Missing the Bigger Picture...
The Sterotypes Affect Teens
The stereotyping of teenagers in society today primarily affects teens and their self-image, the opportunities given to them, and makes them feel categorized. For instance, a teen speaks about how society can affect the image of teens when she says, “To get through to young people, you have to listen to them, trust them, and respect them. The way I look and the music I listen to does not make me a ‘bad’ person. I am my own person” (“The Impact of Youth Stereotyping: Media Awareness Network”). Teens end up feeling like they are worth nothing because stereotypes influence how teens see themselves. Teens that are negatively stereotyped because of the way they look and act end up feeling negatively about themselves. Often teens experience depression because people cannot see the beauty in them. Teens may like certain things or dress a certain way, but that is a representation of their personality. Society fails to see the beautiful personality on the inside, and they focus on the outside. Furthermore, Global Post’s article on teens being affected by stereotypes explains that they feel like they are not good enough when they write, “When a teenager is stereotyped, she might assume she has to measure up to certain standards. Stereotyping puts a teen in a box, making little room for growth beyond society’s limited labels and often unjustified expectations” (Tucker, “The Effects of Stereotyping Teenagers”). Teens may be very talented and have the ability to achieve all their goals, but they may miss these opportunities due to the stereotypes making them feel like they have no chance. Teens may always feel like their stereotype and that they are unable to escape it. They may think that the stereotype is who they are. Society today misses out on who teens really are and how extraordinary they are because the stereotypes are making teens hide their true potential inside. In conclusion, an article on the impact stereotypes have on teenagers today states, “Stereotypes of a group of people can affect the way society views them, and change society’s expectations of them. With enough exposure to a stereotype, society may come to view it as a reality rather than a chosen representation” (“The Impact of Youth Stereotyping: Media Awareness Network”). Teens can feel categorized by a stereotype when it has nothing to do with who they truly are or their personality. People in society listen to what others say rather than discovering things for themselves. People often listen to stereotypes rather than getting to know the actual people and the greatness of teenagers. The beauty of teenagers is often overlooked due to stereotypes, which makes teens feel like they are not good enough and greatly affects them.
Works Cited:
“Teen PSA: Proving the Stereotypes Wrong.” YouTube. YouTube, 16 June 2008. Web. 14
May 2014.
“The Impact of Youth Stereotyping: Media Awareness Network.” Ellymoohanmedia. World
Press, 28 Nov. 2011. Web. 14 May 2014.
Tucker, Kristine. “The Effects of Stereotyping Teenagers.” Everyday Life. Global Post, n.d.
Web. 14 May 2014.
“Teen PSA: Proving the Stereotypes Wrong.” YouTube. YouTube, 16 June 2008. Web. 14
May 2014.
“The Impact of Youth Stereotyping: Media Awareness Network.” Ellymoohanmedia. World
Press, 28 Nov. 2011. Web. 14 May 2014.
Tucker, Kristine. “The Effects of Stereotyping Teenagers.” Everyday Life. Global Post, n.d.
Web. 14 May 2014.