Trash Talk

What is teenage "Trash Talk"? It is a way of coping with the very intense feeling that teenagers feel; it is their hormones, some of it is done right evil. Teens trash talk about topics they don't understand. Teens don't understand romantic love yet- not in the way they hopefully one day will, and so talk as filthily as possible about the topic to appear as if they understand it. Being extreme elicits a response. Teen are probably looking to find out if others are feeling the same as they and use trash talk as a means to find this out. Trash talking probably helps them feel less alone. Teens can join the "We All Hate Betty Club" and have a sense of belonging.

I can remember being on the phone all night with friends talking about feelings. A YA librarian, can show teens that there are a lot of clubs to join that are more empowering than the "We Hate Betty Club." - that they are not alone and that their feeling with definitely change. Therefore, it is a good idea to not write anything that on myspace or facebook that you doesn't depict the amazing person you are.

I have been thinking a lot lately that more needs to be done to get teens using the library. We need the kids who are hanging around on the corners talking trash to come in. Partnering with social services like the Queens Library seems like a good start. Although those kids were already in the library.

Teens need to be kept busy. They get bored so quickly and boredom leads to trash talk and to trouble and depression. While completing my community profile assignment, I learned how many more programs there are for children than their are for teens. Why is this? I think Lauren had a good point when she was talking about gentrification in NYC. The new people in NYC neighborhoods are the young people with young children who advocate for their children. The parents of teens are usually parents with less money, influence, and time. Also, many adults like children, but do not like teens. Therefore, there is less programing.

Perhaps teens are bored because they actually don't have anything to do, but sit around and feel depressed and gossip about one another. We have to give them fun things to do! Perhaps they don't know what is expected from them or what to expect from themselves. Good point from Peggy!

I bet a lot of parents could use support groups in the area of trash talk, the Internet and their fears. Doing a program about these issues for parents of teens might be very beneficial.