酷我-北美枫

Wenxin

Fighting to destroy teenage stereotypes

Surely, I did not deserve that. The nice-looking old lady, bending beneath the weight of her shopping bags, glares at me, muttering as she walks past, struggling along the sidewalk on her way home.
If she had said something, it might well have been along the lines of "Go away, leave me alone." Shifting her burdens, she places one hand defensively upon her purse.

Ouch. For a moment, I was completely taken aback. I was not insulted, but did feel a bit humiliated. After all, my offence was well intentioned, if admittedly a bit pathetic. I had offered to help carry her groceries.

RESPONSIBLE CITIZEN
I am told that, as I grow older, I am learning to be a responsible citizen. That means, I suppose, that I was born irresponsible.

I can study the political system, examine the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and rattle off Canada's steps to autonomy, but can I be made to memorize altruism? Being teenaged does not make me antisocial. If I were to not participate in my community now, I would be no more likely to do so 30 years later.

And, despite what the media seems to claim, 15-year-olds can steal just as well when they are 51.

My civics textbook tells me that I am protected, by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, against "discrimination on the grounds of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, gender, mental disability"... and age.

Am I really?

At least one person had instantly branded me as a "teen" - therefore an immoral delinquent. Nor is it the woman's fault. Perhaps she saw underage smokers loitering in an alley, or troupes of students skipping school to go to the mall. Maybe she watched one too many news reports depicting young offenders, I don't know.

The fact remains, however, that I am a member of a group in our society that endures, between classes and homework, eight- to 10-hour "workdays", rarely earns above the minimum wage, cannot vote, and is frowned upon by police officers and politicians alike. How's that for prejudice?

I am not, of course, calling for shorter school hours, a lowering of the voting age, or a revision of the Young Offenders Act. Nor do I think that teens would really benefit from an increase in the minimum wage.

JUVENILE GANGSTER
I do, however, wish to be rid of the stereotype that seems to turn every graffiti artist, panhandler and juvenile gangster into my personal representative.

That makes about as much sense as making Napoleon Bonaparte the personal representative of everyone born on Aug. 15.

So, high-minded teens everywhere, reach out today and help someone. Show that we are the citizens of the future; shovel a driveway, volunteer at a library, or just smile more often. We have, after all, a stereotype to destroy and a reputation to build. Our work is cut out for us.

("North York Mirror" Feb. 21, 2003 )