|
These are strange times in America and in our world for that matter. It is only natural that teenagers are so confused.
Adolescents have an unreasonable need to succeed. The result of this leads to many different roads. Some actually do succeed
and some do not.
2000 years ago almost all adolescents knew they were going to be a farmer. Those were simpler times. Today everything is
specialized and farmers are few. Many kids (my cousin) are told from when they are born they are going to have some lucrative
occupation like doctor or lawyer. 500 years ago there were very few schools much less standardized tests. After kids take
such tests and do well they are praised and told that one day they will have opportunities. While those who do poorly are
a select few called special. So part of the need to succeed is not just in school but on tests.
Our media is everywhere and it is virtually impossible to escape. American kids are told since they are babies that they
have to do well in school and then they are continuously surrounded by distractions. Many students spend time on the internet
on their own site (myspace, xanga,face book) , than studying. Then when they start to slip they make a conscious decision
to cheat which is the much easier road that sometimes never catches up to them, so they keep cheating. Everyone knows that
this country is behind in math and sciences but it is not because the kids are stupid it is because of the environment. In
other countries the only job students do is study and there are no distractions whatsoever to hinder that job. All kids are
is just a reflection of the society and environment they live in. This country is impatient and needs instant results.
I'll update this site frequently, so make sure to check back.
|
