Teenagers today ...

A lot of people are talking about teenagers these days. There are some who believe that this youthful generation is not living up to the standard of those who have come before. This generation of teens is lazy. They are disrespectful. They cause trouble. They are selfish. Unreliable. They have no work ethic. They are mouthy. Greedy. Reckless. Dangerous. Today's teens are Rude. Freeloaders. Immoral. Untrustworthy. Punks. Vandals.

I've heard a lot of Evidence:  saggy pants, hats turned sideways, loud music full of swearing,  sleep all day / up all night, glued to the TV / Xbox / computer / cellphone, driving too fast, sexting, graffiti, low-rise jeans, belly shirts, piercings everywhere, boys with holes in their ears, mohawks, blue / purple / green / pink hair, boys wearing nail polish, all-black clothes, drinking, partying, casual sex. The list is long. Much longer than this.

I've seen all of that Evidence. It is true. There are teenagers everywhere that could be labeled Exhibit A, B, C, etc. There is Evidence in every high school, at the mall, in the local movie theater. Teenagers hanging out = Evidence.

However, most of the Evidence has applied to every generation. Think Grease. Elvis the Pelvis. Make Love Not War. Dead Heads. Purple Haze. Purple Rain. Sex, Drugs and Rock 'n Roll.

Most of the Evidence is exterior. It doesn't speak to character. Or Standards. Morals. Values--or Value. Saggy pants, painted nails, piercings ... none of those tells us anything about the interior.

I wish that I could gather up the cynics, the critics, those who sneer at teenagers and only see the Evidence and furrow their brow and cross their arms. I wish that I could take those people to school with me. I wish that they could stand at the door of any classroom, every classroom, with me and hear the Good Mornings and Good Afternoons. Hear How Are You Today?  I'm Fine, Thank You. How Are You? I wish they could see the smiles and waves. I wish they could see how affectionate teenagers are with each other--boys and girls in every combination--not because it's sexual, but because they care about each other. I want them to see teenagers holding doors for adults and their peers. I want them to see teenagers share. I want them to see teenagers show sympathy and concern for those who are struggling. I want them to see teenagers' support and excitement for accomplishments and victories. I want them to see teenagers who work hard, study, ask questions, participate in class, volunteer, stay on task. I want them to see teenagers who make signs to decorate the school and lockers to celebrate their friends and peers. I want them to see teenagers who are honest and kind and thoughtful. I want them to see teenagers who want to do well. And want to do good. I want them to see teenagers who make mistakes. I want them to see teenagers who fall short of their best but try again. I want them to hear teenagers say I'm Sorry.

I want them to see teenagers as they really are ... human.

This generation of teenagers is no different than any before. Some teens make mistakes. Big mistakes. Some sell themselves short. Some break the law. Some are inconsiderate. Some are selfish. Some pick fights. Use hurtful words. Cause damage to themselves or those around them. Just like some of the adults in this world.

Most teenagers, though, are Good People.