I had classmates in high school who, shamefully, looked down on some people in our school because they were in a less rigorous academic program, or didn’t act/look like them (which to them meant that they were less smart, less capable). That kind of attitude really frustrated me because these peers of mine (who thankfully were a minority in their opinions) tended to be from families who were well-off and whose parents, unlike that of a lot of the students in our school who weren’t well-off financially, had stable jobs and had a comfortable salary. I’m not saying that everyone who comes from an affluent family condones to this “let’s look down at everyone who isn’t like us” behavior, only that there was a minority of students who failed to see things from the perspective of someone whose conditions in life aren’t so good. They couldn’t see that for some of these students they looked down on, home isn’t always that stable, family life isn’t always so harmonious, and money, especially, wasn’t abundant. Those kind of conditions aren’t exactly conducive to a good studying environment, or just an environment to grow up in general, so why look down on someone for situations they (often) aren’t culpable of?
- Allyson
Archive for the ‘The Real World’ Category
A Little Bit of Perspective
Wednesday, August 25th, 2010
Underemployment Among Youth
Monday, August 23rd, 2010
It would be nothing short of amazing if everyone in the world didn’t have to worry about money, didn’t have to worry about their present conditions or their future. But the world doesn’t work that way, and for a lot of us, especially when the economy’s slowing recovering from the recession, we do have to worry. Of the proportion of people who can’t find a job in this economy, a lot are young people. And this is around the world, according to the UN. This means that in families who are already struggling financially to begin with, it’s hard to find a way for work-aged teens to find a source to help support their families. That’s troubling news for anyone to see, let alone youth who have to find a way to help themselves get by. So what can we do?
- Allyson
Hunger and Homelessness
Thursday, August 19th, 2010
According to the American Psychological Association, “…living in poverty has a wide range of negative effects on the physical and mental health and wellbeing of our nation’s children.” Some of these physical effects are insufficient nutrition, energy, and a decreased ability to fight off infections. Youth living on the streets are especially at risk of suffering from hunger. There are programs in cities and towns and the U.S. as a whole which provide food for those living in poverty, but they’re not always accessible to youth, and not always sufficient. What can people do in their community to help homeless youth who have trouble getting access to food and other basic services? In my area, I’ve seen a lot of food drives that have been successful; this is one way you might be able to help youth in your community. There are also non-profit groups in the area that make soup, sandwiches, and provide water free of charge to youth in need (and others also). These are some ways to help using already established local services. For a more wide-spread effect on the community, people could find a way to inform homeless youth of their options, or maybe even start a campaign to get the government to establish a program for homeless youth.
- Allyson
A Quality Alternative
Friday, August 13th, 2010
photo courtesy MTV Networks
Summer television programming is awful, except apparently “Pretty Little Liars”, which everyone and their mother seem to be watching out of pure desperation. Well, the bad news is that “PLL” had its summer finale, but the good news is that MTV has a healthier alternative. I’m talking about “True Life”, which is an oldie but a goodie. Those unfamiliar with the television show, it has to do with cameras following 2-3 young adults that all share similar lifestyles, problems, and journeys. It interesting to see other people’s lives and the different ordeals they face in everyday life. Another great thing about the show is that it gives the viewers someone to relate themselves to. Whatever problem, situation, or dilemma, this show has shined a light on it, which is great. Most people feel like they are the only one going through a specific situation, but they really aren’t alone. This show can help by just giving teens someone to relate to, and maybe even offers some solutions to their problems. If your parents embarrass you, if you’re living a double life, or if you hate your body, “True Life” has done an episode about it, so check it out.
- Ruben