JESSICA GRIMM, West York Area High School
Teen Takeover staff
“Teenagers should stick to writing about iPods or computer games, things they know about, and leave the political commentary to those of us who are old enough to have some perspective on the situation.�
The above quotation is taken from a letter-to-the-editor that was in a June edition of the York Daily Record/Sunday News. It was written by Turk Pierce in response to an article by Teen Takeover writer Jake Mokris. The rest of Pierce’s letter was written just like any other letter by someone who disagrees with a writer’s opinion, but that final sentence disappointed me.
A lot of adults don’t like when teenagers have a strong head on their shoulders and have developed their own, educated opinions on issues ranging from pop culture to politics. Many of those adults do what Pierce did in his letter and use an, “Oh, they’re just teenagers, what do they know?� kind of argument.
The truth is, many teens are becoming more politically aware. They pay attention to the news and current events so that they can form educated opinions and engage in more grown-up conversations.
Politics, though, have proven to be a double-edged sword for most teens.
On one side, if teens don’t know anything about the political world, they’re ignorant and uneducated. And how in the world will they run the country someday?
On the other side, if teens do take an interest in politics, they have to be willing to face the arguments from those with opposing views, which often contain phrases such as, “You only think that way because of your parents� or “You’re only a teenager, what kind of perspective could you possibly have?�
It’s true that those of us on the Teen Takeover staff have only lived long enough to remember two presidents. It’s also true, however, that history classes are way more extensive than they were 30 years ago, so it’s possible for us to look back to certain events in history and compare and contrast them to the happenings of today. Such studies help us gain more perspective in the world of politics.
This is my final article after four years of writing for the Teen Takeover. During my time on the staff, I’ve seen many adults turn into some of our biggest fans. These adults are able to see our writing and look past our ages. My hope is that in four more years, I can pick up a newspaper and find that the Turk Pierces of York County have changed their minds.
— By JESSICA GRIMM, West York Area High School
Thanks for your article, Jessica. You will find that many people who disagree with an opinion will avoid the issue/topic of discussion and instead will passionately attack the writer or writer's political or other defined group.
Our family had a good laugh over that letter.
1. Jake is a history buff.
2. Jake doesn't own an ipod.
Thanks again and good luck with your future! We have enjoyed your articles.