Wake Up, Young People! Wake Up!

I considered writing this with some level of academic aptitude as if I was writing for publication in some peer-reviewed journal. However, I found it unnecessary and felt that I really needed to focus on the message, not the verbiage. For example, the sentences could have read, "I am often flabbergasted by the vernaculars of adolescents in the presence of significant and generalized others, particularly elders. Even more deplorable, indistinguishable deliberations are taking place within these subgroups."

Rather than some intense scholastic rigidity, I thought the message could be best presented by saying, "I am amazed when overhearing the discussions that take place among some young people. What is even more amazing is the idea that 'children' are using certain language and covering topics that are quite explicit." Now that the foundation has been laid and manner for which this is written is understood, let's get to it.

I want this to be taken as advice from someone who is not much older than a "young person". However, through experience I have grown and learned that some of the decisions I made before adulthood have helped to shape who I am even in early adulthood. Trust me, I have made my share of bad decisions, but am continuously learning from them.

My purpose here is to speak to young people. Maybe I should be a bit more precise. By "young people", I'm referring specifically to those who are not yet adults but may be charged with some level of personal and/or family responsibility such as homework, household chores, or even being big brother or sister. I'm speaking specifically to middle and high schoolers.