Are Teens Growing up too Quickly? Decide for Yourself

Still Frames

This American Life: Reality Check

The video we watched was about real people who had dreams that most knew would probably not come true. They were about disappointment when reality kicks in. Ralph and his wife had an unusual pet--a bull named chance--and when he passed, they thought they could get the same lovable animal back by cloning. When they realized that the same personality just was not possible, they were beyond disappointment. While this story not one of the most inspiring, the next was somewhat a learning experience. Ghost of Pasha, an unknown band of New York, was a target of one of "Charlie's Pranks". Charlie uses his "pranks" to make people smile, however this one called the "Best Gig Ever" only created disappointment. Every bands dream is to be famous and be well known and Charlie gave them a fake gig. When the band realized it wasn't real and only 3 people had actually paid to see them, they were angry. However they used it as a learning experience to better themselves and their band.

Kids And Money

As we watched the documentary on Kids and Money, we were able to see the relationship between the kids and teens in middle and high school and their need to wear expensive jewelry, clothes, drive expensive cars and in general, look rich. Although i do not live in a community were most teens feel the same way, i am able to understand because i am aware that looks definitely leave a first impression. Most of the kids in the video were spoiled little brats i must say. Its amazing to me that they don't understand that not all of their parents are rich and get angry when they would rather put food on the table rather than buy new and expensive clothes for them. I was able to relate more with the few who understood that and tried to provide or do what they could for their family. Maybe some of these kids were just spoiled but im sure that most of them are the way they are, because society shapes them that way. Society plays such a huge role in who we are as we grow up.

"My Brown Eyes" by Alexander Amador

Alex is a poor, young guy living in the ghetto with gang activity and death all around him. Just like the brother who he looks up to, he gets involved into a gang. Even though his brother had been arrested, his older brother takes care of there mom, which is the main reason why Alex respects him so much and wants to be like him. Although Ales does not want to end up like his brother, he still wants to take care of his mom and be there for the only people who have taken care of him. He will be able to feel like a man if he can acomplish all this.

"Curve" by Alison Smith

Alison is 16 years old hates her body not because she is overweight, but because she is too skinny and can't gain weight. She is always hearing people say that they are too fat when to her, they have perfect bodies. a little bit of fat is good for you. She says that it is a curse to be so skinny, because she can't talk to other people about her problem. all they will tell her is that she's crazy. This story definitley shows that everyone sees imperfection in their bodies. She would give anything just to have a few curves.

"Sleeves" by Amy Hunt

Amy Hunt is 16 andis caught in concerned about her looks because of her wieght. She is self conscious because she can always here people mocking her and making fun of her behind her back. She starts to put herself down so that if she puts herself down then other people's words wont hurt as bad. She even thinks that her friends only want to hang out with her either so they will feel better about themselves of because they feel bad for her.

Personal Narrative: Where I'm From

What Matters Most to Me

When asked what matters most to them, many will reply, “my family” or “my friends”, however I feel that it is so much more than that. While my family and friends do mean the world to me, I think it is true happiness and satisfaction with your life that matters most; doing things because it makes you happy—not worrying about what anyone else thinks. Several years ago my parents were divorced and as it crippled the family’s spirits, we soon came to realize that it was for the best. A painful situation was made for the better because both of my parents felt free and were themselves, more content. I say true happiness is most important because if one is truly satisfied with his or her life others are bound to follow. I guess you could say that the happiness of my family gave my own life true satisfaction.

My L.A.

Growing up, no I did not live in Los Angeles, and although I did not live too far either, I may as well have been all the way across the country. I grew up in Simi Valley, Ventura County, California. I lived there in my own little world where nothing happened and no one cared, until I was 13 when my parents were divorced. My mom and I moved out to Northridge in the middle of my 8th grade year and I immediately fell in love with “The Valley”. Not only that, I fell in love with all of Los Angeles. I was finally able to experience the ethnic, economic and cultural diversity that I had craved for so long in Simi Valley where everyone was rich, Mormon, and white. It seemed to me that I was finally able to be a real part of a real society. Now with my occasional trip to various states, I’ve come to the conclusion that L.A. has THE WORST traffic of any place on this planet (maybe with the exception of New York) yet for some reason I love it. I’m the type of person that loves to “people-watch” and I’ve discovered that people do some pretty interesting things when sitting in traffic. There are always the people on their Blue-tooth that look like they are talking to themselves, the women that are putting on their makeup with one eye shut and mouth open as if they’re completely shocked and giving you the stink eye at the same time. I see the men that shave in their cars, the men who rock out in their cars with the windows up because they are probably listening to Kelly Clarkson, the women that groom themselves, the couples that fight, the couples that make out, the groups of friends talking and laughing. While I do enjoy the sites, the opportunities and of course the climate, what I have fallen in love with is the diversity of L.A.—Russian, Korean, Black and Italian. Buddhist, Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Jewish. Rock, Jazz, Country, and Rap. Republican, Libertarian, Democratic, and Independent. All of it is so beautiful and it’s amazing to me that so many different cultures and beliefs could coexist in one community.

"My So Called Life"

In the episode of "My So Called Life" that we watched in class, we get a close look into the life of a high school girl named Angela. We as the audience see the trouble that she has with her friends and family, however both have to do with fitting in. She sees that everyone has certain expectaions of her--her mom, dad, old best friend, new best friends, even teachers. It is not until the end of the episode where she realizes that her mom only wants the best for her and that her dad does not meet the expectations that the family has for him.

It's a NewGeneration, Get Over it...

This morning I got out of my best friend’s Altima, blasting “I’m Me” by Lil Wayne, in front of 7eleven so I could get my morning coffee. Standing in front of me, waiting to get into his truck, was an older man probably about 60 years old. Trying to be polite, I quickly got out of his way, smiled sweetly and said, “Good morning.” He showed no emotion which would have had no effect on me had he not rolled his eyes as he passed. Now normally, I’d think that this man was just having a bad day, or maybe didn’t particularly appreciate the fact that was in his way, however incidents like this seem to happen several times a month, and more often when I step out of a car with more than one friend.
Is it the nose ring or the multiple piercings up and down my ears? The music? My dirty converse? Even the fact that I should probably be on my merry way to my educational calling? Whatever it is, when that man rolled his eyes, he was probably thinking “Back in my day, even teenagers showed respect,” because I get a daily dose of those words from the adults in my family.
Now I know that most people whether they know it or not, make judgments on what they see, but can they really expect me to hop out of an old Cadillac, wearing a poodle skirt and shinny new saddle shoes, listening to Perry Como? I’ve noticed that the people who do tend to judge are usually older adults and I’m probably not the only one who gets the roll of the eyes, the frown, or the stink eye. Many adults tend to generalize teenagers and they think we are all delinquents. I do understand that there are some that seem to ruin it for the rest of us, but really, that doesn’t mean that we all wait till midnight to spread the walls with graffiti, or go hang out with friends just to drink, make noise and smoke out.
And c’mon, they were our age at one time, maybe it was over a million years ago, but it was at one time. They should understand the pressures of being a teenager and that we are not all the same, in fact most of us are only looking for understanding and a path to follow. To all the adults who generalize us teenagers, all I can say is that I am not trying to rebel, I am not trying to spite you, and I surely am not trying to trying to disrespect you. We aren’t “back in YOUR day”; it’s a new generation, get over it.

Response to Jenna's Story

When I read Jenna’s story, I was actually surprised at how alike our thoughts were. Of course finance and mortgages, etc., should not be on the mind of teenagers today with the exception of lunch and maybe a car payment if you are lucky enough to drive. I think that most teenagers do think about these things but do not discuss them because the current state of the economy has either affected their parents, siblings or other people close to them. Although I do not drive, I am searching for a job so I will be able to afford a car, insurance and gas. When my friends go out to eat, the first thing that escapes my mouth, is “where” because I usually only carry enough to pay for a small fast food lunch maybe once or twice a week. Every day I think to myself, how am I ever going to afford this? Just as most of the population, my parents are not rich, and I do not have a large fund waiting for me in the bank; so how am I going to be expected to pay for a car, college, food, housing, and maybe the occasional, want or whim. I am so glad to hear that a teenager spoke up about the problem and hopefully there is a solution to the crisis by the time I have entered college.

"I AM FROM"

I am from daisies,
The white and the pink ones.
I am from converse;
From rock and from alternative.
I am from the lioness,
The one that guards her young.
I am from coffee,
That is what keeps me living.
I am from chicken noodle soup
The book and the food.
I am from aliens,
At least that’s what me sister tells me.
I am from nail polish,
And lip gloss and eyeliner.
I am from the cheap and the poor,
But still from the rich and the wealthy.
I am from a family of hundreds,
And see them nearly every weekend.
I am from braces,
And now I can smile.
I am from Ford;
From Honda and Chevrolet.
I am from football;
The Cowboys hold my heart.
I am from Mexican food,
Also Italian and sushi.
I am from Simi;
The Valley of white trash.
I am from spring;
From summer, winter and fall.
I am from toe socks,
But only the striped ones.
I am from Steve Madden,
Most definitely a shoe genius.
I am from a pen and paper
There, my deepest thoughts lye.
I am from the sunlight
Though I’m out in the moonlight
I am from Nirvana,
The White Stripes and Metallica.
I am from Legends,
Of the brave and the bold.
I am from a broken family,
But I still push on.

Unreal--Playlist Poem

I’m just a girl
I love the color pink and daisies too.
I have reason to believe that love is a fairytale
Even if magic isn’t part of the deal.
I’m just a girl
But don’t get it twisted.
Tomorrow I’ll be gone
It was great while it lasted.
I’m just a girl
Who says you can’t trust me?
Girls gossip and talk
But hey, let’s take a walk.
I’m just a girl
No doubt about it
I’ll give you the cold shoulder
Don’t think I won’t commit.
I’m just a girl
My thoughts are often dreams
I don’t have a clue in the world
At least that’s what it seems.
I’m just a girl
I’m counting blue cars
Seems almost as pointless
As counting the stars
I’m just a girl
And all i do is think about is you
My mind is inside out
So tell me what we’re gonna do.
I’m just a girl
I must be in love
Laws of gravity don’t apply
Did I mention you’re all I think of?
I’m just a girl
And now you just think I’m a bitch
But no one really knows
The fun we had when we’d ditch.
I’m just a girl
And I feel like you hate me
Nine days ago you love me back
And know you can’t even look at me.
I’m just a girl
And tomorrow I’ll be gone
It really was great while it lasted
Remember when we used to vacation?
I’m just a girl
And now it’s closing time
But I can’t get a grip
It’s felt like a lifetime.
I’m just a girl
It’s a beautiful day
The sun is out, the grass is green
You even said hello to me, this morning in the hallway.

The Final Remake!!!

" What Truthines Taught Me About Being (Un)Cool" by Sarah Schelde

Sarah Schelde had just discovered a new obsession along with Harry Potter: The Colbert Report. Stephen Colbert, host of the Colbert Report not only reports the most recent and important news, but he also does it with a touch of satire (ok maybe its more than just a touch of satire.) His idea of "truthiness", where the real truth is what you believe to be true, not just what is presented with facts, is what she now lives here life by.

"We Stood in Line at Ellis Island for This?" by Paul Feig

The Narrator begins by giving an example that just about everyone could relate to or remember form childhood: humorous nicknames related to body parts or sexual orentations created from names that sound someone alike. Pual Feig however went through elementary and middle school being called "Fig Newton" from the cookie with a funny song attatched. He later learns though that other people had it worse. Bottom line: children can be cruel.

"Be Kind, Rewind"

This comedy with Jack Black, Mos Def, and Danny Glover, focuses on trying to make an accident right again. Mike who works at Elroy's video rental shop called Be Kind, Rewind, has a friend Jerry who has unexpectedly become magnetized and accidentally erases all the videos while Elroy is out--even though Elroy gave strict rules to keep Jerry out. As people still want to rent movies, Jerry and Mike recreate the movies with a hilarioius twist. When Elroy's shop is about to be seized by the bank, the videos that Jerry and Mike made become popular and they raise money to keep the shop.

Response To "Son of Rambow"

"Son of Rambow" is the story of a boy Will who cannot seem to fit in due to the fact that his family's religion does not allow him to do a whole lot (including watching tvand listening to music). When he becomes friends with one of the school's trouble makers Carter, he is exposed to a version of "Rambo" and his thoughts begin to revolve around imagination and fairytale ideas. Carter's friends idea to create a remake of "Rambo" transforms into "The Son of Rambow" that no one else is supposed to know about until until the foreign french boy wants in. Throughout the making of their movie, the boys become close friends and eventually "bloodbrothers" who completely disregard the consequeses of their actions. Their connection reflects a theme of friendship through tough times and that family is there for yoiu no matter what.