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
12th Grade - Philadelphia
Mennonite High School
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