Myth Of Adolescence By Alex And Brett Harris
In the essay, Myth of Adolescence, Alex and Brett Harris incorporate their thoughts on what they feel about what teenagers actually go through during their period of `adolescence.` They go on to compare this phase to an elephant. They say that an elephant is a powerful beast that can be restrained even by a piece of twine. According to Alex and Brett, young teens are the elephant and our twine is the concept of adolescence. Unfortunately, these low expectations end up limiting teens for no reason. Teenagers, between the ages of 13-18, are held back by society and aren't able to excel in life. The essay, Myth of Adolescence, states that the socials expectations are becoming obstacles for teens. We as teenagers, need to erase the invisible shackles
around our minds, and think for ourselves. Only then we could become who we truly deserve to be. This essay has changed my perception not only towards myself but towards other teens as well. I agree with Alex and Brett’s modern concept of adolescence, which is just a cultural mindset, compelling teens to behave the way they do. The societal lowered expectations encourage teens to view adulthood as difficult phase of their life, which they don't want to be a part of. As Alex and Brett have said,”We expect immaturity and irresponsibility, from ourselves and from one another, and that is exactly what we get.” We teenagers are limiting ourselves because we believe that we are ''big children" or "young adults" that don't have the same responsibilities of an adult. Therefore, we tend to act immature and irresponsible. I also agree with the concept that, “If we would only recognize that our restraints are illusory then we would be a force this world could no longer ignore.” I believe that the only thing us, as teens, should do is step out of the way society thinks. Only then, we would become responsible and mature. We just need to remember that life is about the decision we make for ourselves, not the decisions other make for us. We shouldn’t limits ourselves to what others say.
around our minds, and think for ourselves. Only then we could become who we truly deserve to be. This essay has changed my perception not only towards myself but towards other teens as well. I agree with Alex and Brett’s modern concept of adolescence, which is just a cultural mindset, compelling teens to behave the way they do. The societal lowered expectations encourage teens to view adulthood as difficult phase of their life, which they don't want to be a part of. As Alex and Brett have said,”We expect immaturity and irresponsibility, from ourselves and from one another, and that is exactly what we get.” We teenagers are limiting ourselves because we believe that we are ''big children" or "young adults" that don't have the same responsibilities of an adult. Therefore, we tend to act immature and irresponsible. I also agree with the concept that, “If we would only recognize that our restraints are illusory then we would be a force this world could no longer ignore.” I believe that the only thing us, as teens, should do is step out of the way society thinks. Only then, we would become responsible and mature. We just need to remember that life is about the decision we make for ourselves, not the decisions other make for us. We shouldn’t limits ourselves to what others say.