[Neraphym]

My Concerns as a Teenager in the
1920's

The 1920's was a decade of civil tranquility and prosperity. This period was relatively care-free, with few major concerns for a teenager to have. As a teenager, I would definitely be interested in the advancing technological fields of the radio, electricity and the automotive industry. The advances in flight technology of planes and zeplins would also be quite a marvel to witness. As for social and political concerns, I would take an active protest to the abolition of alcoholic beverages. It would be my belief that the prohibition was a blatant attack of my freedom as an American citizen. Dancing would also be an interest of mine. The jazz and swing music of the 20's was very popular amongst everyone of the day, so I would probably be interested in it as well. Investing in the stock market and going to college in hopes of being a stock broker would probably be my ambition in life had I been alive back then.


My Concerns as a Teenager in the
1960's

In the 1960's there was much for a teenager to be concerned about. Civil rights would be a huge issue for me, as I would adamantly defend the freedom and equality of all of my fellow Americans. Being that I am partially Native American, the struggle of African Americans is something I could relate to. I would fight hard for what I believe to be just, though I doubt I would have followed the path of non-violence. Vietnam would also be an important part of my life. I probably would have gone to West Point or another military school so that I might become an officer to fight in the war. I also feel that what we did in Vietnam was done for the right reasons, but was done in the wrong way. The Kennedy assassinations would have had a deep impact on my life, as I considered them to be great politicians and great people. Music would also be a big with me in the 60's. The Beatles would probably dominate my popular idolitry as they did so many other teens of the day.


My Concerns as a Teenager in the
1970's

My concerns in the 70's would be very similar in many respects to the 60's. Vietnam would still be a huge issue at this time, and my previous concerns voiced in my short essay on the 1960's remain unchanged. Racial integration would be a wonderful advancement for all races, and I would be overjoyed to see society maturing and becomming a better place. Watergate was an obvious concern for anyone in that time period. The music in the 70's is also very exciting and enjoyable. Some of the best movies I know of also came out in this decade, such as Jaws, Rocky and Star Wars to name a few. As it was in the 60's, drugs would probably be a big part of my life. I don't think I would have been educated on the dangers of substance abuse had I lived in that decade, so I probably would have been accepting of drugs without reservations. It is unfortunate that this was so for many people. The inflation at the end of the decade would probably have weighed heavily on my mind as a teen trying to pay of college and living expenses. Also, the threat of communism and nuclear war would still be a big scare for me. I'm glad I don't have to worry about it today.


My Concerns as a Teenager in the
1990's

I can remember with ease my life in the latter half of the last decade. I know exactly what I'd be concerned with. The Persian Gulf war and the Slovic genocides would be some of the issues I'd be concerned with militarily. The presidential scandal would also be something that would concern me, and I still get a good laugh at it even today. With the fall of the Soviet Union and the victory in Iraq, the 90's were a pretty relaxed and safe time. Even with the first World Trade Center and Oklahoma City bombings, America seemed untouchable and invulnerable. Now, this naive view has been shattered, but back then it would be a comforting belief to cling to. With this care-free view, I'd be mostly concerned with pop culture. Some wonderful movies came out in the 90's: Independance Day, Jurasic Park, Titanic (yes, even I saw it opening day...). Music was also big, what with Ricky Martin, the Spice Girls, and Eminem comming out with a few big hits. Also, some wonderful videogames began to emerge. Of course, some of these viedogames stired up some big controversies in the government because of violence and gore in the Mortal Kombat game. The issue about government censorship of videogames would have been a big issue for me.