Youth In The Face of Adversity
Written by Cassie Licari & Dominique Houle on 27/07/10
A teen walks into a store wearing baggy clothing, has a tattoo and an eyebrow piercing. The manager of the store asks one of the employees to keep an eye on him, to make sure he doesn’t steal anything. When the employee asks why he needs to watch him, his manager says, “He just looks like a troublemaker; someone from the wrong side of the tracks.”
All of us are different and unique in our own way, although sometimes people may judge us because of the way we look (and we may judge others for the same reason). Some of us who choose to express ourselves another way than what most people think is the “norm” are treated differently or looked down upon. When this type of discrimination is associated with our age, it is called ageism.
Breaking the Stereotypes
For as long as our world has been spinning around the sun, different cultures have been practicing their own unique traditions. Tattooing and piercing the body is often used to symbolize something, such as a persons’ status within a community. However, in some cases, tattoos and piercings are used as a form of punishment. For example: by branding someone who has broken the law, it makes the public aware that a criminal walks among them. Today, a stigma towards tattoos and piercings still exits in North American culture. Often those who change their bodies this way are seen as “deviant” or as belonging to specific sub-cultures such as the stereotypical “rocker” or “emo kid” (emotional), and these stereotypes can make the situation even worse. To us, tattoos and piercings can be a form of self-expression; to show the world who we are and what we’re proud of – not a reason to categorize or make assumptions.
Stereotypes & Ageism
Stereotypes are almost always linked with, and directly contribute to ageism. Ageism is when someone is judged or treated differently because of their age. Often teens who express themselves through tattoos or piercings are looked down upon or treated differently. In the example above, the teen that walked into the store was automatically stereotyped because of the way he looked, and therefore the store manager was being ageist towards him. This attitude is not okay, and it is up to us youth to help correct it.
What You Can Do…
Taking a stand and getting involved in your community can be the best way to help end stereotyping against youth. We can all work together to stop ageism in its tracks and give youth the same voice as everyone else. Talk to teachers, a guidance counselor or even your local community centre about ways you can get involved.
You can also try approaching those who are being ageist. For example, if an older relative makes an unfair remark about you in a conversation like “You don’t understand, you’re only a teenager,” question them about it. Sometimes the person who is making you feel discriminated against may not realize what they are doing, and approaching them and telling them how you feel can be a learning experience for everyone involved. You can also check out the links below for more great ideas!
Starting your own initiative is another way you can help battle ageism. Check out our Project Planning Guide for a step-by-step guide on how to start your own project. You can even read about inspirational youth initiatives that have already been put into action across Canada. If you do decide to start your own initiative against ageism, let us know and we can post it on our site!
Links
Media Awareness Network – Stereotypes
Youth Infusion
Apathy is Boring
Youth Services Bureau
One Reader Comment:
Frank J. BarrettJuly 31st
Would like to compliment all the youth on the various articles
Youth speaking out — the manner that you use is excellent
(different subjects)
Especially pleased that some your young writers are second generation EH !
Children of retired RCMP Members (another thing we did right)
Keep up the good work –You are Canada’s future
Frank J. Barrett
A.K.A. FrankO a Grin N’ Barrett Klown
Life Member
Ottawa Div. Vet’s Association
Klown Hugs to you All