Scariest thing about teenagers...

Often I see “grownups” act out of a mindset that all young people are bad, treating the adolescent impolitely before even giving them a chance.  I witnessed an adult clerk dish out this kind of behavior to a teenager as they were paying for something at a cash register.  The adult was downright rude.  Finally the teen had all they could take and asked, “Did I do something to make you mad?”  The adult responded by mumbling something under their breath.  After the young person left, the clerk said something to the effect of “damned smart aleck teenagers.”  Well, I had endured enough of this abuse so I replied, “funny I was wondering the same thing the teenager was.  I felt she (the teenager) asked you a very legitimate question.  In fact, if you would’ve treated me like you treated her, I don’t think I would have been as kind as she was.”

"The scariest thing about kids today is how adults feel about them." San Francisco Examiner

Comments

[riddle]

Thanks Mike. Great stuff.
This kind of behavior is everywhere.
When I was growing up, one of my dad's friends used to always say (in front of us teens) "Never trust a teenager" and I grew up believing it.

The is just one example of why teens feel abandoned by their culture and also why, when an adult truly engages a teenager, listens to them and shows respect that kids often respond so well.

mark

[kristin]

I will never forget an incident I had a Famous Barr dept. store when I was in jr high. I was given $50 by my mom and dad for my birthday to buy some new sneakers. I really wanted some green low-top converse sneaks and they felt like I was old enough to go with a friend to the mall BY MYSELF. (it was a big deal then.) I went to Famous Barr and found exactly what I wanted on the wall. I went up to the sales guy and polietly asked to see the shoe in my size. He looked at me with complete distain and mumbled something under his breath. I waited and waited as countless customers, like myself but adult aged, came and were greeted with a smile and prompt service. After about 20 minutes of this, I once again approached the salesman and very polietly asked if he would help me find the size I needed. Once again, the man blew me off. I finally gave up and my friend and I left to go to another store. Not that big a deal in the big scheme, but it basically tainted the rest of the day for me. It felt like sort of a "rite of passage" to be able to go to the mall by myself for the first time. But then to be treated like I was less than nothing kind of messed with that experience. Sometimes I wish more adults could remember what it was like to be young, could put themselves in a position where they at least can empathize, even when they do not agree.

[Mike King]

That is a bummer story Kristin. If we really treated each other (regardless of age) like human beings that clerk would have made you feel like the Queen of the world...