“What is wrong with these kids? Why do they act this way? The question passes judgment even as it inquires.” (Dobbs 2011)

This article, in my opinion, reflects to a tee the mentality held by adults towards adolescents. We (I include myself because I recently have found myself to pass judgment inadvertently—but I am sure to ground myself whenever I do) see them as reckless risk-takers with terrible attitudes, in the worst of cases. We question their motives and sometimes even ask “what is wrong with you”? This, as we have learned in class, may be one of the worst questions posed to adolescents as nothing is physically, physiologically, mentally, or emotionally is wrong with them. They simply think differently then their adult counterparts. As the article denotes, this is because they are still developing; their brains have not reached full capacity, so therefore we need to change our mindset to better address their undesired choices.

While I was reading the article, I found myself understanding a potential reason for their anger or moodiness. Despite hormonal changes they are experiencing, they face adults everyday who question their motives and doubt their choices, a natural reaction to not-so-well-thoughout behavior. This constant negative feedback can no doubt affect the teen’s self-esteem and self-worth, easily causing anger or moodiness, especially if the remarks come from their number one supporters, their parents.

In American society, freedoms are given while a child is still in his or her adolescent period. They are permitted to drive, buy lotto tickets, buy cigarettes, enlist in the army, and even purchase a gun. If we, as a society, punish our teens for stupid choices they may make, then why do we give them the ammunition (literal and figurative meaning) to make them? We cannot go back in time to a place where teens are sheltered until they are ready, able, and willing members of society. We must appreciate their malleable personalities, as Dobbs notes.