Society is creating stereotypical teenagers

Tunohole Mungoba
Maria Haufiku

Loud, obnoxious, rebellious, out of control, and up to no good… these are just a few of a wide number of stereotypes that are attributed to teenagers. What is it about teenagers that make the rest of society seem to turn against them?

I believe that there are many misconceptions about teenagers. Many people in different generations sincerely believe that all teenagers are up to no good, and are guaranteed trouble no matter where they are.

I am not arguing that teenagers like that don’t exist, because there are plenty of them out there, but it bothers me that one type of teenager has been able to spoil the image of all other teenagers.

I also have noticed that people think negatively of people because they wear a longer hair style than what is typically expected in society according to their gender.

Some people grow long hair to show rebellion, or to be unique, but I wouldn’t classify myself into either of those categories.

At times it can be bothersome when people take certain precautions around teenagers, because they believe that we are all reckless, and dangerous. Parents will cross to the opposite side of the street with their kids, people clear sidewalks when walking, other drivers tense up on the road, and all while this is happening, other people will keep one eye carefully watching, just to make sure that all of the rotten teenagers don’t do anything dangerous.

I sometimes think that people see me and other teenagers as giant, shiny explosives that are about to detonate, so everyone else needs to distance themselves as much and as quickly as possible.

All of it is ridiculous I believe. Anyone that knows me will be able to explain that I am the exact opposite of a stereotypical teenager, so no one should need to take precautions if they see me out somewhere.

A stereotypical teenager would most likely be thought of being connected to alcohol, tobacco, and drugs in some way.All of these common stereotypes don’t do any good for the people who actually work hard, and try to do something with their lives.

For many people, stereotyping does more than just become a bothersome hassle. For a handful of teenagers, the effect of stereotyping makes them feel pressured into behaving like a stereotypical teenager.

And that creates an entire roundabout of madness. Many people start acting like stereotypical teenagers, because they feel that they need to in order to be a “normal” teenager.

Are all teenagers loud, obnoxious, rebellious, out of control, and up to no good? Obviously not, there is no way that every single teenager in the world could fit that description.

And yet, society still labels every teenager in the world by a description very similar to that. The few teenagers that live a life similar to that have managed to destroy the image of every teenager that happens to be a good kid.

It seems that hardworking, determined, and honest teenagers don’t have a place in the world anymore. They are out there, and ready to be noticed, but the rest of society has chosen to view them in the same manner as the bad crowds that exist in the teenage population.

Quite strange, that the model teenager that is acceptable in society is not taken seriously. Why does society view superior teenagers that way? It is not only teenagers; it is everybody in the world. No person will ever be right in prejudicing someone, no matter who they are.

*Maria Haufiku is a student at the International University of Management (IUM) and she likes interacting with people, dancing and watching TV.