These Teens Are Nobody’s Pushovers on Tough Issues

In his column in Thursday’s View section, Jack Smith relayed comments from a Fountain Valley teacher and a host of other readers who had challenged the teacher’s earlier remarks that her students’ favorite books included “The Great Gatsby,” “The Grapes of Wrath” and other classics.

The readers apparently didn’t believe that today’s crop of teen-agers would list books like that. One skeptic went so far as to accuse the students of “sucking up” to the teacher by only listing books she assigned them. The teacher fired back that today’s teens are “an independent, feisty bunch who do not mold their opinions to please others.”

I’ve got to side with the teacher, based in part on letters I received recently from Jerry Sheahan’s mass media class at Dana Hills High School. I had given a little talk to the class, and they were assigned to read at least one of my columns and then respond.

Here are some remarks from various students. I’d say we’re in no danger of producing a future generation afraid to express an opinion.

On panhandlers: “Your article spouted bias and prejudice by automatically branding these people (as) beggars or panhandlers.”

On publicizing hate crimes: “These hate people are less educated than most people their age. . . . I think the media should not air the crimes nearly as much as they do. The media should only let the public know that there are problems, not exactly who, what, and where. The overall solution is more real-life education and less publicity of crimes.”

On distributing condoms at schools: “We all know this is a controversial issue which I’m sure increased the number of persons that read this article. . . . What I would like to see is an increase of more controversial issues in your columns. Examples could be abortion, gun control, capital punishment and euthanasia.”

On teen pregnancy: “I wish these peers of mine would stop and realize what they are doing to themselves and their babies. They don’t see that they’re letting themselves down by dropping out of school and not getting the full potential of a high school or college degree. . . . As I’m sure you’ll agree, it’s just not right for kids to have kids.”

On publicizing hate graffiti: “This is a touchy case that may have been blown out of proportion. Either you’re running out of stories or Orange County is more boring than I thought. I believe you’re giving them exactly what they want--exposure on the front page. I personally believe this was just a couple of kids messing around. I usually agree with your columns, but not in this case.”

On column ideas: “I am 17, with four younger brothers and sisters. I see a real problem with un-motivation in them and their friends. Instead of going out in the sunshine or even out in the cold, it seems that youngsters seem to be more into TV than jump rope and baseball. Nintendo, now that’s a real big one. I’m not saying it is bad, but I rarely see it used in moderation. Some kids even take their portable gameboys to the bathroom, school, doctors, etc. We need someone to talk or write about things that can be done around the house for youngsters, good old-fashioned things like baking with mom or dad, taking the tots to the park or even for a walk. Just getting outside is good for the brain, heart and soul.”

On gays: “This has got to be the sickest problem around. How hard is it to figure out that males belong with females and vice versa? These ignorant morons are blowing it for us. Because of these homosexuals, we live in constant fear of the deadly virus AIDS.”

On hate crimes: “It is sad to say that hate crimes and prejudice will never stop. Whether the Mexicans write their gang logo or the skinheads display their Nazi signs, we are all still in a world of hate. No matter how hard we try, we will never see the end to a violent world. Violence will control our world and hate will be the main motive.”

On teen sex: “I am not promoting sex to teens, but I do think that each individual case should be looked at differently. . . . I do not agree with the way teens are constantly grouped together as immature, irresponsible and uneducated when it comes to sexual activity. This assumption is untrue for a lot of us. Casual sex is not just a problem with teens but also with adults. I believe if one is to engage in casual sex, the question should be not are you old enough, but are you taking the necessary precautions needed in today’s world?”

On distributing condoms at high schools: “I support them because AIDS can kill people. In the U.S., I hate to see those high school students kissing or touching in the hall or on campus. Sometimes they even have sexual activities. Every time when I think about this, I have a feeling of sickness. So if they really like to have sex when they’re just a teen-ager, I think they should use condoms to protect themselves.”

Dana Parsons’ column appears Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Readers may reach Parsons by writing to him at The Times Orange County Edition, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, Calif. 92626, or calling (714) 966-7821.