Out of the Woods: Today's Kids Can't See the Forest for the MTV

I recently read the article “Out of the Woods: Today’s Kids Can’t See the Forest for the MTV” by Joel Achenbach. This article was published in the Washington Post. In this article the author provides his opinion on why children today stay indoors more than children years ago. He describes how when he tells his kids to go outside they moan and groan, and are bored outside. He also talks about how back when he was a child there was no such thing as Nintendo or MTV; so he played outside most of the time digging in the dirt, climbing trees, and messing with ants. Kids today on the other hand would pick playing videogames over playing outside nine times out of ten. He says this is true mainly because of parents. He says that parents today over protect children and make them think that the outdoors are dangerous; as a result children are soft and would rather be indoors.

I have lived in the country my whole life and loved being outdoors. I would ride horses, go swimming, ride my bike, and go for walks in the timber. I was not like most kids my age because I hated videogames and I still do. I believe that kids spend way too much time inside. I think that many kids are lazy when it comes to physical work and their attention spans are practically nonexistent due to the fact that everything they do (videogames and watching TV) is so interactive that children get bored with tasks that involve work or learning. Also childhood obesity is on the rise and lying on the couch all day playing Xbox is not helping this issue. Playing outdoors in my opinion is much more beneficial to children. They get exercise, learn patience from animals or playing with other kids, and they are away from many of the negative issues videogames and TV provide.    

Pregnacy Pact?

I was on Facebook the other day and I came across a post that really bothered me. It was a picture of a girl’s pregnant stomach that I went to school with and under the picture were comments. The comments were what really bothered me. There was three other girls who commented on it, one who is also pregnant and is her best friend from my class, one was her sister who is a sophomore in high school that just has a miscarriage, and the last one was a girl who is in eighth grade and pregnant. They commented on how cute their tummies are, how they are so excited to have their baby, and what they hope to have, girl or boy. I realize that teen pregnancies are not uncommon and many are accidents. I am not saying that these girls should be ashamed or had an abortion. My sister had twins at nineteen so I understand how hard it is and that if she could have changed it she would. The difference in this case is that these girls planned their pregnancies. The two girls from my class said, “I am ready to start my family.” The problem with this is they both dropped out of high school as sophomores, have no jobs, have boyfriends that are not very reliable, and have sisters that had children as teens. The girl in eighth grade is fourteen years old; how is she going to finish school? How will she pay for all the expenses of a baby? Will her young boyfriend stay around? And does she really know how to take care of another human being? I am from a small town and these girls also live where I do. I do not understand how they think they are ready to be mothers at such a young age. If all of these were accidents I would understand more, but these were planned. All of these girls know how to use birth control, condoms, and other contraceptives so they are not in this position from lack of knowledge. They could have stayed in school, went to college, had a career, and then had a family. Instead this is what they chose. Is this a pregnancy pact? If it is, I hope that these girls are prepared for how hard their lives are going to become. When they decided to get pregnant they thought about the positives; the beautiful baby, having a family, cute stuffed animals and blankets. What about the negatives at this age; sleepless nights, money troubles, fathers running off, and no longer having a life that was just for you. I wish the best for these girls; I just do not understand why now, and why so young?      

Turning Goys into Girls

I decided to respond to an article I read last week for the iRead essay, Turning Goys into Girls, by Michelle Cottle. After reading this article again with past knowledge about the author’s claim I do believe that men are just as insecure as women now and Men’s Health magazine brings men’s insecurities to view.  Many beauty products are now focused on men because now they are a target, not just women. Women have always worried about their waistline, how many wrinkles they have, and how they can get rid of thunder thighs. Men seem to be worried about the same things. At the gym I see mainly males because looking fit is a masculine trait. Many reality shows feature men getting faces masks and manicures. The Jersey Shore is a great example of the change in men. The men on that show go tanning, work out every day, and take hours to get ready much like most girls. Flipping through a men’s magazine there is hardly anything but weight loss plans, articles on how to look younger, and ways to get women in bed. If you compare men 50 years ago to men today, they have completely changed. Men are no longer the main bread winners, rough, and dirty. They are much more feminine, concerned with appearance, and wishing they looked younger.  I completely agree with all of the authors’ claims and I see now after eleven years since she wrote this article her points are even more relevant. I also agree with her statement that men are now more appearance conscious because of the threat of women in the workforce and because a suave, clean-cut, fit, and young man is the definition of a successful businessman today.  I like the idea that the playing field for men and women is becoming more equal, but I hope that men do not lose their sense of masculinity.        

Spread the Word to End the Word

Let me ask you a question. Have you ever stopped to think about the words you use every day? More importantly have you thought about how the words you use affect other people? Do you use the word Retard or Retarded frequently and how do you use it?

               The words “Retard” or “Retarded” are used incorrectly everywhere I seem to go whether it is ICC or out shopping. These words are often used to describe someone who is acting “stupid” when they do not have any intellectual disabilities. When used in this way, the R-word can be applied to anyone. Even though it is not directed to a person who is mentally impaired, it is still hurtful. When saying the R-word, what you really mean is that he or she is as stupid as a person with intellectual disabilities. The impression is that the only characteristic of mental impaired individuals is their stupidity.

               Many of us belong to a certain group, but do you remember a time when you were alienated from your group? Do you remember how you felt at the time? Now think about society treating you this way because you are different. Try having the word “Retard” stamped on your forehead for the rest of your life. Retard is a word of HATE. I understand that it is much easier to go along with what other people say and spread the hate, but I am asking you to stand up against it. There is a campaign called Spread the Word to End the Word to stop people from using retard in a derogatory manner. You can go to their website to pledge to stop using the word retard, www.r-word.org. This issue and campaign is very dear to my heart because on May 14^th my baby cousin, Sydney, was born with Down’s syndrome. She is a beautiful and happy baby that we are lucky to have in our lives, but I know there are people out there that will make fun of her when she is older. I cannot be with her every day to protect her, but if you pledge to not use these words and tell others to as well, this can be a start to a more accepting world she can grow up in.