Concerns facing African American Teens from a teen perspective!

July 31, 2013 written by Summer Intern for Asia’s Foundation

     Some concerns facing African American teenagers are the stresses of having the latest fashions clothes, shoes, etc.  If not some teens feel like they just don’t fit in.  It seems like most teens are dressing the same, wearing the same hairstyles and looking the same.  What's the difference? It’s OK to be different and stand out from what everybody else is doing, not having the ‘’follow the crowd mentality. ‘’Teens also think it’s important to be connected to certain people that seem well known and popular. They appear to have the outer trappings of success.  We need to be leaders. However, how do we lead? With iPhones, Galaxy cells, we have full net access, to whatever we want, with few limits. This enables us to seek to satisfy many curiosities, venturing into a parent’s unknown.  

     Another major concern females and males smoking weed. Some just to fit in because friends are doing it, or they feel pressured so just give in. Some teens smoke to relieve their stress. In, my opinion, there are other ways to relieve stress like talking situations out with a trusted friend or family member , exercise, biking, walking, music etc. As smoking weed can be a harmful substance to the body especially for still developing teens, with brain cells not fully developed is an unknown challenge. Teens often sell the weed to make quick money instead of working a job, as there are too few jobs, except fast food places. Some feel if they sell weed they can get quick money on the spot. But is it worth it?  Because it’s illegal, if you are caught, you’re doing jail time.  While understanding it’s hard, we mustn’t ever give up hope!  What must we do, keep Faith.  Keep Striving.

     Another big concern is early age pregnancy, and not fully ready to take on the responsibility of caring for a child, and needed supports. We aren’t able to take care of ourselves yet. Often there’s dependency on welfare, access cards, or WIC. This is making some teenagers lazy and not wanting to find a job because they become dependent.  I feel if you lie down and have a baby, you should have known it’s a huge responsibility to take on. As many fathers are not in their child’s life, this circumstance plays a big role for both girls and boys, as a child needs both parents in their life for balance. Physically, mentally and emotionally parents teach us right from wrong, values, behaviors. I think the reasons why some teenage moms have children early, is they aren’t getting the love they want, so they feel their child will give them this love. Another concern facing young African Americans is managing our money and knowing how to budget and spend wisely. For an example:  Have you ever gone into some urban neighborhoods and see Asian and Papi stores at the end of each block. They are there for one (1) reason to get your money. They know we are going to eat their unhealthy foods and buy their goods. 

      My point is young African American’s need to come together, develop entrepreneurial skills, develop business, and create more coalitions, instead of trying to fight and compete.  We shouldn’t spend money on things in reality we really can’t afford. Another concern of teens is expressing our true feelings and trusting people. When things get rough instead of holding whatever the situation, we can talk about it with someone we can trust. Holding the situation without getting feedback only makes it worse. We need to let things out with the ability to speak confidentially. Finally, a real big concern teen’s face is relationships. Some think their mate really loves them, and will be with them for a long time.  However, when things go wrong many do not know how to work things out, and fear letting folk know. Others are just ready to give up and move to the next person, as they really don’t know which way to turn. I think we are still so young, we do not know what we want or need yet, or what’s healthy and in our best interest. Don’t get me wrong there are some teen relationships that last many years. My point is, we must be careful with whom we get into relationship. What we think we want from a relationship might not be the same thing the other person seeks. That’s when conflicts can happen!

Imani

12^th Grade - Philadelphia Mennonite High School