Read the short story "A Man Who was Almost a Man" by Richard Wright. How do young boys and girls in our society try to escape the pressure that prevents them from growing up into a man or a woman?
Respond to this comment and then 2 of your classmates' comments.
In life it is not easy for young boys and girls to escape from different pressures that at times might prevent them from growing up into a man or a woman. Even though at times we are face with challenges or difficult situations it is very important to know what we want to accomplish in life. Therefore, as an individual it is important for us to hold unto the positive family values that was taught to us.
ReplyDeleteIn our society there are few positive role model for young people to admire and look up to. So majority of them are influence by their peers to do wrong things causing them not to grow up into a positive citizen. So in order to prevent youths from falling into this trap we need to find more people in our society that they can receive positive advice from. It is also important for young people to try and receive the very best education they can which will enable them to accomplish their future career. With the job of their dream this will eliminate poverty which is another reason for not becoming a successful person. Getting involved in extra curricula activities such as youth group and church fellowship group, can enable them to strive to become a better person.
Knowing your identity and what you want to become in life motivates an individual to work harder at whatever they are pursuing so that they themselves can become a productive citizen. As an individual it is important that young people at all times respect, love and appreciate themselves for who they are. This will help them to do the same unto others. We are all unique in our own ways, so we must learn to accept others for who they are regardless of their situation. As the famous quote says “I can love me and be friendly with all my parts. I know there are aspects about myself that puzzle me, and other aspects that I do not know. But as long as I am friendly and loving to myself, I can courageously and hopefully look for solutions to the puzzles and ways to find out more about me. I have the tools to survive, to be close to others, to be productive, and to make sense and order out of the world of people and things outside of me. I own me, and therefore, I can engineer me. I am me, and I am Okay.”
I must say that you bring across several valid points; however, given the society we live in much of it is farfetched. Almost every sound minded individual wants to be successful but given environmental factors their definition of success may not be society’s ideal. Looking at the south-side of Belize City, there are many hardworking tax-paying citizens; nonetheless, there are those who live the ‘street life’. You may have your predisposed notions about them but keep in mind that this is all they know and though some find their way out of this meticulous maze the majority remain. Trapped. As you mentioned before, there are few good role models left. So do you truly believe that majority of them will gamble with their safety and resources to save those who are truly in need?
DeleteAccording to the great Greek Philosopher Heraclitus, “the only thing constant in life is change.” With that being said we must take into consideration that the behavioural patterns of our youths are as a result of our ever changing world. Not to say that I am a pessimist but there are many programs in Belize that cater to our youths but what happens after the programs? What must they do when they pass the age requirement? Looking at it realistically, the younger generation often prefers to take the easy road; the one most familiar.
I have a dream that one day our youths will rise above their limitations and exceed the expectations of society; nevertheless, everyone cannot win. Ranking is what maintains order and stability; we all have a part to play in this diverse ever-changing world
I strongly agree with you kayle that young people are pressured and influenced by their peers to do wrong things, which mught cause them not to grow into positive citizens. So it is then important for them to escape the pressure by going according to the positive values that was taught to them.
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DeleteI agree with you. Nowadays with the modern teenagers growing up do not pay attention to what the parents advice rather they do what they pleased. but my opinion towards this issue is that I think they act so because of the too much right of the children where they state that a child cannot be beaten since parents can be carried to court but I think if the child is to disobedient then there is a need to do so. Therefore, they feel so privileged!
DeleteKayle I agree with you in so many ways. But I believe that each and every individual have to decide what they want in life no one can do that for you and therefore that will make any given individual aspire to be who they want to be whether a freeloader or a productive citizen. God is the source of everything and he is also the one we should speak to every day through prayer in order to life a good role model life peer pressure is a piece of cake for him.
DeleteMany adolescent in a find it difficult to handle the pressure of a society, whether in fact, if that individual is the one committing the act or the one the act is being committed against. In a society that lacks moral and peer supports, our youths tend to want to take matters into their own hands, which in their mind, is the only way to defend him or herself. They find it difficult and unfair that they are misunderstood not only by their peers, but also by their parents who refuse to respect their privacy and give them a sense of independence to make their own decision.
ReplyDeleteI fully agree Ms Medina which is why I believe that society should try to find a solution rather than be judgmental. Being young means that we lack wisdom it does not mean we are incompetent and that is where the older generation should step in and be that lantern to guide us in the right direction. Being naive allows youths to ‘enjoy’ life in a carefree manner but what we do not know can hurt us. So at the end of the day we must learn to work together toward a more utopian environment for us and our future generation.
DeleteYes Keira Medina, it is a fact that many adolescent find it difficult to cope with the pressure of society. In relation to the story “A man who was almost a man by Richard Wright, the protagonist Dave Saunders want to prove to the other workers on the plantation that he was no longer a boy, but a man just as they are. He then decided that the perfect way to prove that he has grown was to purchase a “gun”. This is just to show that being peer pressured you do certain things to prove to others or even your society that you are a man or a woman. However, ones must have a strong mind of who they are and what they want to become in life. Also, he/she must hold unto the positive family values that were taught to them.
DeleteI agree with you keira! It is very hard for some young men and women to deal with the issies of society. Becuase they lack guidance from parents and also they dont have set morals to live by. I also believe that youths must be given some level of privacy to make choices on their own. Which will then make them responsible and be able to escape pressures of society.
DeleteI can add to what Keira said because it is true that the youths want to take matters into their own hands, but i belive this is because in society again people hardly get any justice, they are hurting and the police arnet doing anything to resolve the issue furthermore the government dont seem to have the neccessary resources to do so. if the youths dont have an outlet what else could they resort to?
DeleteI strongly agree with you.if we live in a society like this it is likely that our youths will grow with a negative mentality.it is sometimes hard for a youth to overcome their problems.It is important for the persons that around them to help them and guide them in the right path.In Belize the majority of the youth are not the best persons we have but they can change with the help of us a citizen..
DeleteThat is a true statement that hinders an adolescent from being a man or woman. Parents should mole their child well so when there are going up trust issues is not a problem and I guess that is the reason why they don’t allow them to be independent of their own choices.
DeleteMany times parents don't mold their children and teach them right from wrong. So many parents neglect to show their children love and support and as children progress to the adolescent stage they need support and positive leadership
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ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you Vanessa Castillo. I believe that an individual must know what they want to accomplish in their life. Even though the environment factors may cause limitation I believe that he or she must adapt different characteristic of a successful individual. For example, they need to be persistent, self-aware, self-confident, self-discipline, etc. Keep in mind that no one life is perfect; there must be some struggles that he/she will face.
ReplyDelete“Experience is the teacher of all things” (Caesar, 52 B.C.). I speak from experience when I say that it is not a ‘walk in the park’ being a less privileged individual; however, we must not let that be justification for us not to succeed. We all face different obstacles in life whether we are rich, poor, or in between; no one is exempt. Young males and females tend to surrender to society’s expectations without a solid fight; whereas, others are just unfit to survive in the concrete jungle we call Belize City. They race through life without a care in the world because they fear the responsibility of growing up. They submit to the will of their peers and ignore the sound advice of their parents and superiors. It’s that part of being young that is called rebellion and if not caught at the right moment will spiral out of control.
ReplyDeleteMoreover, the traditional family dynamic has been changing drastically in our community so many youths do not have much of an example to seek in their environment. Still, where there is a will there is a way. Gaining an education and setting goals is a great start in paving your own way in life. With an understanding of your surrounding and with the right level of socialization through different groups, organizations, etc. numerous doors can be open to our youths.
After being thrown into the real world prematurely, I still stand strong to this day. Making excuses will leave you behind; we all have to grow up someday so why wait?
Vanessa I agree with you in some sense because even though we grow up hearing our parents say don't do this or do that we tend to think that we are too grown to listen and when bad things happen to us we cry out circumstances let us do what we do, but guess what that's poor excuse we were bless by God with several senses and a brain to think so why act before you think? Both male and female have equal opportunities to aspire for what they what in life. Yes our environment does play a role with our outlook of life but we still cant put all blame on that. The key is God first and all the rest will be added, just believe and most of all pray!
DeleteIn society, young men and women are pressured daily by different issues that may prevent them from growing up into a men or women whom are respectable. However, society itself is messed up creating many problems for young men and women. The behaviour of any person can be greatly manupilated by society. One of the ways I believe men and women try to escape the pressures of society is by trying to further their education. In the past, graduating from primary school or high school was considered a milestone. These days young people are trying to break the cycle of poverty and ignorance by persuing their associates and bachelor degrees in order to have a greater chance of a good job and being a positive and respectable member in society. Another way would be by living un society according to their family beliefs and by respectable morals. They should strive to do positive things in society instead of letting the negative pressures of get to them.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with with Leeza because society does shape people into what they are, and who they will become.
DeleteI agree, society makes it easy for teens to escape their teenage years and try and jump straight into so-called adulthood for them
DeleteI agree .It is true most of the times the problems start from society.In many cases our youths are influence by the way society is develop,and yet we can stop society but we can stop the negative mentality the youths may have.I believe that in order for Belize to have a better country we as an individual most always strive for a better education and change society.
DeleteI share the same opinion as Leeza. There is a cycle of pressure that includes the negative lifestyle among some young influenced individuals, however some are bold enough to release from the old life style creating a new one for themselves. Enabling them to succeed in whatever they put their minds to do as opposed to wait out for who their next pray can be.
DeleteWell said. To live a comfortable life in these economic times you have to at least have a bachelor’s degree because from my point of view associates degree is now the minimum as a job requirement. It is no longer a high school diploma. People no longer find living from hand to mouth pleasing and a lifestyle they would what their children to attain to.
DeleteI agree completely with using education as a way to overcome the pressures of society. Putting all one’s focus on challenging the mind gives him less time to fall under pressure. Getting an education also means preparing a positive future where one can deliver himself from out a negative situation such as a gang related community.
DeleteIn this modern society that we live in today as Belizeans it is very challenging for young men, and young ladies to escape the pressures they are faced with. For the young men I would say it is ten times more difficult because they can be easily influenced and led into illegal or gang activities which can hinder them from becoming productive citizens, or in the worst case scenario; they can end up getting killed. A very few of them try to uplift their-selves by getting a decent job or continuing their education, but for a majority of them; they are not allowed to do so because of the lack of education and the environments they are exposed to. Some of them get exposed to this environment from a very early age; some of them were born into this environment. And yet still there are some who come from this exact environment who are ambitious and want to be something in life so they strive to achieve it.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard for you to become a productive member of society and attain a job because of your police record and media popularity. Adolescents and young adults commit the bulk of crimes, and by far are the most arrested age group in our society... (Julian and Kornblum, 1986, pp.156-160). Looking at the age range of the gang members the average age of the members of gangs is the adolescent age.
Delete. How do young boys and girls in our society try to escape the pressure that prevents them from growing up into a man or a woman?
ReplyDeleteYoung boys and girls always try to grow up before their time, it’s just human nature. It’s a stage in life that most of us to go through. They often try to mimic others and end up getting into a whole heap of trouble. Some try to prove that they are a man by the company they keep, whereby the have the tendency to get involve with the wrong people. The think it’s cool to be an adult so they try their best to reach that level. In boys they start working out to acquire a muscular body so as to gain females attention and get in good with others guys; and they also start smoking and drinking. They also join gangs because they think they will gain more respect from the society. They also get involve in violent activities such as murder, robbery and rape. Some teens really push it to the limits in order to prove that they are a man or woman. When in reality they should really just take a step backward and enjoy their teenage days.
On the other hand girls try to prove that they are a woman by dressing more grown up and flirting around with guys. There’s the make -up, skimpy clothing and the high heels that comes as aid to what is perceived as a mature look. They also start missing classes to go a hang out with older guys and some even go to the extent of selling their bodies to older men. They also start partying like no tomorrow, which comes along with drinking and doing drug. What they don’t realize is that these thing don’t make them a woman, they will certainly have to come better than that.
Sex, violence, alcohol, drugs and gangs are the things that boys and girls turn to try to prove they are man or woman. And more than likely these are the thing that actually adds drama up their lives at an early age. They should just simply wait and let nature slowly take its course instead of rushing the brush.
It all comes back down to young people trying to grow up before their time
ReplyDeleteSometimes it is difficult for a youth to understand the reality of live. It is sometimes difficult for them to overcome their problems and to find a solution for it. When a young girl and boy are growing up they think in a way that only they can find a solution to their problems and that they don’t need the help of any one. For them experiencing the world is an everyday issue and is something we can’t stop them from doing it. Many of them get into trouble and most of them get into trouble by the influence of others. All youths think in a different manner, some of them choose to be a positive role model and some choose to be a negative .Many will argue that only youths can change the way they think, it may be true but I think that this issue is a matter of education. I think that most of the time parents are culprit of a youth to be what they are.
ReplyDeleteIn our society the only way the youths can be a good citizen is by educating them as from childhood. Many times parents have the fault for their youths to get into trouble. Youths learn from the education at home firstly. I think it is important for parents to talk to their kids and encourage them in a good way. So that in the future they don’t regret from the values and the education they learn at home. It is important that we start to build up the good role models in our society and I think that the only way it should start is from us with our future kids. Advices ,discipline, comprehension, education and love can make a youth to always have a positive mind .It is important for them to understand that they are always valuable persons in live and that they always will need advices while growing up. Youths should always remember that you need to value yourself for what you are and don’t make anybody make you feel as lower as them. Let them talk; laugh or whatever behind you, always remembers that you will be somebody in live.
I totally agree with Angelina's view. The molding of a child comes from their home or where ever they grow up. What they see and do is what they tend to imitate. They may feel as though what is being seen and done is the way to go, when deep down it may not be the case. This is the reason why good parents who positively molded their young children from they were little, who later became successful in their life, should be applauded.
DeleteI am aware that some parents are not role model in the lives of their children; however, youths have their own minds. Change comes from one’s own desire to do so. Therefore regardless of anything happening around an individual, if his mind is strong enough he will do the right thing.
DeleteHow do young boys and girls in our society try to escape the pressure that prevents them from growing up into a man or a woman?
ReplyDeleteIn our Belizean society today, young boys and girls try to escape their pressures by either giving into a certain situation(s)/ condition(s) in their life, or are strong enough to believe in themselves to do better and be their own leader rather than to follow. Usually, the less self-esteem individuals who are neglected often times are the ones that give in to pressures and follow into pressures as opposed to the out spoken, or bold ones. However, I relate our society with a train. We are either strong and smart enough to move forward when life allows us to (while growing up), or get left behind with the wrong encouragers in the process.
There are many pressures among young people today that hold them back from being the best man or woman that they can be. They may be pressured into being involved in a gang that leads to stealing, selling dope, and committing crimes, pressured in drinking, or even be pressured to discontinue school and start life on their own, because, as they probably was told, “what you learn in school will not help you in this life”. Having someone leading young boys and girls from the normal way of life, going to school and getting a good job, is becoming a norm to some. Mostly, it is the neglected that ends up seeking the easy way out of life to attain money, since they do not have a full family support. These are the persons, who drop out of school, create human trafficking, drug trafficking, and increase violence due to the urge of obtaining money to sustain their needs and wants. Basically, these individuals are trying to live life before their time. They are modeling what they are encouraged to do by some elders that are a part of the problem that prevents them from growing up the right way. By them living their lives before time, holds them back from experiencing the normal growth stages of becoming a fully developed and experienced man or woman in society.
As teenagers growing into adulthood many difficulties and pressures are faced. They start thinking in a different angle. Difficulties are faced due to the fact that either the girl or the boy starts to think in a way that they are done getting into adulthood therefore no one can tell them nothing and they can do what they please like doing. To help them face problems such as in getting involved into illegal activities or use of drugs and alcohol. Also having frequent retreats to teach them about what should be done at that stage in life. For instance teach them that getting into adulthood does not mean getting bad or going around with a gun shooting but instead being hardworking and responsible. Could be having recreational places which they get attracted to spend their time with friends and not think about how to show that they are already a man or woman. Although I personally think that boys are the ones who faced more this problems since usually they are influenced by their friends or what they observed from others which makes them want to be just like them.
ReplyDeleteNevertheless, parents are the ones play an important role, because they have all the right to educate the girl or the boy in a good way. And when observing they are going or wanting to take the wrong steps advise them and make sure they follow the advices given. Although they may say, "I am already an adult". But as my mom says me: as long as I have life it does not matters how old you are I will always be there to make sure you are going through the right path.
Many of the individuals today, who are what we call “Super Stars”, were not born which and famous but had to work hard for their achievements and what they now have. “Smooth roads never make good drivers, smooth sea never makes good sailors, clear skies never make good pilots, and problem free life never makes a strong and good person. Be strong enough to accept the challenges of life. Don’t ask life “why me?” but instead, “try me!”.” – Unknown. Every day as we live, it is a struggle to make it for another day, sometimes many go through a day without know where the meal will come from. But, as I always remember God does not give us more than we can handle. The “rich and famous” people such as Jim Carry, Halle Berry, Tyler Perry and my favorite Chris Gardner who even had a move to tell his story which is “The Pursuit of Happiness” were all poor and worked hard to be where there are today. The life style that they lived as a child growing up was something that they did not want their own children to go through so they had a strong drive to create a better life themselves. In Belize, many Belizean have the mentality that they were born into poverty, it was a lifestyle that manifested to them. But that does not mean that they have to accept it. They should have determination to be a better citizen and have both the things that they need and the thing that they want. No one is branded with a specific lifestyle and it is up to you if you will make it better or break it.
ReplyDeleteCAN ANYBODY PLEASE EMAIL ME THE TOPICS FOR THE POWERPOINT... I EMAILED SIR 2 TIMES AND GOT NO REPLY PLEASE HELP ME OUT!!
ReplyDelete#FEDUP!!!
marissamortis23@gmail.com
Young boys and girls in our society try to escape from the pressure that prevents them from growing up into a man or a woman by a hanging around negative friends. When adolescents reach adolescents according to Erickson this is the stage of identity vs. role confusion. At the primary school level is when students are becoming more aware of crimes and illegal activities occurring in their community. , this is a time when young people explore who they are and establish their identity. It is the transition period from childhood to adulthood when people examine the various roles they play and integrate these roles into a perception of self and identity. When people do not know what they are and who they want to be at this stage they become role confused. When this is delayed persons find it hard to fit in with peer groups, become overly self-conscious and become confused over identity, values and goals. The warning signs of a child being delayed from normal development include: failure to make friends, drug or alcohol use, poor performance in school and isolation.
ReplyDeleteI would also look Marcia’s Developmental stages of Identity Achievement, Foreclosure, Identity Diffusion, and Moratorium. Identity Achievement is when people undergo a period of intense decision making. At this stage adolescents know what they want to do with their lives and are willing to work to reach their goal. Identity Diffusion is when people suffer from a serious lack of decision making and direction. These people tend to be characterized by low self-esteem and lack of resolution. Foreclosure is when people go into adulthood without experiencing much anxiety and decisions concerning careers and values are made early in life. Moratorium includes people who experience intense anxiety during their identity crisis, yet have not made decisions regarding either personal values or a career choice. Looking at Erickson’s and Marcia’s Developmental Stage we get an idea of why adolescents behave the way they do and participate in negative activities. When you people do not embrace growing up instead of progressing developmental they regress and then in turn this can be a negative effect on the individual his/her family and the society.
In today’s society many young people feel the need to be respected and have power over others. Like in the story, our youths turn to violence as a way to gain that respect. This can especially be said by the males. In the story, having a gun made Dave feel proud. He saw this as a way to prove that he was indeed a man. Our society is set up in such a way that having a gun or being a part of a gang is a “macho” thing. It is like we are encouraging our young men to be murderers and thieves. The pressures of growing into men and women can be escaped but it strongly depends on the people we are surrounded by, our community and self-esteem. Peer pressure is one of the main factors that cause youths to fall under the pressures of growing up. People are influenced negatively by those around them most such as their peers. People in the community also impact the way youths behave. Youths living in related areas are more likely to become the same way because they feel the need to protect themselves. Youths who are not in a positive environment at home with people who encourage them to do well will more than likely fall under pressure.
ReplyDeleteI think young boys and girls are able to prevent the pressures by simply wanting to be different and stand out from the crowd. Being ambitious and always keeping their minds on their goals and the life that they want to create for themselves. Many of us do not have the comfortable lives that we desire and this motivates us to work hard to gain that in the future. Another way is by observing what is going on in our communities. We all see that if “you live by the gun, you die by the gun.” I am sure almost everyone has seen somebody who was a plague to society die in a horrible manner. Overall I think wanting to be the best version of ourselves is how we deal with not falling under pressure.