PLN #8

   The article, "What's Wrong With the Teenage Mind", by Alison Gopnik, describes the average teenage mind and why it's the way it is, that teenagers are going through puberty sooner, and maturing later, and that the average teen is losing energy, gaining more 'confidence' and becoming more sloppy.

   Alison Gopnik, the author of "What's Wrong With the Teenage Mind", in my opinion, couldn't be more correct because of everything that goes on at school, and who the students are that lie within. I personally have definitely been hearing more complaints from older people, especially those in the 50's and 60's, about how the 'generation of now' is more gory, dark, and unsafe. The teenage mind is fine, it's just what the teen's are deciding to do with it. For the teenagers, wearing a tank top with your bra straps showing is normal, or a guy sagging his pants so low you can see his under-garments. It is just what is happening now, and what is popular. Some don't even think they do it, but students want their peers to acknowledge them. It means something when the most popular kid in school says hi in the hallway, or when a cute boy talks to the small dork in the back. That feeling is almost unbearable as it is amazing. It is almost impossible to love something when everyone else hates it. In this time, it is thought of as weird if you graduate High School a virgin, or liking a band everyone else thinks is gay. Students are making practically all of their decisions based on what other peers say and do. If it means buying a certain brand, or trying drugs or having sex... a lot of students say they will never do it, but when the time comes, it feels as if there is no other choice.