Ask The Teenager II ! [Archive] - Straight Dope Message Board

Lawmill

04-09-2001, 04:35 PM

-12th grader at a Bay Area school of 1600
-experience with several sports
-no advanced classes
-760 verbal SAT
-going to UC-Santa Cruz next year

What's the deal with those big pants?

People wear them because they're cool.
Why are they cool? Dunno, maybe they're supposed to be "prison style" or something.

and whats with the hair?

Short hair is really popular where I live. It's easier to deal with, cheaper to cut, and is popular among twentyish celebrities.

Have you started saving for your retirement yet?

I have about $40k in an account earning about 6%, but that'll probably go towards school. My income is so small that I think I'd be better off if I start saving once I have a real job.

What's with you kids and your drugs and your rock and roll music?

Just trying to piss off old people while taking advantage of our healthy bodies and lack of a reputation to tarnish.

Do teenagers still start smoking "to be cool?"

It seems like an easy way to make friends. Loan a cigarette, huddle behind the gym together, bitch about how the parents are keeping you down. The people I know who smoke are not exactly the popular kids, but I've never asked them whether they thought it was cool.

Davidbw1

04-09-2001, 05:23 PM

I too am a teenager and to tell you the truth....i don't have answers to any of those questions, except the retirement on to which i say "I'm still saving up for a friggin car, why the BEEP should i be thinking about retirement now?

AETBOND417

04-09-2001, 07:07 PM

-10th grade
-International Baccalaureate (advanced classes)
-School of about 3,000 (race breakdown similar to entire USA)
-Central Florida

Re: smoking
I've known kids who've taken up smoking to gain friends. I think drinking is still the most abused substance among high school youth.

Re: clothing/hair
The majority of the people at my school wear similar clothing. The Abercrombie & Fitch polo/shorts combo is popular among males. Girls style changes too frequently for this post to accurately reflect upon the issue.

Re: stuff old folks complain about
You did it when you were a kid. Heck, where do you think we got the idea for the last Woodstock?

Re: saving up the cash
I, too, have savings bonds and mutual funds. I'm banking (heh) on a scholarship for college, so this money will hopefully go untapped.

sk8rixtx

04-09-2001, 09:16 PM

-11th Grade
-Taking College Prep Classes
-School of 600
-The "Sticks" of Connecticut

Just posting my qualifications. I wanna be a part of the Teen Task Force too.

tak29813

04-09-2001, 09:37 PM

Do you hate your parents?

Does anyone older than 21 understand what it is like?

What was the last "classic" that a mean old English teacher made oyu read?

ellimac007

04-09-2001, 09:59 PM

What's the deal with those big pants?
Just like your bellbottoms or the 80's fad of the shield of hairspray, our baggy pants and crazy hair is just a fad. One day it will move on...
Have you started saving for your retirement yet?
Uhm... NO! What happens if i died tomorrow? All that money i would have saved up- GONE! I do have about 1,000 to my name, and my grandmother has a whole seperate account she enters money into... but other than that, no. I spend my money to go on trips, I started an online clothing store with my sister, retirement is not on my mind. If I become as successful as I hope to be, then i won't need to worry about retirement money.
Do you hate your parents?
Hell no. I love them dearly, sometimes they severely piss me off because they don't seem to know the pressures of today's youth, but I know that at one time, they felt the pressures too.
What was the last "classic" that a mean old English teacher made oyu read?
Oooh, Billy Budd by Herman Melville. Man, o man, I could tell you ANYTHING and EVERYTHING about that book!
whats with the hair?

[QUOTE]
Short hair is really popular where I live. It's easier to deal with, cheaper to cut, and is popular among twentyish celebrities.
Its the exact opposite here, shaggy shaggy hair...

Queen Isabella

04-09-2001, 10:06 PM

• Is 8th grade as hellish as it was when I was a kid, back in the Taft administration?

Hmmm... we have drunks and potheads running around, people losing their virginity on a daily basis, the occasional bomb threat, underage drivers stealing their parents' cars in the middle of the night and killing themselves (true story), people bringing guns to school, and the constant pressure to be "cool." I'd say it's a pretty hellish place.

• Why the heck did you choose to name yourself after an insane evil bitch like Queen Isabella? Unless you mean Isabella of Hainut or one of the other French consorts . . .

I named myself after an insane evil bitch because I am an insane evil bitch. Bwhahahahaha.

• Do teenagers still start smoking "to be cool?"

I'm sure that's the reason for lots of them, but the people I know that smoke aren't the kind of people who feel like they need to be cool. Lots of them started out of curiousity.

Do you hate your parents?

At times, but the relationship seems to have gotten better.

Does anyone older than 21 understand what it is like?

My parents sure don't seem to, I'll tell ya that.

What was the last "classic" that a mean old English teacher made oyu read?

To Kill a Mockingbird, and we're about to start the Oddessey. (did I spell that right?)

I'm not going to have access to a computer for the next 5 days, but I don't think that will be a problem, seeing as there are plenty of other qualified teenagers here that will be happy to answer your questions.

Strainger

04-09-2001, 10:21 PM

Why are all you whippersnappers in better investment plans than I am? Why can't you all just go smoke or drink or do drugs or something?

Nocturne

04-09-2001, 10:37 PM

Not to take any of Garf's limelight, but I'm available for questioning, too.

Qualifications:

12th grader at a small high school (500 or so) in rural Alabama.
What few honors courses we've had, I've taken.
A few very serious relationship, several not-so-serious.
General noncomformist, pseudo-rebel.

Any questions?

(The last classic I read was The Mayor of Casterbridge, but I read it of my own free will.)

Lawmill

04-09-2001, 10:41 PM

Do you hate your parents?

Hmm, I disagree with their judgment on many things. I think that they should be more accomodating to someone who is 18 and has a spotless record. I think I would probably be less controlling with my children.

Does anyone older than 21 understand what it is like?

Sure, although I think that the older a person is, the more likely they are to prejudge or stereotype. Then again, we give just as much as we get.

What was the last "classic" that a mean old English teacher made oyu read?

I'm in Literature of Sport, so we don't read anything that could be called a classic. In Honors English last semester: Oedipus Rex, Cyrano de Bergerac, Night, Hamlet, Macbeth, and Crime & Punishment; as well as a few others. I read lots of stuff for fun. The Autobiography of Malcolm X and Cryptonomicon are two I've my favorites and have both been read at least six or seven times.

The district requires several books. I think that pisses off the teachers even more than it does us.

For the most part, my teachers have been fair and kind. Although, about 10 percent are either out to make things as easy as possible for themselves or take out their painful childhood memories by pushing us around.

AwSnappity

04-09-2001, 10:42 PM

Sophomore at the most expensive HS in Illinois
Argumentative!
Not afraid to offend.
Dislikes women in general (no girl power here, folks)
Pretty damn smart, but I act like a ditz.
Rarely ever says anything positive.
Talks. A lot.
Hates being the same as anyone else.
Anal about grammar/spelling/punctuation.
Doesn't give a damn what anyone thinks about her.

Queen Isabella, I wish I was as cool as you when I was in 8th grade! :)

About the baggy pants:
Mostly, it's the guys who wear them. Most teenage boys also wear boxers. Boxers are uncomfortable in tighter pants (I know from experience) so the baggy pants give them plenty of room so the boxer legs aren't all bunched up and uncomfy.

About the hair:
What about the hair? Didn't know it was so darn offensive.

Do I hate my parents?
Boy, that's a hard question to answer. My dad is generally pretty cool. My mom and I have our good days and our bad days...

Well, my short teenage attention span has kicked in. I'm outta here until tomorrow, folks!

andygirl

04-09-2001, 10:47 PM

Teenagers. Sheesh.

HeyHomie

04-10-2001, 07:58 AM

Do you ever worry that your school might become the next Columbine?

puddleglum

04-10-2001, 08:18 AM

Would it kill you to turn the music down? I mean come on!

MissBHaven

04-10-2001, 08:32 AM

What could your parents do to help? With school, friends, personal issues, etc...?

SoMoMom

04-10-2001, 09:41 AM

I currently have a 7 3/4 year old. (That's the way she puts it. :)) At this time our drug talks consist of me looking at her and saying, "Don't do drugs. OK?" Maybe occasionally pointing out a stoned or drunk person as an example of why not to do drugs. (Nobody ever even mentioned it to me, so I figure I'm at least one step ahead with her.) When should I start the serious talks? Do you think it's better to lie about ever having tried drugs or tell her the truth including exactly why I don't do drugs anymore?

Don't do drugs - Frances McDormand Almost Famous

ellimac007

04-10-2001, 01:46 PM

What could your parents do to help? With school, friends, personal issues, etc...?
My parents are very supportive and know when to back off of me. They are there for me when I need to talk about personal problems and I know they are concerned for me so i feel comfortable telling them stuff. Sometimes, though they almost try to get too much information on topics i just am not comfortable talking about. Thats when i tell them to back off, and let me try to figure things out.

Do you think it's better to lie about ever having
tried drugs or tell her the truth including exactly why I don't do drugs anymore?
Defintely NOT. Do not lie about ever doing drugs. Come clean, tell her what and when and why not anymore. Tell her everything, don't keep any secrets. I am tempted now to ask my mother and father certain things like when they lost their virginity, but cant due to the gross factor... But if you were to tell her what you did and why you dont anymore, it would let her know you can relate to her and she might be able to understand when you freak out if she were to do that stuff.

Garfield226

04-10-2001, 01:59 PM

Columbine:
Somewhat. I don't think about it all that much, but our school doesn't have many security measures AT ALL, so I do think it definitely COULD happen. I don't really worry about it too much, but I think about it rationally as a possibility.

Music:
Actually, I blew out one of my speakers in my car back when I first got it, and ever since then, I've been careful not to play it too loud. Most teenagers though, I agree with you about.

Parents:
I don't know. I'm at the point where I think I know everything. Not really, but I really would rather try things how I want to try them. Mainly, I guess, let me do things I want to do unless you have a REALLY good reason not to (and "because" isn't a REALLY good reason).
Also, when I want to be left alone, leave me alone. Other than that, I don't know.

Serious talks:
I'm not extremely experienced in this area as my parents apparently don't believe in serious talks. I have NEVER been given a serious talk about anything (drinking, drugs, sex, etc.), although they may figure that the way they've raised me (going to church, always telling them where I am and stuff like that) speaks for itself. Largely it has, and I haven't done anything really bad. Depends on the kid. I figure you should wait until at least middle school.

Lying in serious talks:
I say give information by request. Don't volunteer it unless it comes up. IF it comes up, DO NOT lie.

tiny ham

04-10-2001, 02:16 PM

Originally posted by AETBOND417
Re: stuff old folks complain about
You did it when you were a kid. Heck, where do you think we got the idea for the last Woodstock?

Which part? The part where you set everything on fire and robbed ATM's or the part where you raped women in the mosh pit?

Seriously though. I have a question as I'm a little bitter towards teenagers at the moment.

Is it possible, just remotely, that I may know a tiny bit more about the basics of psychology than you, seeing as I studied it in college and you took one class of it in highschool?

OK, that was mean...here's a real question...and it's just because I'm 28 and I have a crush on a seventeen year old.

If I, just for fun, told this kid (a friend of the family) that I thought he was gorgeous and had a fun, innocent crush on him...would I be laughed at by his little crew for the rest of time, or would that be a nice compliment?

jarbaby

Garfield226

04-10-2001, 05:02 PM

jarbaby:
It's ok, you could have just TOLD me you had a crush on me, rather than revealing it to the whole message board, but whatever works. . .

Seriously though, if you're the type of person he and his friends would go out with (excepting the age difference and family friendship if those would be problems), I don't think you'd have a problem. Even if you're not, and he's a nice guy, I'm thinking he'd take it as a compliment (I know I would, anyway) but maybe not tell his friends if he thought they might make fun of him (or you).

Lawmill

04-10-2001, 05:24 PM

Do you ever worry that your school might become the next Columbine?

Not at all. The press hypes it up but it doesn't happen much and there isn't much the school can realistically do to prevent it.

Would it kill you to turn the music down? I mean come on!

Music definitely sounds better when it's loud. I think that older folks would play their music loud too if no one knew. Seeing as I have no reputation, don't know 99% of the people I see, and will probably live somewhere else for the rest of my life; I will enjoy my music at whatever volume is reasonable. My only concession is turning it down at stoplights.

What could your parents do to help? With school, friends, personal issues, etc...?

Stay out of the small things, give me advice on the big things. Set a good example while acknowledging that they aren't perfect. Have realistic expectations and let me make my own decisions.

If I, just for fun, told this kid (a friend of the family) that I thought he was gorgeous and had a fun, innocent crush on him...would I be laughed at by his little crew for the rest of time, or would that be a nice compliment?

If you weren't really weird or ugly, it would definitely be a compliment. He wouldn't be embarrassed, he would probably tell everyone he knew.

If you want to have a serious relationship, that might be dicey. You probably have a very different life and I don't think it would be a very even relationship.

Grim_Beaker

04-10-2001, 05:43 PM

When I think about the phrase "teenagers think they know everything" I think back to my own teenage years and my perspective during that time period. While I certainly knew that I didn't have the worlds knowledge stored in my brain I firmly believed in the accuracy of what I knew (what I thought I knew) and I thought that I had a very good grasp on moral issues (i.e. I could decisively say what was right, what was wrong, who was right, who was wrong, etc.).

The older I get the less sure I am of things that I "know", issues (scientific, ethical, financial, etc.) seem more and more shaded with subtlety and nuance. It seems sometimes as though theres an exception or incompleteness to every rule, classification, thought process, system, philosophy, etc.

So, to the questions...

1. How certain are you of what you "know"?

2. How do you grade what your parents "know" about life issues (drugs, sex, education, money, relationships, etc.)?

3. How do you grade what your friends "know" about life issues (drugs, sex, education, money, relationships, etc.)?

4. To what extent does your peer group influence your behavior?

Grim

Garfield226

04-10-2001, 06:07 PM

What I know:
I agree with you that while I don't know about everything, the things I know about are pretty set. I can look at things with an open mind, but once I've learned something, it's there. I've questioned the religion I've been brought up in, and as a result, it made me stronger in that religion. I've questioned the importance of grades that had been inculcated into my very being from age 5, and that led to a realization that there are other facets to being a successful person. So, while I'm sure of a lot of things that I know, I'm still able to look at things with an open mind.

What my parents know:
They know tons. Way more than I do. About THEIR lives, THEIR experiences, THEIR world. While some of that carries over into how things are now, a lot of it doesn't. The problem comes when they are SURE of what they know (about their world) and I am SURE of what I know (about my world) and those things conflict.

What my peers know:
Being in advanced classes, I have exposure to the more intelligent teenagers in my highschool, and I think a lot of their feelings are comparable to my feelings and opinions. A lot of teengers, however, I feel have more "street smarts" kind of knowledge and less philosophical or cultural type knowledge, they may be less able to question what they've been taught, and to take it to an extreme, to think for themselves.

Peer group influencing behavior:
It influences my behavior some, it influences others' behavior IMMENSELY. I act basically the same in most environments, except sometimes for those in which I feel comfortable with my surroundings. When I feel comfortable, I let go a little more. School, church, at the mall, at home even, I act generally the same. However, this may not be a good indicator of most teenagers, as I discovered two of my peers from church, when in other situations (non-church related) act COMPLETELY different from the whay they act in church. Completely different meaning swearing, laughing at people, talking badly about people, acting in a mean way, etc. I think it just depends on the person, but I'm betting I'm in the minority in this case.

ellimac007

04-10-2001, 06:48 PM

Would it kill you to turn the music down?
i am a culprit of this. When i hear a REALLY good song or just as i drive, i am continually turning up the volume of the stereo. I dont even relize how loud it is...
It is just SO much better to sing along when you are sure your voice is drowned out. :)

nashiitashii

04-10-2001, 07:40 PM

Credentials:
*junior in high school
*attending small college preparatory school on partial scholarship
*some honors classes, some regular classes, one AP course
*south florida [anyone ever heard of boca raton? I live thisclose to it]

Clothing issues: People tend to follow what's popular and what's popular is based upon convenience for certain members of society. There are about half a dozen reasons why different kinds of teenagers started wearing baggy pants. Some range from the amount of space to store things to other little "interesting" reasons. Personally, I think girls dress funny these days and would like to refrain further comment on the way the fellow members of my sex like to parade themselves around, but I've got a question for you: why do most if not all people over 60 or so wear their pants up to their breasts/chests?
saving for retirement: It'd be nice if I had themoney to do that now but I don't have a job unless you count mooching off my parents. Just remember that whatever money they take out of my paycheck for social security is never going to make it to me with the way they're spending it nowadays.
drugs/rock and roll: We still do crazy stuff in this day and age, just like you did. I personally don't use narcotics, but I do drink socially. Now, on to the music: our music is just an evolution of the music of your time. Get over it if you don't like it. :)
1. How certain are you of what you "know"?Everyone knows different things because they see the world from different perspectives. I just happen to be telling you what I know from my POV.

How do you grade what your parents "know" about life issues (drugs, sex, education, money, relationships, etc.)?I think my mom's pretty clueless and so is my dad. I think I learned about sex from my older brothers and from books mostly. I know that I will try to keep informed for my possible offspring.

How do you grade what your friends "know" about life issues (drugs, sex, education, money, relationships, etc.)?Some of them are clueless in some of those areas, and others are very learned. I will tell you one thing: I've had to explain sexual stuff and relationship stuff to people way too many times over lunch/dinner with friends. Never make me talk about the G-spot in the middle of a crowded restaurant again please.

To what extent does your peer group influence your behavior? Not really. I do tend to do silly stuff and important stuff of my own volition, but I guess the weirder things that are safe are from influence of friends.

KarlGrenze

04-10-2001, 08:11 PM

Credentials:

*Senior at a public high school of about 500-600 students
*Taken classes at the University of _____

What was the last "classic" that a mean old English teacher made oyu read?

The Great Gatzby...

Retirement Money: I have none...unless you count the $600 or so I have on a bank account.

How do you grade what your parents "know" about life issues (drugs, sex, education, money, relationships, etc.)? Pretty much...(part of the reasons I have for not trying drugs/alcohol, etc....I KNOW they will found out about it)

To what extent does your peer group influence your behavior? Me...not much, everytime they try to, it ends with sweet and sour results. But peer pressure sure influences other people at my school.

Would it kill you to turn the music down? Depends on the music...most music I listen with the volume turned down, but when I hear some classic (for me) like "Hotel California" or "Hey Jude"...well...I feel the need to turn the volume up

Do you ever worry that your school might become the next Columbine?

No...I am part of the outcasts, and no one around has the feel, urge, to do that, or the weapons to do it.

Serious talks: Parents don't lie. If you do not want to say it directly...at least hint it, or name it in some other way...but dont say you did not use drugs when you in fact did.

Do teenagers still start smoking "to be cool?"

I do not know about smoking, but I know about drinking...and all I say...bunch of ^@#$! Also, smoking weed, they start to be cool...same note as with the drinkers.

Galaxiastar

04-10-2001, 09:20 PM

My credentials
9th grader in a school of a bout 1200
In debate, Thespians(a theatre thing)
play lacrosse
am opinionated
plus I am basically an observer of our school, since I don't
like to interact with most of the people.

What was the last "classic" that a mean old English teacher made oyu read?

Inherit the wind

How do you grade what your parents "know" about life issues (drugs, sex, education, money, relationships, etc.)?

I think my mom has a pretty good grip of what I do and don't do, (I don't really do anything bad so not much to tell,) but I know there are some thing she has no idea about

Would it kill you to turn the music down?
I really don't listen to my music loud, but the guy I ride with in the morning wired his car just to listen for loud music. In my school, I think it just is a status thing. Loud car=cool.

Do you ever worry that your school might become the next Columbine?

Constantly. I school has the exact same problems, the taunting, special treatmeant of the jocks, no punishments for verbal assault, extreme cliques. Plus, I am one of the "outsiders" and the first thing I thought after I heard all the details about Columbine (in 7th grade) was "I am not suprised. Mabye this will get through their heads. Sad thing though, the reaction in middle school was "Big deal. It didn't happen here."

Do teenagers still start smoking "to be cool?"
Alot of my friends smoke (I never can, my mom can smell anything on my clothes) and I think thet to it just to fit in, and also they smoke because they are depressed and stressed.

Do you hate your parents?

Right not, I am in a big "fight of wills" with my dad, he calls me too liberal a thinker, and liberals will be the downfall of us all, and I say he is a anal-retentive jerk who needs to realize sometimes the enviroment is almost as important as the oil under it. But, no, I don't hate them.

The clothes deal.

The clothes are rebellion in my view. I go to school in one of the richest parts in my state. Most of the parents are uber-conservative. Kids like to tick parents of in little ways. Clothes is one of the. So is hair. So they dress in baggy clothes and dye their hair. It almost seems my school is all blonde somedays.

Lawmill

04-10-2001, 09:57 PM

1. How certain are you of what you "know"?

2. How do you grade what your parents "know" about life issues (drugs, sex, education, money, relationships, etc.)?

3. How do you grade what your friends "know" about life issues (drugs, sex, education, money, relationships, etc.)?

4. To what extent does your peer group influence your behavior?

1. Most of the things I "know" are either factual or based on my life experiences so far. When I have new experiences, my outlook will change. Whenever you first start learning about something, it seems simple. Everything worth thinking about is filled with tough choices and contradictions.

2. They want to do things their way and aren't very open minded. Logic and other yummy things don't work too well. Whether they're driven by wisdom or arrogance is beyond me.

3. We're still at an age when we don't have to worry about major things. Different friends have different views and had different opportunities.

4. I'm pretty stubborn. My friends accept my major decisions, but small things are definitely argued over. Because 90% of them have no stake in my life after this year they don't have a stake in my success or failure, so they're usually pretty honest.

Dark Lord Davidson

04-10-2001, 10:04 PM

*Senior at a public school of 1500 in suburban Connecticut
*In all honors classes, one AP
*Attending University of Connecticut in the fall
*Varsity member of the track team (shot put and discus)

What was the last "classic" that a mean old English teacher made you read?

The Divine Comedy by Dante, which I loved. And my teacher isn't mean or old - he's the best English teacher I've ever had.

How do you grade what your parents "know" about life issues (drugs, sex, education, money, relationships, etc.)?

I'd have to say that my parents are rather clueless. They still consider teenage life to be akin to when they were teenagers, even though it is much different now (in a manner of speaking). Thankfully I don't smoke (although I do occasionally puff the ganja and drink). I get excellent grades, held down a job that I quit for track season (though I do have a tidy bundle in the bank) and am generally a good kid.

Do you ever worry that your school might become the next Columbine?

I have my worries, yes. However, I'm confident in the astronomically small possibility it will happen.

Would it kill you to turn the music down?

Yes. Loud music is good.

Do teenagers still start smoking "to be cool?"

Yep. And I seriously believe that's the ONLY reason they do it.

Do you hate your parents?

Most of the time, as I can be an angel and they'll still complain my halo isn't polished enough. You get the idea.

The clothes deal.

Don't ask me - I wear khakis and Hawaiian shirts. To be cool? Nope. It's my personal style. However, I do think that a lot of people wear certain clothes to "fit in", such as the A&E and Abercrombie crew, along with the "all black vampire-teeth 18th century goth" crew.

AwSnappity

04-10-2001, 10:45 PM

Columbine:
I am not really scared of violence in our school; however, I try not to be as mean to people if they push me in the hallway (a frequent occurance at our overcrowded school) or step on my heels or something.

Last "classic" I had to read for class:
Julius Caesar. I didn't hate it or like it.

How much my peer group influences me?
None! I go out of my way to be different. I love my friends, but I don't want to be anything like them. I also don't give a damn what anyone else thinks of me.

How certain am I of what I know?
I am more argumentative than certain, so I will defend anything until I'm completely humiliated. I'm weird like that.

Loud music
I actually hate when music is played too loudly. However, sometimes if I'm talking on the phone really late at night and I don't want my parents to hear that I'm still awake, I'll turn the radio on pretty loudly.

VenusGirlTrap

04-11-2001, 01:31 AM

As a long time lurker, I saw this thread and needed to register. While all these teenagers are great, they really don't reflect the majority of the teenage population. Most of them are in advanced classes and in clubs or church. Lets take a walk on the other side. I'm 19 and a freshman in college. I'm doing well, but I'm in classes that these other teenagers probably took years ago. My school is huge and my favorite thing to do on the weekend is get wasted, and when I'm sober my favorite thing to do is drive my wasted friends around (I will never drive drunk and don't trust my friends not to). As for the questions... My favorite is: "why do teenagers do drugs?" I would say most teenagers that do drugs are depressed, they want a way to forget about their troubles, and this is their way. Some kids go to church, some do drugs. Sure the first hit may be peer pressure, but I don't think many kids will stay with something they hate because of peer pressure. I'm a female, so the baggy pants is a tough one. I like them personally, nothing worse than a guy in a pair of nut huggers. I don't hate my parents at all, what would even give anyone that idea? And of course someone over 21 could relate to a teenager, they've only been out of the teenage years for 2 years themselves.

Living Dead Girl

04-11-2001, 05:47 AM

* Year 10 at a public school in Australia
* Academic scholorship for maths & science, average in most other classes
* Cheerleader. Don't laugh. :p
* Female

What was the last "classic" that a mean old English teacher made you read?

Weird thing, actually - we don't get made to read "old classics" much. Unless Go Ask Alice counts.

How do you grade what your parents "know" about life issues (drugs, sex, education, money, relationships, etc.)?

Quite a lot... but I don't know if that's neccessarily a good thing or not. Because of the basic knowledge they have, my mum especially tends to overreact to things - she knows drugs are bad, she knows the warning signs, so if I show the slightest signal that could mean I'm taking drugs, she'll freak out. And her worries are basically unfounded, too. They are a little naive about teenage relationships though... I'm 15, and they're still only just warming up to the idea of me having a boyfriend. Plus they don't seem to realise how much money I really need to buy clothes. ;)

Do you ever worry that your school might become the next Columbine?

No... I live in Australia, so I'm not too concerned.

Would it kill you to turn the music down?

Well, yeah. I mean, everyone else has it up this loud! ;)

Do teenagers still start smoking "to be cool?"

Some do, yeah. But not all. A lot of the kids I know who do were raised by smoking parents, so it's always been a part of their life... plus I for one have smoked once or twice, and it wasn't done to be cool, believe me.

Do you hate your parents?

It depends. My parents can be cool, but they're also extremely over-protective. One weird thing though - while most people are allowed to go where they like at my age, their parents normally frown on skimpy clothing, so they have to sneak out with something over top. But my parents let me wear whatever I like... it's just the going out that's the problem. <G>

The clothes deal.

I think this is more of an american thing too, but I could be wrong. Basically I'm a jeans and strappy top girl, so I doubt anyone could accuse me of being a fashion victim.

Peer group influence.

I personally am not too affected by what my peer group does. Neither are a lot of my friends. It could just be because I go to a good school, but I don't know.

cornflakes

04-11-2001, 06:21 AM

Fraser170

04-11-2001, 07:23 AM

Hey, another teenager to answer questions. My kinda CV thing:

- 14 in year 9 at an English school
- Spent 13 years of my life in Scotland
- I was also born there
- In a (hopefully) permanent relationship
- Experience in first love, etc
- Into "weird" music, Slipknot, Rage Against The Machine, Limp Bizkit (Significant Other and before) and Cypress Hill, etc.
- Willing to answer any and all questions, if I have the time!

Garfield226

04-11-2001, 12:33 PM

When do I get the award for "Thread that enticed the most lurkers to register"?

sk8rixtx

04-11-2001, 01:53 PM

Originally posted by Garfield226
When do I get the award for "Thread that enticed the most lurkers to register"?

Right now.

Lawmill

04-11-2001, 01:58 PM

What, do you call that music???
Seriously, what popular or general history is really long ago to you? For example, I was born in the mid-Sixties. When I was in high school, Elvis and all the Fifties culture seemed pathetically out of date and popular culture didn't exist before the Forties. The Sixties seemed like a really cool period of time that I just barely missed out on.

Of course, events in the 70s and earlier happened before I was around. I think I have a relatively good understanding of the era. Teenagers from fifty years ago are old now; but the movies, music, and cars aren't all bad.

I listen to a pretty wide variety of music. I have lots of Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Temptations, and Chuck Berry stuff. In my opinion, the only real advances since the 70s have been more fusion between genres and more accoustic effects.

ModernRonin2

04-11-2001, 05:30 PM

Questions! I got questions!!

- Eminem: Yay or Nay?
- What kind car would you get if you had all the money you wanted?
- In general, what's cool right now?

Always trying to keep up with the times...

-Ben

VenusGirlTrap

04-11-2001, 06:17 PM

Originally posted by ModernRonin2
Questions! I got questions!!

- Eminem: Yay or Nay?
- What kind car would you get if you had all the money you wanted?
- In general, what's cool right now?

Always trying to keep up with the times...

-Ben

I like rap, but I hate Eminem. I'd get a Bently (sp?) if I had all the money I wanted. I really want to say up for a 98 or so Toyota Celica (before they got ugly). Actually right now it's really cool to just be yourself, I think peer pressure with teenagers has gone a lot in high school. I also think peer pressure will never be less of a threat in junior high. I haven't been out of junior high that long, but I can already see it has changed A LOT. It's also pretty cool right now to not to drugs. A lot of kids just want to go out and ride their bikes or skateboard and not worry about drugs. It's really hard to answer a question like what's cool now, but these are my opinions and of course probably don't mean shit.

VenusGirlTrap

04-11-2001, 06:23 PM

Originally posted by VenusGirlTrap

I like rap, but I hate Eminem. I'd get a Bently (sp?) if I had all the money I wanted. I really want to save up for a 98 or so Toyota Celica (before they got ugly). Actually right now it's really cool to just be yourself, I think peer pressure with teenagers has gone down a lot in high school. I also think peer pressure will never be less of a threat in junior high. I haven't been out of junior high that long, but I can already see it has changed A LOT. It's also pretty cool right now to not do drugs. A lot of kids just want to go out and ride their bikes or skateboard and not worry about drugs. It's really hard to answer a question like what's cool now, but these are my opinions and of course probably don't mean shit. [/B]

That was really bad, next time I'll make sure and preview.

Galaxiastar

04-11-2001, 06:46 PM

Eminem: Yay or Nay?
I think if I listen to it as a satire of rap, its funny. Ohterwise, I think the guy is a jerk.

- What kind car would you get if you had all the money you wanted?
BMW convertible sports car. Soo cute.

- In general, what's cool right now?

I think shock value. For example the new popular kid of the moment got a Porsche and promptly ran it into a pole in front of our school. He said he did it for grins, even though hes grounded until he graduates next year basically.

DaveRaver

04-11-2001, 07:52 PM

Hey, Garfy-boy! Looks like there are a lot more teenagers on the SDMB than there were the first time you did this thread. Here's my question:

What are some of the slang words popular nowadays?

Lawmill

04-11-2001, 07:54 PM

- Eminem: Yay or Nay?
- What kind car would you get if you had all the money you wanted?
- In general, what's cool right now?

I think modern mainstream rap is pretty boring. Eminem is lyrically complicated, but I don't think his music is very interesting. Groups that use more than lyrics and a basic beat are preferential. De La Soul and Outkast are much better in my opinion.

If I could only own one car, it'd be a BMW M5. They're super fast with plenty of room for the whole family. For performance, a 427 Cobra or a McLaren F1. For budget performance, a twin turbo Supra. I'm very happy with my current car, a supercharged MR2. It's faster than many Porsches while being cheap, fun, reliable, and getting 30mpg. FTR, I bought the car and pay for gas, insurance, and all repairs.

I'm really too old for cool. What I admire isn't what the skater or the drama fiend likes.

KarlGrenze

04-11-2001, 08:00 PM

- Eminem: Yay or Nay?

Yay. Let me explain...I do not believe in most of what he says, I am against almost all the views exposed in his songs, but 1) He has the right to say everything he likes 2) I do believe in what some of the lyrics say ("I am whatever you say I am", "Stan") 3) I really do not know if he believes what he sings, if he believes what he says, then he at least is not a hypocrat(sp?), and sadly, many of his views are approved by many people.

- What kind car would you get if you had all the money you wanted?

Black Crown Victoria... seeing I won't have money to buy it, a Mitsubishi Mirage, any color

- In general, what's cool right now? I do not know...besides, it depends where, right? Because I am not in the US(at least not mainland USA)

VenusGirlTrap

04-11-2001, 08:36 PM

Originally posted by DaveRaver
Hey, Garfy-boy! Looks like there are a lot more teenagers on the SDMB than there were the first time you did this thread. Here's my question:

What are some of the slang words popular nowadays?

My boyfriend says that he has to talk to me like we're in the 80's. Some of the slang him and his friends use are: word, dope, the overuse of ass, the N word constantly, calling girls bitches. I know some people get pissed at kids that talk that way, and I used to, but I know he doesn't mean anything by it. One of my favorites is when he calls me white bread , or his saying for goodbye: "I'll see yo white ass lata". Also when we first met his friend used to say "yo, Jay wants to play sufflecock with you". I still have no idea what that means, so I would ask him to clarify and he would say "You know, a little field testing". I got the picture, but I still thought it was stupid. My slang is still along the lines of cool, stoked, etc...but I have been told I need to catch up with the times.

nashiitashii

04-11-2001, 08:40 PM

Eminem: Yay or Nay? Eminem can do whatever he wants. At first it was ok, now it's kind of gimmicky. It got old, that's all.
What kind car would you get if you had all the money you wanted? probably an old Caddy, a hearse in some really odd colour, or something semi-big and ghetto tank-like.
In general, what's cool right now? Well, with me, I guess it's being true to yourself and realizing when you need a change and when it's ok to be exactly who you are. The things I like would probably get me labeled as a freak by most people if I actually wore the clothes I'd really love to wear and express the fact that I like to do the things I do when no one has to know. People look at me strangely now but if they knew me better they'd probably be scared. ::devilish grin::

south333

04-11-2001, 08:51 PM

Credentials:
~10th grader
~School of about 800 or so
~CM classes
~band

Watership Down (bunnies talking and fighting with each other really isn't an interesting storyline)
To Kill A Mockingbird

[b]Another Colombine:
Well, my school has had MANY bomb threats, but its mostly just kids trying to get out of class and freak people out (thats my opinion anyway) it keeps us all thinking about the chance that something like that might happen, but I'm not really worried that it will.

[b]Eminem Yay or Nay:[b/]
I personally can't stand rap music, especially Eminem. Any music that uses really bad language or disrespects people just turns me off. Although, there are some exceptions with rap music, but not too often.

red_dragon60

04-11-2001, 09:22 PM

16
Single, available guy!
1100 in my school
in Writer's club, trivia team, in the musical, big art guy with ceramics and all
like chemistry
standard white male buddhist

I have a great ablility that I can hang out with just about everyone. Used to be a big nerd, gained confidence. I am kind of a manslut, I have more girl friends than guy friends. I guess cause I do more girly things, like writing and drama.

I wear baggy pants. I do it because I can get more wear out of them if I don't grow out of them quickly. They have many pockets, so I can carry stuff. And they are nice and comfortable.

I did dye my hair blue, which you can see here: http://www.geocities.com/reddragon60 . I guess I did it beacuse I wanted something different. I like to shake people up and make them see new things. So that's why also.

I stay far away from drugs, I don't want to get messed up more. But I am fine being around people who do them, as long as they don't do them around me and aren't stoned/tripping/drunk/shooting hammer.

Have fun!

omni-not

04-11-2001, 09:58 PM

Are you and your peers (significantly) influenced by advertizing?

Do you feel you're political?

Do you live for the present or think about your future? Does the unknown worry you?

What's toughest being a teenager today?

What/Who brought you to the Straight Dope Message Board?

How would rate the Community?

ellimac007

04-11-2001, 10:37 PM

ENIMEN
I think this guy is great. Okay, not really but I think his style is smooth and the songs sound really good. Alot of the stuff he says is a little over the line, but all in all, he knows what he wants to say, so he does. And i'm all for that.

Dream Car
And old Saab, Volvo or a Jetta. Im simplisitic.

Do you feel you're political?
Political... well, kinda. I know where i stand on most issues, and i know what political party i most identify with. I don't shout it from the roof tops. I do let everyone know my views on animal rights and our environment. Yeah, im one of those vegeterian hippies. What can i say?

What's toughest being a teenager today?
Standing up for what you believe in. Being true to yourself and not allowing other people to take away your personal flame.

Lawmill

04-12-2001, 12:30 AM

Are you and your peers (significantly) influenced by advertizing?

No, we are influenced by what is cool. Advertising probably plays a large part in making something cool in the first place. Advertising shows an ideal that many insecure teenagers find appealing.

Do you feel you're political?

Sure. I voted Republican in the last election and took a lot of crap at school about that. I follow most the issues, but feel that people are way too partisan and don't see their positions clearly. I also wish that the mainstream media gave conservatives a fair try.

Do you live for the present or think about your future?

I think Robert Heinlein nailed it. Children live in the present, adults live in the future. You know you're getting old when you live in the past.

Does the unknown worry you?

That's vague. I'm optimistic about my future. I'm worried that things might not go exactly according to plan, but everyone can say that.

What's toughest being a teenager today?

That depends where you live. Violence isn't an issue. Teen pregnancy isn't an issue. Where you go to college is. I think that going to the right college is emphasized to the point that learning and living take a backseat to receiving the right grade.

What/Who brought you to the Straight Dope Message Board?

I think I was doing an internet search for something else. It was a long time ago and didn't seem important then, so it's all a little hazy.

How would rate the Community?

I post at several BBs and mod a few too. This board covers a wide variety of topics and manages to get into depth on most of them. It's probably my favorite.

VenusGirlTrap

04-12-2001, 12:45 AM

Living Dead Girl

04-12-2001, 06:17 AM

First of all, on Eminem - I'm in the middle. Basically everyone I know loves him, and I own his CDs, but I can't help but feel he's a little overrated. I love songs like Stan and I'm not offended by any of them... but he's not that good, y'know?

Are you and your peers (significantly) influenced by advertizing?

Unbelievably, yes. If it's not advertised it doesn't exist, basically, and things that are advertised to death will inevitiably become cool.

Do you feel you're political?

Not really, no.

Do you live for the present or think about your future?

Both, it depends... mostly for the present. And I know all of one person who is saving money or thinking about their future, so I'd say the majority of teens I know are live in the now types.

Does the unknown worry you?

Could you vague that up for me? ;) I guess it does a little, but it doesn't keep me up at night, no.

What's toughest being a teenager today?

I'm not really sure about this one, actually. I'd say peer pressure does affect a lot of people negatively, though... there is quite a lot of pressure to have the right clothes, right CD's, etc. But I'd also say parents are pretty tough. At least for me anyway.

What/Who brought you to the Straight Dope Message Board?

There was a link from another site I post at.

How would rate the Community?

About a 7 or an 8 out of 10. A lot more intelligent and interesting posts then I'd expect to find at most boards, but also your fair share of bitchiness, too. Still, I've enjoyed lurking.

omni-not

04-12-2001, 08:36 AM

Do you consider yourself to be a representative member of your generation?

Do you see the world around you getting better or worse as you grow older?

In your personal code of ethics, what's on top of the list?

If you had the chance to meet any public figure/personality, past or present, who would it be?

KarlGrenze

04-12-2001, 09:07 AM

Are you and your peers (significantly) influenced by advertizing? My peers, mostly. I tend to ignore them.

Do you feel you're political? Yes, and almost all the people at my school is political.

Do you live for the present or think about your future? Does the unknown worry you? I think more about the future, because most of the time, I have no hope for the present. It depends what kind of unknown...

What's toughest being a teenager today?

Being himself/herself

What/Who brought you to the Straight Dope Message Board?

A chat friend led me to see the Straight Dope, after a while I began reading the threadspotting, and then I saw a thread where I wanted (and could)say something valuable.

How would rate the Community? I don't know. I have not been here long enough to rate it.

Do you consider yourself to be a representative member of your generation? NO

Do you see the world around you getting better or worse as you grow older? I hope it gets better, but some part of me says it would get worse.

In your personal code of ethics, what's on top of the list?

Mostly being yourself, no hipocrisy(sp?), honesty. I like the Enlightment phrase of "Justice, Fraternity, and Liberty"(at least thats how I remembered the phrase, could be wrong, please correct me)

If you had the chance to meet any public figure/personality, past or present, who would it be? Martin Luther King, Jr.-international figure
Eugenio María de Hostos-of my country's history, essayist, and called the Citizen of America(all the continent, not the US)

puddleglum

04-12-2001, 09:40 AM

What's the deal with these punks and their skateboards?

tak29813

04-12-2001, 11:15 AM

As I look back on my past 29 years (ohhh, lookout 30 here I come) I was thinking of the significant events of my lifetime. For me, being too young for JFK and still in diapers for Nixon, these events include:

- The Challenger. I was home sick from school, watched it with my mom. I can still see it when I close my eyes.

- The Gulf War. Live on prime time. Brought to you by AM General, the people who made it safe to say "hummer" on television.

- The Berlin Wall. Pretty amazing moment. Introduced me to CNN.

- Reagan Assasination Attempt. I was in sixth grade. They stopped class so we could go to the library to watch the news coverage.

- Waco. My first "coming to grips with our government" issue. And then later, Oklahoma City.

As children of the 90's (most of my events are mid to late eighties) what do you see as the major events of your generation?

VenusGirlTrap

04-12-2001, 03:00 PM

Originally posted by puddleglum
What's the deal with these punks and their skateboards?

I dunno, what deal?? Better off skateboarding than doing drugs. And they have nice asses.

VenusGirlTrap

04-12-2001, 03:11 PM

Originally posted by tak29813
As I look back on my past 29 years (ohhh, lookout 30 here I come) I was thinking of the significant events of my lifetime. For me, being too young for JFK and still in diapers for Nixon, these events include:

- The Challenger. I was home sick from school, watched it with my mom. I can still see it when I close my eyes.

- The Gulf War. Live on prime time. Brought to you by AM General, the people who made it safe to say "hummer" on television.

- The Berlin Wall. Pretty amazing moment. Introduced me to CNN.

- Reagan Assasination Attempt. I was in sixth grade. They stopped class so we could go to the library to watch the news coverage.

- Waco. My first "coming to grips with our government" issue. And then later, Oklahoma City.

As children of the 90's (most of my events are mid to late eighties) what do you see as the major events of your generation?

I'm 19 and The Gulf War I totally remember!! I also kinda remember The Berlin Wall. I also remember Waco and Oklahoma City. I think some big events have been Columbine and all the school shootings in San Diego. I would also say the whole election mess will be something teenagers remember as they get older.

MrVisible

04-12-2001, 04:33 PM

I've noticed that a lot of youth culture is based on anger. That's nothing new, of course. But I've been wondering what all the anger is directed at these days.

I remember my reasons for that state of mind, many years ago, but I'm curious as to what the targets are these days.

Also, it seems that depression is a problem a lot of teenagers are dealing with these days. Anyone care to speculate as to why?

Studi

04-12-2001, 04:43 PM

I believe I can answer every question posed to a teenage with one sentence, whether the question is "What's the deal with these punks and their skateboards?" or "What's the deal with those baggy pants?" :

Most kids are unoriginal followers.

Studi

Living Dead Girl

04-12-2001, 07:12 PM

Teen Depression - good question, hard answer. A lot of people I know have a particularly bad home life, which is why they get so depressed... peer pressure would be in there somewhere too, definitely.

But some of the things I've seen people get depressed over are just plain stupid - guys, for one thing. I have a friend with a tumour atm, and she seemed more concerned about a guy she liked than going into hospital. I mean, WTF? And a lot of teens tend to exaggerate as well - either they want to be depressed, or they're hiding what's really depressing them, because the problems they complain about aren't serious in the least.

And I just re-read that and saw how sympathetic I don't sound, but I think you get my point. Although I do know a lot of teens are depressed over real things - parents not caring enough, parents caring too much, drugs, teen pregnancy, etc, from my experience, a lot aren't too.

sk8rixtx

04-12-2001, 08:57 PM

Originally posted by VenusGirlTrap
Originally posted by puddleglum
What's the deal with these punks and their skateboards?

I dunno, what deal?? Better off skateboarding than doing drugs. And they have nice asses.

Hey puddle-man, ease off.

And as for you Venus; You like my ass? You CAN touch it you know.

Galaxiastar

04-12-2001, 11:23 PM

What are some of the slang words popular nowadays?

I don't know. I make up my own words which I think work, like stupimonger and dill-sweet.

Are you and your peers (significantly) influenced by advertizing?

Yes and no, I think that we try to fit in and advertising can make you feel if you are not wearing the new hot thing of the moment, you are not fitting in. Which is influencing I guess.

Do you feel you're political?

I think I am, at least more than most people I know, like I actually cared about the election, even though I can't vote, and I keep up with the issues. I like a good debate, so I always am looking for one, and politics is a good place to start.

Do you live for the present or think about your future?

I live for the future. I hope it's not like the present.

Does the unknown worry you?

A bit, more like how I don't know how my life is going to really pan out.

What's toughest being a teenager today?

Peer pressure. Homework. I don't mind homework, but 4-5 hours a hight is a bit much for my liking.

What/Who brought you to the Straight Dope Message Board?

I saw it on another message board.

What's the deal with these punks and their skateboards?

Skateboards are fun, and a great way to save gas money!

What do you see as the major events of your generation?

Columbine, unfortunately. The Genome project. The election. The Clinton scandal. The XFL. (kidding!) :D

VenusGirlTrap

04-12-2001, 11:57 PM

Originally posted by sk8rixtx
Originally posted by VenusGirlTrap
Originally posted by puddleglum
What's the deal with these punks and their skateboards?

I dunno, what deal?? Better off skateboarding than doing drugs. And they have nice asses.

Hey puddle-man, ease off.

And as for you Venus; You like my ass? You CAN touch it you know.

Is that a threat??

south333

04-13-2001, 03:07 PM

Originally posted by omni-not
Are you and your peers (significantly) influenced by advertizing?

Do you feel you're political?

Do you live for the present or think about your future? Does the unknown worry you?

What's toughest being a teenager today?

What/Who brought you to the Straight Dope Message Board?

How would rate the Community?
Advertising does play a little bit of a part, but just because I see a sign for Old Navy, doesn't mean I'm going to rush out the the mall.
A little bit, I stand up for what I believe in, but I really think that most politicians are full of crap.
Well, usually I'm thinking ahead about tomarrow, today has already been planned. But as for the far away future, the only thing I'm really concerned about is getting into the best college possible and having a family.
I think the toughest thing about being a teen is having to convince everyone around you that your not some crack-head, you don't lie about everything, and you are just like them, just a younger age.
I was at the web site bored.com one day and thought this was something different. I joined once I found enough interesting posts that I wanted to reply to.Do you consider yourself to be a representative member of your generation?

Originally posted by omni-not
Do you see the world around you getting better or worse as you grow older?

In your personal code of ethics, what's on top of the list?

If you had the chance to meet any public figure/personality, past or present, who would it be??
I think its getting worse, its more violent and less trustworthy.
Being myself mostly. If your not yourself, then who are you going to be and whats the point?
I don't really know of anyone I'd really like to meet.

AETBOND417

04-13-2001, 05:08 PM

Do you hate your parents?
Nope. My folks (and my friends' folks) are by and large friendly, caring, supportive people.

Does anyone older than 21 understand what it is like?
There are plenty of understanding adults. Sometimes they're hard to find. My favorite is probably my coach, at age 27, who is a really fun guy.

What was the last "classic" that a mean old English teacher made oyu read?
Les Miserables. Decent story, but 520 pages is a bit of a read for my (easily bored) teenage mind.

nashiitashii

04-13-2001, 07:22 PM

What are some of the slang words popular nowadays? Well, commonly used slang by people I know...
*stale: something that's overused or not worth listening to; something said that was incredibly stupid.
*hot mess: something you thought was cool but actually was a disaster, like an actual "hot mess."
Do you live for the present or think about your future? I do a bit of both actually. I tend to make decisions based on their consequences for my future and I'm really not afraid to make mistakes as much anymore. Right now I'm trying to make decisions that will determine the course of the rest of my life, ie. college, so things are getting a big harder to maneuver through.
What/Who brought you to the Straight Dope Message Board? I had AOL back when it was on there and AOL was just starting to get popular [back in the days of 2.5]and I randomly stumbled upon the column, which I looked for a few years later when I started using an ISP.
What's the deal with these punks and their skateboards? I'm not entirely sure. The punk culture has a lot going on in it, and it's different for every punk. Some people do what they do for fun, some see being a punk as a philosophy, and some are a bit of each. I actually enjoy being around punks, which is reflected in half of the friends I keep at school: they're either punks or people who listen to most types of music.
What was the last "classic" that a mean old English teacher made you read? I'm in AP english and we're supposed to be reading MEDEA right now, but I haven't started it because I know we're not going to get to it for another week and we've been interviewing people who are applying for vice principal at my school. [Yes, they actually want input from the students, but apparently only 11th grade AP english students. ::snickers::]
Any more questions?

omni-not

04-13-2001, 07:40 PM

Do today's youth/you generally believe in some supreme being or entity and, if so, how significantly does this belief condition their/your actions?

Friends vs Significant Other: who has priority here?

Are you fiercely monogamous or do you like to play the field? Do you expect the same from your SO?

Money: Necessary evil or key to a good life? Accessorily, how much importance do you attach to material possessions?

Final exams: Nervous as hell or smooth sailing?

Got a job lined up for the summer?

south333

04-13-2001, 09:23 PM

Originally posted by omni-not
Do today's youth/you generally believe in some supreme being or entity and, if so, how significantly does this belief condition their/your actions?

Friends vs Significant Other: who has priority here?

Are you fiercely monogamous or do you like to play the field? Do you expect the same from your SO?

Money: Necessary evil or key to a good life? Accessorily, how much importance do you attach to material possessions?

Final exams: Nervous as hell or smooth sailing?

Got a job lined up for the summer?
I believe in God, and I try to abide by those rules that follow that belief.
Friends definately, because boyfriends come and go, but friends last forever (the good ones at least)
It really depends on the guy, if I'm really serious about him, then I won't look around, but if its just kinda for fun, then I might. I hope that he would do the same.
I enjoy having money. Money means you can go places and do things, although too much is a bad thing (especially when its tax season)
UGHHHHHHHHHH I can't stand finals or midterms. I don't like tests and when it comes to finals, especially in things like math and science, I get worried.
Yeah, actually I have one now :)

VenusGirlTrap

04-14-2001, 04:14 AM

Originally posted by omni-not
Do today's youth/you generally believe in some supreme being or entity and, if so, how significantly does this belief condition their/your actions?

Friends vs Significant Other: who has priority here?

Are you fiercely monogamous or do you like to play the field? Do you expect the same from your SO?

Money: Necessary evil or key to a good life? Accessorily, how much importance do you attach to material possessions?

Final exams: Nervous as hell or smooth sailing?

Got a job lined up for the summer?

I had a few beers tonight, so bear with me. I believe in God, I've hated every church I've been too though. It doesn't really affect my actions besides the fact I have respect for myself and others. Play the field, hell yea. Which brings me to an earliar question about slang. My motto is ''Hit that shit, fooooool" I'm not really into material shit, I hold onto my money. Final exams in high school were smooth sailin'. In college it matters what class, but now I get nervous because I know this shit counts. I got an internship at an accounting firm lined up (I'm an accounting major.)

VenusGirlTrap

04-14-2001, 04:20 AM

KarlGrenze

04-14-2001, 05:46 AM

Do today's youth/you generally believe in some supreme being or entity and, if so, how significantly does this belief condition their/your actions? I believe in a supreme being, and many of my friends believe in it also.(In fact, they are active in their church groups). I think it does not condition our actions in any other way than believing which things are good, and which things are bad. I get along with people of different religions(or none at all).

Friends vs Significant Other: who has priority here? Friends because I don't have a SO.

Are you fiercely monogamous or do you like to play the field? Do you expect the same from your SO? N/A

Money: Necessary evil or key to a good life? Accessorily, how much importance do you attach to material possessions?
I do not give much importance to material possessions, at least not as much as my peers here. Money I see as a necessary evil that is unfortunately a key to a good life(a stress free life).

Final exams: Nervous as hell or smooth sailing? Depends on the class. For English and Spanish, smooth sailing. For Math, Science, and History, nervous as hell.

Got a job lined up for the summer? NO

PD. I thought that when another poster asked about what was the last book your English teacher ordered to read, that was about a book written by an English speaking person. Since I see this is not the case, then let me switch English for Spanish, and then the last classic I read is Don Quixote. The 2 parts.(sorry for my run on sentences)

Living Dead Girl

04-14-2001, 06:13 AM

Do today's youth/you generally believe in some supreme being or entity and, if so, how significantly does this belief condition their/your actions?

Umm... I, for one, do - but not really organized religion, I just think there must be something or someone above us. But this kind of thing can't really be answered by anyone, everyone has their own different beliefs - there isn't really an average.

Friends vs Significant Other: who has priority here?

Friends, definitely. Absolutely no question about it.

Are you fiercely monogamous or do you like to play the field? Do you expect the same from your SO?

In a relationship, I try to stay loyal, yes, and I'd definitely expect the same from my SO. I'd say most other teens would, too.

Money: Necessary evil or key to a good life? Accessorily, how much importance do you attach to material possessions?

Money is necessary for what me and my friends do - shopping, movies, etc. Not as much material possessions. But I don't see material possessions as too important... I just like having them.

Final exams: Nervous as hell or smooth sailing?

Nervous as hell. Thank God I'm not there yet.

Got a job lined up for the summer?

It's nearing winter here, so... no.

omni-not

04-14-2001, 12:39 PM

Homosexuality: Has this become accepted at your school? Does your position differ from that of your classmates? From that of your parents?

Teachers: Do you feel that, on the whole, your teachers consider their profession strictly as a job, or are they genuinely interested in 'communicating' their subject matter?

USA: "The USA aren't 'all that'". Agree? Disagree?

I give you $100,000 today*. How much of it will be left a year from now?

*This is solely for discussion purposes, you understand...:)

shimmery

04-14-2001, 01:11 PM

Originally posted by DaveRaver
What are some of the slang words popular nowadays?
What, you're not hip to the jive?
Sorry. :)

Another teenager here-
*Freshman in a high school of about 1000
*North Jersey about 20 min. from NYC
*Lives in a rich preppy town where everyone is into Dave Matthews Band, lacrosse, and smoking pot
*In all honors classes, but hang out with a fairly cool crowd
*Single white female

Baggy pants, the hair:
Let me tell you, I borrowed a pair of my brother's pants and they are pretty freakin comfy! The hair is just a trend, although I do like it (I assume you're talking about the spikes? The bleached blond thing is UGLY.)

Drugs and smoking:
Although I don't do it, most of my male friends are occasional to heavy pot-smokers. Most of them started smoking cigarettes after they started smoking weed. Drinking isn't too big here. I don't know why they started, but there's not that much peer pressure. Sometimes they ask me to come smoke with them, but they're kind of joking because they know I'll say no.

Eminem:
He's okay. I like his music, but I don't always agree with his message. In general I like about half the rap they play on the radio, Limp Bizkit, Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys (sorry, I can't help it!) and some of my dad's music (Grateful Dead, CSNY).

Loud music:
That way, I can't hear my awful singing voice.

Dream car:
I know a specific car I love, that always parks at the Y. It's a metallic burgundy Porsche Boxter. As it stands now, I'm probably getting my mom's friend's Subaru Legacy, which is missing the visors and several other key parts, has crayons melted into the carpet, smells bad, and has open ketchup packets cooking in the glove compartment. It's affectionately known by my brother and I as the Crapmobile.(Not to sound ungrateful.)

What seems long ago to me?
I'm 15, but I definitely remember the trends of the late 80's. (Sweatshirts and leggings, crimped hair and scrunchies, those little clips you put on your huge T-shirt)
The 60s and 70s don't seem like ancient history either, mostly because my dad forces me to listen to music from that time period on grueling 5-hour car rides.

I'm not too worried that my school is the next Columbine.

My English teacher isn't mean. This year we've read To Kill a Mockingbird, Of Mice and Men, the Iliad and the Odyssey, and Romeo and Juliet, but we also read books like The Princess Bride (better than the movie!)

AETBOND417

04-14-2001, 01:17 PM

AETBOND417

04-14-2001, 01:19 PM

Sorry Omni. I didn't know you were Canadian. It's the same thing as a European, though. ;) ;)

VenusGirlTrap

04-14-2001, 01:28 PM

KarlGrenze

04-14-2001, 01:59 PM

Homosexuality: Has this become accepted at your school?
Hmm...many classmates, myself inlcuded, have no trouble with homosexuals. Heck, we have teachers who are homosexuals, no problem with that.

Does your position differ from that of your classmates? See above question.

From that of your parents? No.

Teachers: Do you feel that, on the whole, your teachers consider their profession strictly as a job, or are they genuinely interested in 'communicating' their subject matter? Sometimes they see it as only a job, other times they want to comunicate something. Rarely, they are just old perverts(I swear I have them at my school).

USA: "The USA aren't 'all that'". Agree? Disagree? Erm....I do not know how to answer this. What exactly do you mean by all that? The most powerful nation in the current world? The most important?...I'll abstain from comments after I see this question more clearly.

I give you $100,000 today*. How much of it will be left a year from now? Let's see...take out $20000 for the university(personal expenses included, assuming I study at the US), that lefts $80000. Take $2000 for travel expenses(my family does not live in the US), that leaves $78000...I put that in a bank account...You'll have about that much money a year from now. And if you have it, please pass it to me, ok?j/k

omni-not

04-14-2001, 04:09 PM

KG

USA: "The USA aren't 'all that'". Agree? Disagree? Erm....I do not know how to answer this. What exactly do you mean by all that? The most powerful nation in the current world? The most important?...I'll abstain from comments after I see this question more clearly.

Hmm. And I thought I was 'jiving':D. In my mind at least, it means a bit chauvinistic, ethnocentric.

Another question:

You're the products of parents who've gone through the hippie/commune/sharing generation of the '60s and the 'Me generation of the '70s. Which one of these traits would you say characterizes you most?

KarlGrenze

04-14-2001, 04:31 PM

Hmm. And I thought I was 'jiving'. In my mind at least, it means a bit chauvinistic, ethnocentric.

Chauvinistic as in sexist, no, there are more sexist countries...and sorry, but that is the only definition I know of that word. Ethnocentric...yes, it is, the same as with other nations, but then, other nations are not as powerful as the US.

Another question:

You're the products of parents who've gone through the hippie/commune/sharing generation of the '60s and the 'Me generation of the '70s. Which one of these traits would you say characterizes you most?

None...my parents where not in that wave of the 60'(that does not mean they are conservatives), nor in that of the 70's. Mainly because it was another nation? I read in an essay that the hippies where the response of that generation to the society of the US and other industrialized countries.

Mooney252

04-14-2001, 07:26 PM

Sheesh don't you teenagers do anything but hang around message boards and IM each other? (Don't answer that!)

The serious question:

What do you think is MOST different about the time in which you live from that of your parents?

nashiitashii

04-14-2001, 08:07 PM

Do today's youth/you generally believe in some supreme being or entity and, if so, how significantly does this belief condition their/your actions?Well, it really depends. Some of my friends are atheists, and the rest are spread amongst the great and not so great religious beliefs of the world. No satan worshippers though. I do not associate with sheep. All my friends do have similar priniciples on how to properly treat people and their place in life.
Friends vs Significant Other: who has priority here?Uhm, boyfriends/girlfriends are trouble. Does that answer your question?
Are you fiercely monogamous or do you like to play the field? Do you expect the same from your SO? I like to play the field, but when I do get in a relationship I am only with that person and expect the same from them.
Money: Necessary evil or key to a good life? Accessorily, how much importance do you attach to material possessions? Well, money is an important tool in attaining position and keeping out of the financial and literal gutter in life, but it's not something that I find to be very important other than for use to get things that are wanted and needed.
Final exams: Nervous as hell or smooth sailing? I'm not all that worried about finals. I don't generally study for tests or exams and I do just fine most of the time.
Got a job lined up for the summer? Not yet. Hoping for blockbuster 'cause I found out my friend Shannon works there whom I met working at Kmart. She's tres kewl albeit being a tad bit older* than me. *note the understatement
What do you think is MOST different about the time in which you live from that of your parents? People's sentiments towards how life is supposed to be lived and how people are to be.

Queen Isabella

04-14-2001, 10:17 PM

I've been in Vegas for the past few days, and coming back, I'm happy to see that this thread is still alive and kicking.

Queen Isabella, I wish I was as cool as you when I was in 8th grade!

Thanks FireUnderpantsBoobs! That made my day. :D

Are you and your peers (significantly) influenced by advertizing? Yeah, kind of. Maybe not significantly, but yes, most of us are.

Do you feel you're political? Not at all.

Do you live for the present or think about your future? The present, mainly because I'm enjoying it. I do think about the future, but very vaguely.

Does the unknown worry you? It depends, but in general, it excites me.

What's toughest being a teenager today? For me, it would be the generalizations that are made about us and trying to prove that we're not the reckless irresponsible people that we're made out to be.

What/Who brought you to the Straight Dope Message Board? I found the Straight Dope website through http://www.etour.com, and the board just sucked me in.

How would rate the Community? A+

Do you consider yourself to be a representative member of your generation? No, I feel that I am much more secure and happy with myself than most other people my age.

Do you see the world around you getting better or worse as you grow older? I want it to get better, but I really see it getting worse.

In your personal code of ethics, what's on top of the list? Me and my happiness, so long as it doesn't come at the expense of anyone else.

Do today's youth/you generally believe in some supreme being or entity and, if so, how significantly does this belief condition their/your actions? I don't believe in God or a higher power, but most everyone else does. I think this affects my actions very little, if at all.

Friends vs Significant Other: who has priority here? Friends, without a doubt.

Are you fiercely monogamous or do you like to play the field? Do you expect the same from your SO? It's fun to play the field, but if I had an SO, I would try to be as faithful as possible. I would expect the same from my SO.

Money: Necessary evil or key to a good life? Accessorily, how much importance do you attach to material possessions? Key to a good life. I attach about the same importance to material possessions as the average person.

Final exams: Nervous as hell or smooth sailing? Somewhere in between, because I never study, but I tend to take things less seriously than I should.

Got a job lined up for the summer? If I can get one. There aren't many places that hire 14-year-olds besides Publix.

LoverBoy

04-14-2001, 10:48 PM

My background: Male, 15, sophomore in mid-upper high school, generally considered to be intelligent (i.e. geek/nerd/whatever) ;) for my age.
Originally posted by omni-not
Do you feel you're political?
Do you live for the present or think about your future? Does the unknown worry you?
What's toughest being a teenager today?
What/Who brought you to the Straight Dope Message Board?
How would rate the Community?

Political? Yes, I (believe) that I'm a Democrat. I used to be a Republican. But I kind of realized how skewed the attitude I had was, because I had basically grown up in an affluent neighborhood and didn't realize it. Most people here are like that - haven't realized that they are affluent - and as such, seem to be Republicans. Recently in US History, someone was complaining about how homeless people are lazy and could get a job if they wanted to. I had to mention that the great majority are mentally ill :rolleyes:

Live for present or future? I like to think about my future - it's entertaining. I have a fairly bright outlook but feel that I have something huge to live up to.

Unknown worrying? Not really. I'm adaptable. At least, I hope I am :)

Toughest being a teen? Putting up with all the bullshit in school - at this point in my career, it's mostly from teachers - but in middle school, it was all from my fellow students (I was in a "gifted" program, not particularly athletic or, for that matter, mature, so everyone except my best friends basically sucked from 5th to 8th grade.)

Who brought me here? I started lurking when my girlfriend linked me a few times. She made me pick this user name <3

Rate the community? I don't need any enemies on my first post, do I?

ellimac007

04-14-2001, 11:48 PM

Originally posted by omni-not

You're the products of parents who've gone through the hippie/commune/sharing generation of the '60s and the 'Me generation of the '70s. Which one of these traits would you say characterizes you most?

[/B]

I am most definetly the biggest hippie around.
Some people even refer to me as "the hippie"

shimmery

04-15-2001, 03:08 PM

Originally posted by omni-not
Homosexuality: Has this become accepted at your school? Does your position differ from that of your classmates? From that of your parents?

Teachers: Do you feel that, on the whole, your teachers consider their profession strictly as a job, or are they genuinely interested in 'communicating' their subject matter?

USA: "The USA aren't 'all that'". Agree? Disagree?

I give you $100,000 today*. How much of it will be left a year from now?

*This is solely for discussion purposes, you understand...:)
I don't really know of any people who are openly gay in my school, so I can't say what the attitude would be. Personally, it's okay with me and I do know a couple gay guys outside of school.

I would say at least three of my teachers are passionate about what they teach. One of them, unfortunately, just has trouble communicating what she means to the class. I think my geometry teacher loves to teach but doesn't care too much about geometry. My history teacher is just making money so he can be a photographer on the side (his photography sucks!). My French teacher is nice but it's just a job to her.

I don't really know what you mean about the USA. I'm not really that political.

Like the other people who responded, I would first buy a car. Then I would put the rest away for college.

About having a job, there's actually an interesting story to that one. One of my swim coaches works at a camp where she said she could give me a job as a lifeguard. I signed up for a lifeguarding class (to be refunded by the camp at the end of summer). Turns out, I'm too young for the job. She knows exactly how old I am because we swim in events by age group. So my other coach said I could work at her camp, it wouldn't be a problem. So guess what? I'm too young to work there, too. My mom called around, all summer camps around here have the same age limitation. So now, I'm being a C.I.T. (unpaid) at the first camp. Okay, maybe not an interesting story, but I needed to vent.

Dark Lord Davidson

04-16-2001, 12:11 PM

Do today's youth/you generally believe in some supreme being or entity and, if so, how significantly does this belief condition their/your actions?

I think for most teens, it's a non-issue. Faith really doesn't play a large part in my life, or in the lives of my friends. The general feeling for most of us is agnosticism.

Friends vs Significant Other: who has priority here?

I'm going to have to say friends.

Are you fiercely monogamous or do you like to play the field? Do you expect the same from your SO?

If I'm attached, I'm monogamous. If I'm single, I'm a man-whore. ;) Yes, I'd expect the same monogamous attitude from an SO.

Money: Necessary evil or key to a good life? Accessorily, how much importance do you attach to material possessions?

Little bit of both. Money can help you along with day-to-day life, but too much makes you rich and snobby like a lot of teens I know. I don't attach much importance to material possessions; it's just not important to me.

Final exams: Nervous as hell or smooth sailing?

Smooth sailing. Final exams are a breeze. (pun INTENDED) :D

Got a job lined up for the summer?

Yep, easy data entry for GE. $11.24/hour. That's a lot of money for a teenager. AND, I'm going to be working full time. *dance*

What do you think is MOST different about the time in which you live from that of your parents?

I think respect to our elders has simply disintegrated. It just no longer exists. You wouldn't believe some of the things I've seen/heard concerning peers and adults...it's frightening.

McMurphy

04-16-2001, 01:16 PM

One more voice wouldn't hurt, would it? Also since I'm from England it might give you a different perspective on some of your questions.

My background is

18 year old Sixth Form College Student corrently studying A-Levels in English Lit. History and Media Studies.
I've had 1 serious relationship but it's lasted for two years and counting.
Hi Opal!
I live in a Seaside town on the coast of England.
The Sixth form joins on to an ordinary High School. The Sixth form has about 120 students but the entire establishment together has about 750.

What's the deal with those big pants?...And whats with the hair?

I don't have either but friends who do say they do it to become more individualistic but since everyone who wants to be 'individualistic' does it as well it's kind of a passe statement IMO. But then that's just me, I'm sure I'm just as passe in my own way.

Have you started saving for your retirement yet?

Not even close :) I've got about 100 pounds (about $85.00) in my bank account and that's it. I'm still saving up for a car so retirement is a very distant prospect at the moment.

What's with you kids and your drugs and your rock and roll music?

I personally like to pride myself on my wide musical taste. I like Metallica, Smashing Pumpkins, Cradle of Filth and The Sex Pistols but I also like hard house music, dance groups like LeftField, Prodigy, Underworld etc... I also like Simon & Garfunkel and am listening to 'Bright Eyes' as I type this. As for the drugs, I have a medical condition which, without going into the gory details, makes taking drugs particularly risky for me. As as result I don't tend to do drugs and the strongestdrug I'll ever (hypothetically:) ) take is weed which I can take without throwing a fit.

Do teenagers still start smoking "to be cool?"

I think so. It's about 95% peer pressure.

Do you hate your parents?

No. We have quite a lot of fights but that is because they're very overprotective and I'm very much my own person and resent the intrusion, no matter how well meaning. We always reconcile afterwards though.

Does anyone older than 21 understand what it is like?

Yeah.

What was the last "classic" that a mean old English teacher made you read?

We're currently reading The Wife of Bath by Geoffrey Chaucer which is so bad it makes me see red and Hamlet which is probably the best thing I've ever read so It kinda balances out. Before that we read Lord of the Flies (brilliant as well)

Would it kill you to turn the music down? I mean come on!

Yes. 99% of music just cannot be listened to quietly.

Do you ever worry that your school might become the next Columbine?

At the risk of starting a 300+ post gun thread, one positive result of Englands draconian gun laws is that the chances of a shooting spree in my school are virtually nil. As such I don't worry about it.

What could your parents do to help? With school, friends, personal issues, etc...?

The precise action you take depends on your teen and the situation so I can't really advise on that/ The best thing I can say as a general rule is to try and figure out whether the situation needs your input. If you suspect your son/daughter is a drug addict then make the first move and talk to him but if you think your son/daughter has just been dumped and is feeling broken hearted just back off, give them some space and wait for them to come to you.

Do you think it's better to lie about ever having tried drugs or tell her the truth including exactly why I don't do drugs anymore?

Tell the truth.

How certain are you of what you "know"?

Well I don't claim to know anything much and when I want to explore an area I try to make sure I read around the subject to get a better perspective. AS a result I'm very sure of what I know, even if it's hardly anything :)

How do you grade what your parents "know" about life issues (drugs, sex, education, money, relationships, etc.)?

I grade them by their responses to the questions I asked them about it. My parents are pretty well clued up as far as I can tell.

How do you grade what your friends "know" about life issues (drugs, sex, education, money, relationships, etc.)?

It's a waste of time trying that with my friends. I think I am the most level headed of my circle of friends and most of them have quite distorted worldviews as far as I can tell.

To what extent does your peer group influence your behavior?

To a very small extent. When I was younger I was obsessed by what I thought other people thought of me. It drove me nuts for about 3 years until I finally grew up enough to say 'fuck 'em'. Since then I will only follow a trend or take an action if I think it's a good idea.

Eminem: Yay or Nay?

I like him. He makes me laugh and as far as the offensive content of his lyrics goes there are far worse out there. His so called 'corrupting influence' doesn't exist as far as I am concerned but that's another thread.

What kind car would you get if you had all the money you wanted?

This (http://www.webshots.com/photos/004777.html) one :) I'm a bit of a speed freak.

In general, what's cool right now?

As a concept, Cool doesn't really exist IMO. It's just a manifestation of that desperate peer group mentality I talked about earlier. However, as far as non-existant groupthink philosophies go:

Music - Garage music is in at the moment despite the fact that it's complete and utter wank. House music used to be cool but has been usurped by garage although it is still played in all the clubs which is a relief because if all they played was garage I wouldn't go.

As far as rock music goes, the further underground you go, the 'cooler' the bands are.

Clothes - The following ensemble is becoming increasingly popular amongst people (mainly adolescent boys) who want to look hard. I suppose that makes it cool because noone's got the bottle to say otherwise :) Big puffy jackets, lots of fake gold coloured rings, Reeebok Classic trainers, track suit bottoms (adidas)

That's about it.

omni-not

04-16-2001, 02:37 PM

Not even close I've got about 100 pounds (about $85.00) in my bank account

Well, Voice, I'm about to make your day. You're MUCH richer than you thought (at least as expressed in U.S. dollars): nowadays, your British pound is worth about $1.50 U.S. So you've stashed about $150 U.S. (in Canadian dollars, it would be worth about a thousand dollars, but that's a different story:)).

Hmmm. Jacques Villeneuve's car: The man has taste...

Questions: Do mine! Do mine!:D

Dignan

04-16-2001, 04:18 PM

Looks like I'm late on this thread, but I'm only one year post-HS so I thought I'd chime in.

During the last days of high school, a classmate kept complaining about the decline in "coolness" among teengagers. He attributed this to the drop in drug use. He said that "Kids just aren't doing the same amount of drugs they used to. They're all gambling and think that makes them cool." In a strange sort of twisted way, he was correct.

On the Columbine thing, I'm not scared. After all of that happened, the sleepy city I was in got all paranoid. Too bad they didn't realize that all the kids that would have had a "reason" to shoot were too lazy to go to the trouble of finding a gun, pulling a trigger, etc. Anyway, the whole city was paranoid, so the police force decides to try a "live" drill at our high school. They had the whole school participate. We stayed in our class rooms, locked the door, then a police officer in some crazy get-up came to the door and told us it was "safe." The officer proceeded to march us past not one, but two exits and into the gym. After the drill was over the leader guy addressed us and said how if it had been real, they would've made all of us line up against the walls in the gym :rolleyes:. I guess having us stand in rows against a wall would make it harder for the shooter.

Great, huh? In the 60's you had civil defense drills, these days we have classmate-goes-psycho-with-a-gun drills.