When I was a teenager back in the mid 1980s, things were a lot of fun — at least from what I remember. I enjoyed my days spent earning a solid education at John Adams High School, and I had a job working at Bob’s Sneaker Corner — both of which are still standing in Ozone Park.
I wasn’t into following politics on a daily basis, but I surely recall feeling that President Reagan was a man of integrity, and I listened when he spoke, because he was likeable and had a wonderful aura about him.
Boxing was truly a sport, and a guy named Mike Tyson ruled the ring. A Chicago Bear named Walter Payton was easy to root for, running on the football field with strength, determination and a lot of success.
I admired police officers and firemen. Music was not so dangerous, thanks to artists and groups like Billy Ocean, U2 and Genesis. Shows like “The Cosby Show” and “Family Ties” were more than just shows that made me laugh. They emphasized the importance of family and the difference between a house and a home. Even four “Golden Girls” were cool.
When I was a teenager, I remember saying to myself, “Rob, don’t get old. If you do, you’ll sound just like every other old person who complains about how great things used to be and how things are getting worse and worse.”
Well, now that I’m 41-years-old, I consider myself old. Not because I think 41 is old, but rather because I see that teenagers are up against a heck of a lot these days. In fact, it is pretty rough being a teenager in today’s society. And if it’s not society that is doing them wrong, then I question if many teens are helping their own cause.
Of course, this doesn’t apply to every teenager, but I’ve noticed that too many teens today just don’t seem motivated to earn that high school diploma on time. Maybe every teen who likes to sing can win on “American Idol,” and maybe every teen who likes to play a sport will get drafted out of high school and play on the professional level with a huge contract. Maybe. Maybe not.
Websites such as Facebook have had an easy time luring kids away from their responsibilities, like chores and homework. (The computer also seems to have taught kids that it’s hip to write just about everything in abbreviated form.) Let’s not forget the fairly new crime that has found its way into our society — cyber bullying — from which some teens have taken their own lives after being terribly abused or humiliated online.
Music lyrics have gotten nastier and movies have become raunchier. Star athletes abusing steroids have tainted sports. There’s a mixed bag of good and bad television shows, but how many of today’s soon-to-be-adults are watching quality programs like “Little House on the Prairie” on the Hallmark Channel?
Then, there are the idols that teens have in their lives. Question: Where are they? Who are they?
How many teenagers know who Pat Tillman’s mother is? Or even who Pat Tillman is? How many genuinely want to listen to President Obama speak? For some, idols come in the form of a parent or guardian (which is a beautiful thing). But, for many, their idols are silhouettes, empty faces waiting to be occupied.
We live in such a different world today, compared to my teenage days. Too many teens are scared and pessimistic, and they have every right to be. Terrorism, parents losing their jobs, politicians creating more problems than solutions, the latest price of a Metro Card or a movie ticket, house windows being covered with steel bars…the list goes on.
My 5-year-old son, Matthew, is currently in kindergarten. I cannot wait to speak with his teacher at the next parent-teacher conference. It’s important to me. It’s important to my son. It’s important to his teacher. I’m a teacher myself. When I sit in the classroom, waiting to meet the parents or guardians of my students, I usually see about 15 to 20. Problem is, I teach 150 high school students.
I have a lot to learn as a parent. I’m certainly not perfect, and I try to learn from my mistakes and grow. But I do know this: Matthew will never walk around with his pants halfway down to the ground. He’ll have all the school supplies he needs before I buy him a new pair of Air Jordans. As for his idol? We already have that covered. It’s our family cousin, Captain Thomas Farino, who served in the New York City Fire Department and sacrificed his life on 9-11 while doing his best to save others. And Matthew will continue to be exposed to many genres of music — including romantic ballads sung by Barbra Streisand and Josh Groban.
Like I said — I’m old.
