I've always disliked the 'teenager' construct. I've always had strong feelings against treating young adults as 'teenagers'. However as I got older my feelings waned and I stopped giving it much thought.
That's why it was like a sweet breeze reading this article reminding me of my deep-down disdain for the 'teenager' myth. I really like these kinds of articles, written from the young Muslim perspective, as it takes me back to my days of adolescence. I realize that I've lost so much of my own energy and youthful spunk, my fervor to change the world, so its good to be reminded every once in a while by those who still have it.
I particularly liked the author's point on the 'teenager' being a socio-economic fabrication of the West. The perception of young adults in the developing world is further proof:
"You’ll only find “teenagers” in economically developed societies. Here the adults refuse to recognize that these young people are quite capable of contributing to the community, whereas in poor and developing communities, much like the times of old, every sentient individual is expected to pitch in.
This is especially true where the age of life expectancy is low. Where people have to work hard to survive, you won’t find rebellious teens - or at least it won’t be the norm. You’ll only find children, young adults, middle-aged adults and old adults."
I would only add to the sister's thoughts by saying that one of the reasons behind keeping young adults acting like big children is consumerism. There is a huge industry marketed directly to teenagers including clothing, entertainment, and electronics.
This multi-billion dollar industry is built around teenagers and their 'rebellion' with corporations keen on feeding into that mindset. So much so that the irresponsibility associated with teens has now even extended into the early 20's. So the juvenile antics not only persist beyond the teen years but are promoted to greater intensity, what with the gaudy sport scars, expensive video games, and spring break free-for-all's.
Let's pray that Muslims figure this out sooner than later.
Just don’t call it genocide
1 week ago
5 comments:
AA
Yeah, I remember hearing something to this effect by Sh Hamza Yusuf once...
He was explaining the societal construct of Arabia at the time of the Prophet (SAW), and he then mentioned one of Hz Ali's oft-quoted statements or teachings regarding bringing up children, and the different stages involved.
I don't know if it's funny or sad, but Alexander had conquered how much when he was 21? there were pharoahs and kings in their "teens"....and i still haven't conquered this vile rat race and university degrees etc etc etc...
oh man.. I couldn't agree more! Actually it was my dad who told me that when I tried to use being a teen as an excuse. He took me to his village in Sudan to prove it. That vacation changed me for good.
Naeem, you are totally right. They rob young adults of their senses until they get to an age where they have lost their fervor to make any real difference in the world! I began as an education major and got to study how they decided to CREATE this group, mostly in an effort to control them. Unfortunately, I see the Muslims doing the SAME thing in the mosques now!
Saqib, agreed on the miraculous achievements of Alexander. And I too remember Sh. Hamza talking on the same topic...I think it was the Life of the Prophet series. Thanks for the reminder!
Kholood, your lucky that your dad taught you that lesson early on. I can't say that I was forced to mature too early. I wish I had...too many years wasted goofing around. Like Sahra said, I too was one of those whose youthful 'fervor' was stolen by the teenage-hood. :-(
I guess that's even more reason to make sure my kids don't fall into that trap, IA-
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