Teenagers' dreams of the future can be unrealistic
Throughout childhood, society appears to perpetuate the myth that we can be anything we want to be if we put our minds to it, encouraging not only ambitious but impossible dreams in an effort to motivate the young.
But whilst this naivety is still considered charming when embraced in early adolescence, we're all too soon assaulted by a need for greater realism as it comes to making rational choices about adult life.
Studies have demonstrated that the negative side-effects of craving the have-it-all' lifestyle extend into adulthood - especially for men.
In 2005, consumer researchers Mintel found that unreasonably high ambitions were burdening men aged between 25 and 44 years in an anxiety phenomenon which has helped coin the term the quarter life crisis'.
The media infamously places pressure on the younger generation to aspire to and even imitate glamorised versions of celebrity lifestyles.
With an increasingly internationalised sense of US culture, many western nations have adopted their own strain of the illustrious yet elusive American dream, which suggests that anyone can reach their goals through determination and hard work alone.
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Whilst it is undoubtedly important to instil younger, insecure children with the confidence to pursue different interests, stimulating overactive imaginations as teenagers progress up the school system is only likely to leave many in doubt over the realities of what can really be achieved in an increasingly competitive and hostile society.
Posted by: Mark, Dartford on 11:23am Wed 26 Mar 08
You are so correct.It is a joy to read your comments.We now live in an age,of Have it now, be a Pop idol etc.
At least you have the Brains, that others lack, and will be of use soon.
I hope the editors of this newspaper have seen this.
Jounalism or reporting would be apt for you.
Good luck and keep posting!
You are so correct.It is a joy to read your comments.We now live in an age,of Have it now, be a Pop idol etc.
At least you have the Brains, that others lack, and will be of use soon.
I hope the editors of this newspaper have seen this.
Jounalism or reporting would be apt for you.
Good luck and keep posting!
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