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PilotNews > Opinion > Smells like teen discrimination
Smells like teen discrimination
Prejudice dampens students’ spirit

May 11, 2007

At the mention of age discrimination, injustices against the elderly are commonly brought up. On the opposite side of the age-spectrum, teens face daily discrimination for their youthful appearance.

Whether it be a simple dirty look from an adult or a devastating police officer’s suspicion; this discrimination is a problem, and worse, often ignored.

Adolescents feel functionally helpless in facing discrimination. As long as the power remains in the higher age brackets, teens will be victims. Minors have no legal or legislative voice whatsoever and are forced to sit idly by and endure injustice.

In social scenarios, teens are seen as problems, especially in a group, and will receive treatment accordingly.

"Because I’m a teenager, people are suspicious of me," said Brian Risk (9).

Such situations can be expected outside of school, but surely something should be done within the walls of a high school where treatment can be controlled. However, this is not the case.

"[The administration] says every ‘one’ counts, but in reality that’s true only when regarding academic achievements of the students, rather than their actual beliefs and ideas," said Lauren Berkholtz (12).

The demeanor of some irresponsible teenagers gives older generations the tendency to cast all adolescents in a negative light. Teens commonly face the consequences of the constant building of stereotypes against them.

Upon turning a certain age, or-more importantly-gaining a certain image, children are automatically dealt an unfair hand.

"I think that they think we’re reckless and don’t care about anything," said Danielle Grasso (10).

There’s a good chance they do. The only way to fight this kind of discrimination is to constantly treat adults with respect, especially when things get heated. Avoid behaving in a disrespectful manner even if adults may be; take the high road and move on. If this can be done, teenagers should able to earn a bit more respect in return.



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