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Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009

Getting in a teen’s head

I recently was asked how my Beanie Baby collection was coming along, and that — mixed with my aunt’s tendency to believe I still love chunky plastic jewelry — makes me want to clear up a few things.

Between a parent and child, there is an undeniable bond of communication. But between strangers, there are few connecting links. As a pre-emptive attack against miscommunication, I present to you the teen update.

I recommend readers begin to listen to the younger generation in day-to-day life. The best way to become acquainted with new slang and popular crazes is to hear one of us speak of them directly.

I also recommend that if true understanding of the young language is desired, grown-ups should experience what the youth experience. For instance, if you are confused as to what “pulling a Kanye” means, you should have watched the MTV Video Music Awards, as almost every respectable teenager did.

Most new wordage, such as crusty, sketchy and fierce, comes from popular TV shows.

Don’t bring up anything that isn’t cool anymore. Teens have Facebook now, not MySpace. Good topics include vampires and Judd Apatow movies. Wizards, such as Harry Potter, will never go out of style.

On a more controversial topic, we teenagers admit our choices are questionable. However, I refuse to believe tube tops and hot pants are any more ridiculous or unappealing and inappropriate than neon plaid and skinny jeans.

This section of the newspaper will help you grown-ups learn a little bit more about us teenagers.

But remember, we are the future and will probably be in charge when your retirement needs to be paid.

Katy Newcomer, a senior at Central High School, is editor-in-chief for the Teen Board.