+++ Stereotypes: Your Story Untold Until Now +++ By: David Paulson Do you ever feel like your voice is being ignored because of your age? Are you struggling with the same problems most other teenagers in America are facing? Think of the possibilities our society could achieve if simply adults would pay better attention to the youth of our nation. I have had countless ignorant adults tell me that I am incompetent because I am too young to understand any given issue. Does this kind of unfair treatment sound familiar? Then you are probably being victimized by stereotypical adults. In last weeks article on teen issues I mentioned the extravaganza of the media and advertisement corporations and how it directly creates an identity crisis among teenagers. There is a fine line between how advertisement, the media, and adults can cause detriment in your life. For example I mentioned that it is a good practice to heed the advice of elderly folks, but it is only fair that they in return listen to you! There will be much better understanding on the equilibrium. First off, I want to use myself as an example because I have had success reaching out to all age groups on humanitarian fairness. There have been many trial and errors that I have had to live through in order to reach this point. It isn’t easy! The most important thing that you can do if you have an idea that you want to be heard is study, STUDY, STUDY!!! The more knowledge you gain by researching your subject of study, the more resources you have to base your facts and arguments. This seems like a simple concept, but it works. You have to educate yourself! Schools are already becoming victimized by money hungry corporations that donate funds for advertisement props. The education that you are getting is oriented around a work force that learns how to survive in life by working for large corporations. If you really want to be heard, you have to teach yourself to work for society by working for yourself. That in itself will give you an independent name and identity that can be respected. If you are simply not having success, try creating or joining an organization that supports your ideology. When you add many voices together, you get one hell of a voice! There is power in standing up for what you believe in. When you have faith, others will listen. It is a beautiful picture to see a crowd of listeners stand hypnotized by a heart felt speech. So whatever you do, do not give up!! You have to be dependant on yourself… I don’t know how many times I will have to stress that. Having support is important, but if you are surrounded and don’t have any support, wait for another opportunity. Maybe teenagers will never have the status of full respect that an adult offers towards another adult from the get-go, but much can be accomplished by following my simple advice. Sometimes it is necessary to keep your fellow teenagers in check. If you hang in there and continue to pursue your own voice that is struggling to be heard, you will find that before you know it you are wise beyond your years! Click here to read about other issues we've featured in the past

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