I love talking with teenagers about issues of diversity. In many ways, they are still just kids and providing them with new information and knowledge is incredibly gratifying because of the way they just soak it up. However, I am also always shocked by how much I learn from teenagers when I talk to them as well. So many adolescents are quite introspective and they think about things in a different way than I would. They tend to be quite candid too, if given the opportunity to be honest. The following is really interesting - both for teens and adults. All kids will eventually become adults and lead the social and economic growth of our country. They deserve to know what they are getting into; what they are inheriting. The following is a moving infographic (who doesn't love a good infographic??) that outlines the current economic realities of American society. It's not a lecture or a passionate plea for change. It just lays out the facts. Teenagers will eventually enter the work world (sooner is better than later-right parents?) and should understand the impact of where they might fall within this infographic. So share it with them and have a discussion about it. What are their thoughts about this chart? Where do they think their family lies? Where do they want to end up and why? If you have a conversation with your teen (or your class if you are a teacher), leave a comment below and let us know what things came up that surprised you. Even if the video does not give you any new information, I almost guarantee that your teen will. http://www.utrend.tv/v/9-out-of-10-americans-are-completely-wrong-about-this-mind-blowing-fact/ Did you enjoy this post? Sign up for our newsletter! Instead of having to remember to check out the blog, you will get great information delivered right to your email. Tips, strategies, articles, and videos so you don't have to figure it all out yourself! When you sign up, you will receive a useful book list for kids of all ages-babies to teens. Enjoy and let us know what you think!
3 Comments
Carol
3/1/2016 08:12:24 am
Sobering facts - it is true that the information is not new - but disturbing nonetheless. If you superimpose information regarding race/ethnicity onto these charts, it is even more sobering. How do parents instill hope in the minds of children of limited means that they can achieve an elevated standard of living?
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3/1/2016 02:12:18 pm
That is a great observation and really addresses the idea of intersectionality that is so important to take under consideration. Parents should try to instill hope into the minds of their children. Yes, it's important to provide them with realities that they will have to live with, but instill in them that they can make it better, that their situation can improve and the situation of others. It'll be a bumpy road, but kids need to know that they can work out of it. Despair will get you nowhere. So, share the reality, but also the hope.
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Carol
3/2/2016 10:20:19 am
Well stated Dr. Sweeney. Thank you.
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AuthorDr. Sweeney is a licensed school psychologist and cultural competence expert. Here are her musings on life in a multicultural world. Archives
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