Don't Believe The Hype- By J.Wolfe

Teens are often stereotyped by appearance and dress as being involved in negative activity. Thus, the dress itself brings on a negative response. As times change, so do the fads and fashions. Although we may not be able to relate to the styles of the day, we should keep in mind, in many ways today's youth are not so different than past generations. They just want to have fun growing up!

Are Teens Under-represented or Over-Represented? by Denise Bates

I often think that teens are viewed as insignificant in the media society unless there is a sensational story involved. In the Houston, Texas community where I work, there is an interest and an effort from the media to bring out positive stories about teens - usually those that are considered over-achievers. There does seem to be a larger need to tell the story of how many "mainstream" teenagers deal with everyday life.

The most significant portrayal of teenagers recently was that of the "Jena 6," which would evoke a negative image to most. However, there is a very positive element that came out of all of the media exposure: it got young people involved in a Civil Rights movement; the first of its size since the 60"s. Proof positive that the younger generation is and wants to be involved in their society.

Bashing teens for dollars - Mizell Stewart

The advocacy group Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting takes the media to task for popularizing oft-repeated myths about teens, such as the "epidemic" in teen pregnancy, "rampant" drug abuse and, dare I say, the pervasive and age-related inability to drive an automobile.

Car crashes are one thing. Suicide, violence and recklessness are other things entirely, FAIR says. "And like traditional stereotypes," the report says, "the modern media teenager is a distorted image, derived from the dire fictions promoted by official agencies and interest groups.

The report goes on to suggest that popular media stereotypes of teens are the result of reporters swallowing the talking points of interest groups such as the National Association of Private Psychiatric Hospitals.

FAIR accuses the hospital group of inflating teen suicide statistics to frighten angst-ridden parents terrified that their child's momentarily sullen mood will lead to much, much worse. (And in the end, drive business to their member hospitals).

In a similar vein, The McKnight Foundation suggests that in reality, the negative images are dwarfed by the great majority of "ordinary young people trying to achieve their goals and grow up ready to contribute to the world."

The best way to combat negative stereotypes, according to McKnight, is for mainstream print, broadcast and online news organizations to support the creation of youth-produced media.

Save the Last Dance offers lessons

The movie "Save the Last Dance" captures the angst of the teenage years and the complexity and texture of teen relationships. From interracial dating to ganglife and academic success, this film helps narrate a soundtrack of teen life. But it is often a soundtrack lacking in many of the nation's newspapers and broadcast news stations' telecasts. Too often, stories about teens deal with the extremes: gang bangers and Harvard-bound genius students from urban neighborhoods; athletes who excel in some sport and would-be rap stars who worship at the altar of Tupac and Biggie; struggling teens who work two jobs, raise their siblings and visit mom at jail on the weekend; you get the picture.

Passhun J.Sain

pic's of teens