The Not-So Secret Life of the North American Teenager

“That boy who’s a champion gamer is not going to fall apart if some other guy gets to level two in a game before he does. That’s okay, he still has status among other boys. Whereas the girl whose identity consists of being the ‘smart girl’ or ‘Justin’s girlfriend’ tends to crumble if she doesn’t get into the university of her choice or if Justin dumps her.” –Dr. Leonard Sax

            There are many stereotypes concerning modern teenage girls. The title “INSIDE THE DANGEROUSLY EMPTY LIVES OF TEENAGE GIRLS” brings several of these stereotypes to mind. However, the article that follows lacks both relevance and accuracy to back up such a bold title. The article was published in the May 10^th, 2010 edition of Maclean’s magazine. The author is Dr. Leonard Sax, a family physician, PhD psychologist, father, and also author of several books; his most recent book was titled Girls on the Edge. The basis of his article is centered on the increase of anxiety in the lives of teenage girls, their preoccupation with their self-image and social standing, and also their tendency to self-harm and binge drink due to a “fragile sense of self.”

            “A whole lot of girls find solace in the notion that anxiety is now the norm” due to the fact that they are efficiently managing it. The article addresses the fact that many teenage girls –and teenage boys– have an increased amount of anxiety in their daily lives than in the past. Sax highlights cases in which anxiety is based on trivial things but fails to recognize how teenagers have successfully adapted to dealing with the increased stress levels. He connects their anxiety to their self-worth, but contradicts himself by stating that “being the best student or the fastest runner” still leads to one’s “sense of self [being] undernourished… starving.” Also, he explains that “there’s been an enormous escalation in anxiety and depression among girls and young women,” based on results from the Hamilton anxiety rating scale, published in 1959. Who is to say that this form of scale is still accurate for testing anxiety levels in modern society? Sax also states that “so many girls in North America are obsessed with what they eat and how slender they are or are not.” In other words, girls have become more aware of their health and body image. Sax twists this by saying they are obsessed. In a society where obesity is increasingly becoming an issue for young teens should they not be commended for their health awareness? He makes it seem that it is unhealthy to strive towards a healthy lifestyle and achieve a body that one is proud of and has worked hard for. He said it himself, “Only a minority of girls have diagnosable eating disorders.” The others are using sound methods for safe weight loss.

            Another topic highlighted in the article is teenage girls’ fixation with their self-image, social standing, public image, and sex. Sax believes that “girls spend a lot of time photo-shopping their pictures, making themselves look a little bit thinner than they are and getting rid of their pimples.” However, it is extremely unrealistic to assume that the average teenage girl possesses intricate photo-shopping skills to successfully be able to alter her own photos flawlessly.  Although Sax’s ideas may stem from genuine concern as a parent and as a doctor, they are blown so far out of proportion to such an extent that they are no longer plausible. Sax also takes an example of young girls’ promiscuity out of context to try and make his point. When Sax was asked if girls are frequently the ones pushing sex, he not only concurred but added that “it’s girls who are cornering the boys… if it were just one boy… [then Sax] wouldn’t pay any attention, but [he] hear[s] this from many, many young people across North America.” The evidence that Sax uses in this example is far from credible and concrete. He states that he has heard this same story in more than one case, from “many, many young people.” So has he heard it twice? Five times? His audience is left to assume that a girl providing sexual favours to boys is a recent epidemic based on Sax’s statement without him providing any statistics.

            The issue of self-harm and binge drinking is also emphasized in the article. Although he recognizes that both of these problems occur with boys too, Sax keeps the focus on teenage girls. He blatantly states that “the guy who’s captain of the hockey team, who’s popular, is not secretly cutting himself with razor blades” yet “the girl who’s very popular, captain of the basketball team and doing well in school, is as likely –maybe even more likely– than the average girl to be cutting.” Once again, his research and statistics only regard that a percentage of girls do in fact cut themselves. As a psychologist Sax has a tendency to explain the reasons that he believes these issues are occurring, but there is no mention of teenage girls being interviewed to affirm his suspicions. Sax also brings binge drinking to the attention of his readers.  He feels that it is “unprecedented, a huge change from all previous eras of which we have any record” for girls to be “at least as likely as her brother to abuse alcohol.” Why is he so shocked by this statistic? In this modern society girls are at least as likely as boys to become successful, so it should not be a surprise that girls have the same flaws. To explain why so many girls are drinking alcohol, Sax assumes that one reason is because there is “a lot more anxious girls” and “alcohol relieves anxiety, at least while [one is] drinking.” He once again –without the use of statistics or even anecdotal evidence– leads the reader to believe that teenage girls are incapable of dealing with their stress and anxiety in healthy ways, so they begin cutting themselves and binge drinking.

            Sax’s article lacks credibility, accuracy, and plausibility, but it certainly does not lack personal opinion and assumption. Due to the fact that he is both a PhD psychologist and a medical doctor, Sax feels entitled that his opinions on this topic are reliable and conclusive. Many readers will rely on the fact that he is a very educated man, and his opinion on the matter is to be trusted. The article is very persuasive but there are no statistics, references to studies, concrete or anecdotal evidence to back up any of his opinions. Because without proof, that’s just what they are: opinions. It is arguable that these are very prominent issues in society especially concerning teenage girls, and in most cases they are. However, Sax uses only extreme cases as examples to try and distort opinions of teenage girls. Why doesn’t a PhD psychologist realize that there is enough negative content in the media already concerning teenage girls? Sax is only adding to the real problem.

The Skinny on Personal Weight

When you step on the scale in the morning, you instinctively have an ideal number in mind. However, the number that needs to appear on the scale is not the one that you would like for yourself, it is the one that society has already chosen for you. In today’s modern society, everyone is much more involved in each other’s lives. An individual no longer bears the responsibility of deciding how much they should weigh in order to achieve a happy and healthy lifestyle; society has started providing that service free of charge.

There is no longer any reason to worry about appearing undernourished. If your figure is deemed too slim by the public, they will simply provide helpful comments and recommendations, such as “eat a hamburger,” to help you attain a socially acceptable body image.  Their suggestions are so insightful! Although some may present a jealous façade towards your slender body, it is simply reverse psychology, and they are trying to tell you in a gentler way that you do not look like everyone else; you need to change. Why would one want to stand out in society? We need to work hard to attain a body similar to everyone else. But don’t work too hard, you wouldn’t want to have a fit image or lose too much weight.

Overweight individuals struggle in modern society if they don’t listen to the helpful hints of others. Not only do programs from established companies such as Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig teach one how to manage and reduce their weight, they are so committed that they actually tell their program participants when to stop. It is so considerate of them, because a company would not want to be known for making people skinny. That kind of reputation could destroy a business. Companies such as these have found the perfect balance for making their clients a socially acceptable weight.

The fact is: society cannot handle an excess of slim and heavy individuals. We must all be the ideal weight. Once you attain that weight, tread carefully. If you dare gain a pound or two, then you have just been labelled “fat” and your weight loss regiment should begin immediately. If you dare exercise and lose a pound or two, then you are too skinny and need to order a Big Mac, ASAP. If you dare think about skipping a meal because you are simply not hungry, then you are a newly diagnosed anorexic. It is a tedious task to attain your socially acceptable personal weight, but don’t worry, society is here to help.

Expectations and Anticipation

             I awoke early this morning and pried myself out of bed carefully as not to jostle Jillian. She was up late studying last night and never seems to get enough sleep. To start my day, I showered and shaved. I put on a large pot of coffee so that there would be enough left for Jill to take to her first class of the day. My travel mug filled with the rich, steaming coffee; black. Before leaving for work, I tied my running shoes and buttoned up my black winter coat with a poppy pinned to the lapel; it was almost Remembrance Day. I was ready for the long day ahead of me.
             I could tell that the biting fall air was continually growing colder. Many of the houses on our block were still dark. My shoes scuffed along the pavement. Each morning I look forward to my walk to work; Jill has a greater need for the Camry as her classes are on the other side of town. At first I detested the walk, but I have grown accustomed to the time alone to wander along the path of my thoughts.
             “Good morning, Stephen,” Fiona greeted me from the front desk. It was only 8 o’clock in the morning and the office was already buzzing with the anticipation of the upcoming holidays.
             “Morning, Fiona. Any messages for me?”
             Fiona shook her tousled curls and replied, “No, not yet. Oh, but I should remind you that Mr. Rupert is coming to meet with all of you at 2 o’clock sharp.”
             “Right,” I began, “I’ll cut my lunch break short then but it’s not a problem.” I adjusted my glasses nervously. For my lunch break today I had planned to go shopping for a gift for Jillian; an engagement ring. Her birthday was this weekend and it was the perfect time to propose. She had begun hinting months ago with bridal magazines, wedding blogs, and honeymoon destinations. I understood perfectly but appeared oblivious to her. We had been together for 5 years, living together for one, and things were perfect. The only thing missing was the diamond ring on Jill’s left hand.
             I buried myself in work for the next 5 hours. Usually when people exclaim how boring accounting is, I disagree with them. However, my job lately has been growing more and more tedious. On this day in particular, I sat at my desk going through the actions of my work day and counting down the minutes until I could escape to go ring shopping.
                As soon as the clock struck one, I was off for my lunch break. I had a measly 60 minutes to do one of the most important tasks of my life. I walked at a brisk pace as the mall was 3 blocks away and I had no time to spare. My first stop was Michael Hill Jewellers. I began carefully examining their extensive showcase of engagement rings. The consultant behind the counter was friendly, but I declined her help; this was something I wanted to do on my own. Next, I moved on to People’s Jewellers. I appreciated their assortment, but I was becoming increasingly worried that the perfect ring was not yet within the grasp of my wallet. Each ring I asked to examine was attached to a disappointing price tag. Deterred, I started wandering throughout the mall. My hands were fidgety with anxiety; my car keys rattled in my coat pocket. I shamefully kept my head down as I walked. 1:37 pm. I had only a few minutes left to spend at the mall before attending another monotonous meeting. Before exiting the mall I stopped one last time, at David’s Tea; specialty tea was Jill’s favourite. I bought several varieties for her to try while also providing myself with an alibi for going to the mall in the first place. I presented my credit card and paid for the small gift. It was going to have to do for now. The cashier handed me the bright blue bag.
                “Have a great day, sir,” he said with a smile.
                “Thanks,” I replied, but I knew it was simply too late for that.

         

An Innocent Answer

“So who is she?” Rebecca snapped. Simon peered up from his paper.
            He replied, “What on earth are you talking about, dear?” Simon sighed and returned to the business section of the New York Times.
            “You know exactly what I’m talking about,” she remarked. “Where have you been every night this week? You don’t return home until I’m fast asleep!”

            “I already told you, dear. I’ve been working late; I’m in the running for a big promotion.”

            “Sure,” Rebecca sneered, “that’s exactly what you’ve told me, but I’m not stupid Simon! I know exactly what is going on here!”
            Simon groaned, “And what exactly is going on?” His eyes still lingered on the results of the daily stock exchange.

            “Don’t play dumb, Simon! You’ve been leaving for work earlier each morning, and wearing cologne. When I call you at work, you are always conveniently in an ‘important meeting’. You arrive home late each night long after you know certainly well that I have already fallen asleep. The last time we ate dinner together was last Wednesday, dare I go on?”
            “You have nothing to worry about dear; I have just been working late,” Simon uttered in response.

            “What is her name?” Rebecca’s eyes began to brim with tears. “I know there’s another woman, and now you can’t even tear your eyes from that mundane newspaper to look me in the eye.”
            Finally Simon turned to face her, “You’re right. I have been acting peculiar lately.”
            “That’s it? That is all you have to say?” her face reddened in anger. Simon folded the newspaper neatly. He then placed it on his antique bedside table and turned out his lamp.
            “That’s it,” was Simon’s final reply. He calmly pulled the blanket up to cover himself and lay his head down on the pillow. Simon was sure of only one thing: he would be the only one getting any sleep that night.

Short Story Analysis: Eli

           How can anyone be trusted in a world where doctors cause pain and police are corrupt? The short story Eli by Vincent Lam exemplifies how unethical decisions can have unpredictable outcomes. Set in a hospital, the story describes the relations between two police officers and a doctor after an injured prisoner, Eli, is brought in to be treated. The author focuses on imagery, conflict and irony to deliver the full impact of his message.

            Imagery is interspersed throughout the story to add a dramatic effect. A foul mood is established immediately as the doctor regards the room as “nauseating to breathe, with the closed-in smell of piss and sweet-sour human stench.” Also with strategic uses of imagery, Eli’s non-life threatening injuries are exaggerated to seem critical and repulsive. The injury is “a straight gash from the hairline to the top of the nose.” To add effect, the author adds that “the blood flowed hot, an anxious stream.” These simple uses of imagery are enough to make a reader’s stomach queasy.

            The story is made suspenseful through several variations of conflict. The most prominent conflict is between the two police officers and the doctor. It is first recognized when the doctor concludes that the police want to “play a modified version of the game.” As the encounter continues the police become increasingly irritable, complaining how “this sure is getting complicated.” Not only does the doctor conflict with the police, he also struggles with an inner conflict. He is aware that the officers most likely injured Eli themselves, and contemplates whether or not his own morals and ethics are in question through his actions. Furthermore, the story is based around Eli’s conflicts with both the police officers and the doctor. First Eli becomes a victim of police brutality, and later suffers abuse from the doctor as well. Eli asserts his rage towards the doctor by “lung[ing] quickly [while] officer 6982 jump[s] back.” The different conflicts within the story lead each character to erratic actions.

            The course of the story is also laced with irony; it is essentially the foundation of the story. The setting is a hospital, often denoted as a place of healing. However, in this context the hospital is the backdrop for abuse, deceit, and unethical actions. Also, within the hospital the “screaming, struggling, calm-down-or-we-tie-you-down room" is ironically named the quiet room. Similarly, doctors are supposed to be those who perform the healing, but instead while treating Eli, the doctor “dart[s] the [tongue depressor] further into his mouth, gagg[ing] him hard… and let him retch, grunting against [it].” Members of the police force and doctors are supposed to be honest and just, but this story takes the opportunity to display contrary personas. The use of imagery, conflict and irony enable the story to be extremely realistic. The short story is so realistic that one might begin to question just how much he can trust all of those around him.

College Application

        If I told you my biggest accomplishment in life has been graduating from high school, I would be lying. I have done so much more.

         I once travelled from the North Pole to the South Pole in one day, on water skis. I once travelled to the harbour of Rio de Janeiro to get a tan. I once travelled to the peak of Mt. Everest to see the view. I once slept for 14 hours.

        On Mondays, I communicate with dolphins in the depths of the Mediterranean Sea. On Tuesdays, I put out forest fires single handed. On Wednesdays, I wear pink. I am fluent in English, Spanish, Dutch, French, and Braille. Gabby Douglas is jealous of my agility. Kim Kardashian is jealous of my hair. Coco Chanel is jealous of my style. I wish I was left handed.

        I spend my days rescuing dogs in Russia, saving seals in the Siberian Sea, and petting parrots in Panama. I eat Kraft Dinner for lunch. I have read every encyclopedia. I have swum with Michael Phelps. I have scaled the Empire State building. I have been on every ride at Disneyland. Twice. Last year, I swam in the Grand Canyon. Last year, I drove from Salt Lake City to Hong Kong. Last year, I sang the national anthem after the Canucks won the Stanley Cup final. Last night, I ate a tub of Ben and Jerry’s ice-cream.

        I am on a mission to save the world. In my free time, I replant the Amazon rainforest. In my free time, I clean up an entire oil spill using my toothbrush. In my free time, I replenish the world's water supply. In my free time, I fix the holes in the ozone layer. My house uses solar power. My cell phone bill is paperless. My laundry is washed in cold water. I recycle.

        I am nocturnal, ambidextrous and amphibious. The Spartans shudder at the mention of my name. I have a summer house in Vatican City where the Pope attends my birthday parties. He always wins the raffle. I swam with dolphins, drank pina coladas and learned to surf, but not in Hawaii; in my backyard. I eat two bite brownies in one bite.

        I am considered the 8^th Wonder of the World. I am the dancing queen. I am not a college graduate.

Of Mice and Men: Continued

          Slim and George sat down at the bar. Slim put a hand on George's shoulder and stated, "Like I said, George, sometimes a guy's gotta."
          "I knew I had to do it. I tried to fight it tooth and nail, but in the back a my mind, I knew it needed to be done. I was shaking in my boots and almost got cold feet, but I did it anyways." George put his empty glass down on the polished counter.
          "What's done is done, George. You tried your best. I think it's time that the both of us turn over a new leaf. Why not do it together?" George's eyebrows wrinkled in confusion.
          "What on earth do you mean, Slim? I don't have anywhere to go and not a cent to my name." Optimism flowed from Slim's reply, but he spoke gently as not to startle George.
          "Listen here, George. Your past with Lennie, that's just water under the bridge. You and me, we already have the tools of the trade. We work for a year, scrape up a little pocket change, and we could be running our own ranch. At this point, either you sink or you swim. I'll help you swim George. We'll just start by keeping our heads above water, laying low at the ranch for a little while. Don't even worry about Curley either, he doesn't have a bone to pick with you now that the big guy's gone. If he even tries to pick a fight, he's in hot water because I won't stand for it anymore. All bets are off in that case. We'll just pack our things and go after I show him a thing or two. We can find somewhere else to work. Just a small stake and we can be running our own ranch. I heard the land's dirt cheap up in Oregon! We may have to work our fingers to the bone, but it'll be worth it. No one else calling the shots, it's about time that it's our turn. There's no time like the present. So how about it, George?"