Framing Youth

framing youth

Throughout the piece, Framing Youth, it is discussed how "Dominant discourses about youth...secure the weight of their voice(s) through repetition and reproduction in mainstream texts, popular culture, and "scientific" studies which naturalize them as a part of the "common sense" of American culture" (Bogad, 2). These dominant discourses about youth consider them inexperienced and figuring themselves out while having no control over themselves and their hormones.  This idea of a common sense of American culture is projected everywhere from media to everyday life creating a cycle of these ideas which continue to make youth appear as separate and lesser than adults. In addition, it projects an idea that youth is almost a "separate species" living in a world completely unknown and unable to be understood by their parents or any other adult.


Fiske is quoted stating, "social norms...have developed in the interests of those with social power, and they work to maintain their sites of power". This common sense of young people was formulated by adults in positions of power and exists to continue to limit the power youth have. In addition, as explained by Thorne, even adults who work with kids and young people, are subject to fall into the construct. Specifically, she explains that adults, "regard children as less complete versions of themselves".


These images are not only projected onto the youth by adults but ultimately, are taken on by young people as well, as it is made to be seen as the norm. By being viewed as misunderstood, and a single unit of youth, this ultimately leads to young people being underestimated and lacking a voice and power. This ultimately then can create a feeling of isolation from that which is important in the world, securing a feeling their own voices carry very little weight. In addition, often when a young person feels they do not fall into these commonsense categories that are created, they feel as though they need to prove that they are "not like other teens" or "not like most girls" their age, furthering the feelings of isolation and adding a competitive factor to the situation as well. For youth hoping to lead, this would likely challenge them in their attempts and create a damaging path towards successful leadership.

Hailee Steinfeld's "Most Girls" is a more positive, uplifting take

on the "I'm not like other girls/teens" idea