us" is an inspirational article for teachers seeking to bring social justice and cultural awareness to their classroom. Its becoming more and more evident the the demographic of teachers (white females) does not accurately represent the overwhelming demographic if student predominately within the urban metropolitan areas (Minorities). I feel that this is essential, teachers need to be conscious about issues of race, class, gender, injustice, and justice. Although many teachers feel that touching on this social issues will create unrest and controversy in their classroom. But as educations whom influences and shape the minds of our youth it is all the more necessary. Although this should not be solely responsibility of teachers but more so parents. But seemingly enough teachers often times must be guardians, combating alternative curriculum. That of mass media & Internet which many of America's youth are becoming increasing accustomed too. This lack luster approaching towards our youth is becoming more and more sinister. Within an American capitalist society where consumers drive and sustain the economy a large percentage of adults have abandoned traditional methods of raising children. Too preoccupied with working and establishing a successful career. Its all too often that the fortunes of one comes at the misfortune of another in this case it is our children whom continuously play the price as a consequence of our actions one generation after another. We are simply not setting a good examples for youth and arming them with the knowledge need to one day successfully take our place in society. Many of the young adults today are just unequipt and unprepared to deal seeing as how they've been overexposed or underexposed of the real world. We lead my example.. examples of self adsorbed, self serving egotistical,indifferent, ignorant, instant gratifying, materialistic ideology that we perpetuate. Love, affection, structure discipline, and guidance is now substituted by a monetary amount to compensate for the lack of simply not being there. Yes it is sad that acquiring an education is no longer a simple task, if it ever was one factoring in so many components of society. Kids can no longer just to go school and be kids. Socio-economic class gender race religion etc have o become facets of the classroom no longer restricted to the CNN, but now embedded in the minds of our youth.

Talking Point # 1 Hines

The Rise and Fall of the American Teenager by Thomas Hines is perceptive readers guide to understanding the 21 century "Teen". Mr. Hines chronicles the issues teens have encountered for over 100 years from marriage, sex, and pregnancy many of which were normal for teens in past eras. To drugs, alcohol, unemployment, social isolation which Hines also highlights modern teens exhibit. First off i would like to note that comparing a teen from the 1950's to teens in the 2008 is fucking ridiculous but who am i. Anyway, Hines implies that teens lack a place in American society because "The Teenager" concept has grown vague. The lack of clear youth roles in society feeds adult suspicion of teens. Hines sad attempt to generalize & categorize the teen population shows how many adults have long since forgotten the fears & challenges ALL young adults face as they make there transition until adulthood. Although Mr. Hines truly might have had good intentions for writing "The Rise and Fall of the America Teenager", but i disagree. You need not look far, all you must do is read the title of the book to grasp a sense of how we (the teens) have fallen so far from grace.

Youth Media

I'm extremely fortunate (not trying to sound like a kiss ass) that you've made me aware of this site. I am absolutely intrigued and fascinated that the youth in our country have the mental capacity and capabilities to convey their thoughts and emotions through film, art and music touching on social issues like racism, minority incarceration rate, teen pregnancy, pop culture, and immigration just to name a few ( i haven't viewed the entire site or watched all the videos)

But this slaps general conception of teen right in the face. The site is a breath of fresh air in comparison to you tube and my space. Although the argument has been raised that the site is not user or youth friendly nor does it seem appealing to the eye but who gives a shit these teen didn't put forth they're hard work and inner most emotions and thoughts so they can gain more notoriety this is merely an avenue for them to have a voice a voice that often time goes on heard.

Not to mention it is a dot.ORG site therefore being a non profit site most of its funding and resources doesn't come from marketing and selling out to major corporation of advertising. they seem to get most of there funding from donations , grants and supporters. Listen.up.org provides and wealth of unlimited resources to aspiring youth producers film directors or just those with a creative artistic voice looking to be heard. The site is tastefully done and uphold the integrity and respect of those youth to submitted their films to the site. They are seen in my eyes are professionals not just children with a video camera looking for 15 seconds of fame

Im familiar with a social outlet right here in providence "Media Youth TV" in associated with PASA (Providence After School Alliance) they provide middle school participates in Providence Metro Area opportunity to showcase there talents within media. Its similar to Listenup.org but on a smaller scale These students are given free creative reign , the over see talents, screen writing, photography, direction, etc. This isn't like an adult pointing the figure telling kids what to say and what to film nah ... its all about them.. which i totally encourage. i would like everyone to view their videos and support our local youth.

Bored

I'm addressing this to you since i know your the only one that views these blogs on a consistent basis. Thanks for your unorthodox approach to teaching although refreshing although i apologize for my early departures and lack of participation during the second half of the course. Sometimes i just feel out of place in class. This could be perceived as giving excuses for my behavior I'm just not with spilling my guts about how i feel towards every topics given in class nor do i feel confident enough o convey the full magnitude of my thoughts & emotions pertaining to certain issues. Right now I'm watching High School Confidential on WE its a series about several teenage females from Kansas who have a video follow them around as they go through the trials and tribulations of high school and life. They discuss pretty much everything from sex, alcohol, peer pressure, depression, body imagine, social disorder, relationships, Iraq etc list goes on i recommend your view the series but it focuses on of what you've discussed and what you seem to be interested in. Anyway back to me venting. I'm usually by myself although feel more comfortable isolated from society my personal belief is the world has gone to shit and we are all better off dead i try to have a more optimistic view on life and regulate my behavior as best as possible because isolation is an prime indicated of depression. I love myself for too much to be trapped in that state of mind. I'm not quite sure I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired... but got damn I'm sick and tired...i feel at times no disrespect to those who take offense but as if I'm surround by a bunch of fucking idiots for god sakes someone get a fucking grip.. everyone in new England is complacent with the way things are and change is found with such resistance its incredible. I'm no activist I'm not a Marco or Priscilla I'm not here to save the world i have enough trouble as it is trying to save myself. All people want to do in New England is smoke pot and drink and go to the fucking club.. or better yet the mall.. yea a real hot ticket. Everyone seems set in their ways.. you cant seem to break new ground.. try to do new things and meet new people your not welcome with warming arms lets just say that is if as an African America male in American society i should know my place i guess i have inherent limitations BUT FUCK 'em Fuck'em Fuck'em do i guess points taken away for profanity? this is my blog right, an Internet diary so to speak for me to express my thoughts and opinion of certain things? right?. back to me bitching about life.. I'm trying god knows I'm trying sometimes you just want to pack your shit and disappear go off to some far place where you can reinvent yourself and be someone new. In reality these is the process i have to go through to find myself and whatever profound life discovery or crop i must undergo to find that inner peace. This feels like a prison sentence Ive lived in Rhode Island for the better part of my life i just want to be paroled. But i wont be fooled Ive traveled alot although at first it seems euphoric it only last a few weeks before you realise no matter where you go essential is the same shit just a different toilet Are you still reading this? and i thought i was crazy..I'm just having fun with you but this is where i stop i didn't proof read so i hope it makes sense and if it doesn't the title of this blog makes this post pretty much self explanatory ... Cheers.

Project Outline

My project will be a continuation of our mid semester project on teens.

My project focus on the Thomas Hines piece we read earlier in the semester.

We as adults are all to familiar with the popular discourse of teenagers in society?

But do teenagers get a bad rep? I wanted to take a more closer look since i have the opportunity to talk to teens within several Providence middle schools and high schools want to give a candid portrayal of teens throw the lens of a camera you might call it a video documentary where i ask questions have have discussion with teens concerning several of the topics we have discussed in class during the semester.

At first we will discuss some of the negative discourse perpetuated in society my adults and how accurate thesesperceptions and sterotypes are.
Drugs, Teen pregnancy, Pubery. Irresonibility, unaccountability, laziness, emotions, wrecklessness, immaturity, etc

On a more lighter not we will then focus on how teens define themselves and some of the challenges and obstacles teens face in today's society and within their families

Myspace is the DownFall of Western Civilization

No Myspace isnt the down fall of western civilization i just needed a title dramatic enough to catch you attenion lol. I'm not a fan of Myspace due to personal beliefs and profession. For what its worth Myspace was intended to promote and expand social networking. But its become more of an interactive blog for many while other tend to focus solely on the acquisition of "Friends". Like all things whether it be good or bad its based on the intent of the individual and his or her's ultimate objective. To me its just another passing fad and its consequences far out weigh its benefits so I'm not inclined to become a participant although at times tempting i rather not put myself in the position where i can easily be a candidate for NBC Dateline Catch a Predator