Mutual Respect Breaks Down Barriers At Unplugged Forum

I was one of the many teenagers who showed up Oct. 11 at the Lewis and Clark cafeteria to talk with local leaders and concerned parents about the many problems facing teens today.

As I walked into the cafeteria with two of my friends, I stared into faces that so much mirrored my own emotions: anxiety and frustration.

The forum, call S-TV Unplugged, was sponsored by the Chase Youth Commission and Our Generation. The opening remarks by Spokesman-Review cartoonist Milt Priggee encouraged us to share our beliefs and opinions with adults. He pointed out, also, that people have two ears and one mouth, so people would be better off if they listened twice as much as they talked.

With that in mind, we broke up into groups to discuss education, diversity, entertainment, crime and family life. After lively discussions, the five groups shared the problems and solutions they each came up with.

Teenagers are searching for acceptance and attention. They feel no one understands them. A basic problem is that kids feel rejected by their parents, because many parents are too busy to really listen to their children. Many of the teens thought that parents don’t set boundaries or provide a moral background for their kids.

Communication was a hot topic. The group agreed kids should communicate with their parents and the parents should take the time to listen. My mom once told me if I ever needed to talk, just ask. She said no one in my life would love me as much as my mom and dad. When parents and kids have respect for one another, they will break the barrier of silence.

Education was also a hot topic among the teens. Some people felt much of school was a waste of time and that school officials need to take a look at the 200-year-old system and revamp it. Then someone said they wish they had the option to take more diverse classes and languages, and this comment got loud applause.

People said schools should be more specialized; no one wants to spend a lot of time doing something they hate. A large majority agreed they wish teachers would apply what they’re learning to the real world. Many kids are not able to take the classes they want, but are required to take classes (like P.E.) that are “wasting time that would be better spent taking classes we really need.”

A group complaint was that there are no clubs in the Spokane area where kids can participate in open-minded activities. A suggestion was made that entertainment should be less expensive because teens are usually short on cash.

By giving us something to do, one teen said, the community will get something back in return: less crime and fewer kids on the street.

Kids say there is not enough security in the schools; they feel afraid.

Another point: Only a minority of kids are committing crimes, but all kids take the blame.

A comment was made that kids should take advantage of their own situations, like trying to solve problems without violence. After someone said teachers don’t respect us, a suggestion was made that in order to get respect, you have to give respect.

Finally, everyone agreed that teens need to be listened to and taken seriously.

When I walked in the door, I didn’t know what to expect. By the time I left, I had made several new friends. I felt better about myself and I realized I am not the only one who feels teens are not understood or respected. We all have potential to become great people. All we need is for adults to recognize our personal strengths and weaknesses.

I just have one more question: When is the next get-together?

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