Negative portrayals harm young people
As a senior in the school of social work program at UNCG, my passion lies with today's youth. Yet, what troubles me most is the way our youth are continuously portrayed in the media.
We overwhelmingly hear of the few who act out violently, drop out of school, harm themselves or others and commit crimes. The public images present our youth in a dangerous and negative light.
What does this do to our youth? It stigmatizes them, but most of all, it underestimates their abilities. It sends them the message that they are not good enough and that they will never amount to anything. It gives them no healthy role models their own age to look up to, or to let them know what kids are truly capable of.
As a future school social worker, I fear that this stigmatization will turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy. So, I would like to end this letter by saying the following to our youth: Strive to be all that you can, and look within yourself to find that potential, because it lies within every single one of you.
Emilie Hart
Summerfield
Comments (2)
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Great letter. It's sad but true. The saying "No news is Good news" is true now more than ever.
Posted on March 31, 2006 11:14 AM
Nice job Emilie---I'm partial to social workers as they do wonderful work in a multitude of areas. I won't enlarge on your letter as it is super just the way it is.
Implied in your letter is that "No News is Good News" doesn't cut it any more. Young people, like all of us, need to be reinforced not only for the good that they do but for the potential good that they are capable of doing if the environment (social, religious, political, media etc) is supportive and encouraging. Young peoples' paths don't have to be like salmon swimming up stream to get to their destination.
I'm with you and your postive suggestions and positive attitude. I know your program and you will do just great.
Posted on March 31, 2006 3:42 PM