DU for teenagers?

[hexola]

Does anyone else notice when school lets out?

Sometimes - if there is a hot issue - I find that there is more a battle of attitudes than ideas...

I'm not bothered by these posters - but I can tell from their choice of words, attitudes, and sense of humour that they are teenagers.

It would be interesting if there was a way to set an age threshold so you would only see posts by people over 20 or whatever age you like...by the same token you could look at all posts by people under 20, or whatever age.

Im not trying to diminish anyone's voice - in fact - I think it would give a more accurate image of DU group-think.

[ScreamingMeemie]

1. Teenagers are people too...with great minds, great ideas, AND

quite a few of the ones who post here will be voting next go round. I think that does give us an accurate image of DU. :hi:

[ClintonTyree]

2. These young people are the future...........

I WANT to hear what they have to say and interacting with older, more seasoned activists is a good way to hone their skills. I don't think there should be more division at DU. It should be an all inclusive forum for Progressives. My two cents! ;)

[hexola]

3. I want to hear it too - thats what Im suggesting...

But as it is now - its all one big thing...

[jukes]

4. teenagers are the next draft

since dying will effectively silence them, maybe we shd hear them 1ce before they check-out...

[Skinner]

5. I have not noticed any difference when school lets out.

And I don't think we have very many teenagers here. When I am aware that someone is a teenager, they are often more articulate and thoughtful than the average DU member.

I don't know which DU members you have in mind, but I'd be willing to bet that they are most likely adults. If I have learned anything in the last five years, it is that immature or ignorant people come in all ages.

[hexola]

6. Does my post read as a complaint...?

It really isnt - just an observation...

I wont question your perception - surely you've "observered" more than I...

But every once in a while - I feel like I'm talking to my kids...

[ClintonTyree]

9. I feel exactly that way when I talk to some Republicans.........

like kids when they acting out, being spoiled and arrogant! ;) I know what you mean, I think it was misunderstood. No offense.

[Skinner]

10. Yes, I read it as a complaint. But perhaps I misunderstood.

Usually when people comment that they think they are talking to a lot of kids on DU it's because they consider those people to be ignorant or immature. So I think it is a reasonable interpretation of your post. I apologize if iI was incorrect.

[hexola]

13. Yeah - maybe the topic was sort of provoctive...

In a sense that is what got me wondering - posters who appear to be "ignorant or immature" - but rather than use the "Ignore" button, I might like to sort it and look for another dynamic or trend, or address them differently.

...probably should add my own age to my profile...

[Skinner]

14. Please don't go looking for "another dynamic or trend".

Whenever people do that, they inevitably find whatever it is that they are looking for.

[WePurrsevere]

7. Many teens speak as well and intelligently as "adults" & sometimes........

even more so. ;)

Once upon a time I was a "kid" and was lucky enough that I was allowed to speak what I knew or felt. Please let them speak.. they are the future and the world's (and Universe's) best hope for survival. Sometimes the sagest advice and keenest observations come from the minds we "grown ups" call "children".
:yourock:

[supernova]

8. What would that accomplish?

The internet, by it's very nature, is a melee of ideas. The whole point is to debate the merits of ideas, not the merits of the poster.

One of the MANY reasons I love DU is that it is an intergenerational thing. We all benefit from talking across the ages. They get the beneifit of talking to us about things that are important (perhaps no one else at home does); we get the benefit of their enthusiasm and creativity.

[hexola]

11. Its about refining ideas and understandings and clarity..

Isn't that what think-tanks to do...?

millions of dollars are spent studying a single demographic...

Again - I'm not suggesting cutting anyone out - just a sorting mechanism...

You could then get different perspectives...like "Hey, let's see what people over 50 are saying about Health Care..."

Or - "I wonder what people under 18 think about Education"

[supernova]

23. Then create a poll

separated by age groups for whatever subject you wish, then you'd have your answers for DUers about that subject. But leave the main discussion alone.

There's no reason to tier the discussion board.

[jedr]

12. My 17 yr. old sometimes jumps in under my name;

and argues a point or two. I encourage it, it helps him think his points through and defend them in an open forum. However, I think the subjects should be limited to politics . With out that you'll have a "My Space" on your hands.

[yngliberal]

15. I am only eighteen...

I haven't posted here much because I have not been here very long and at times, I do feel more mature than some adults. I actually had another username but I forgot the password so I just use this one now but some of you may have saw the letter I sent to the Daily Oklahoman. The responses I received back from other people around Oklahoma were childish and the sad thing is they couldn't prove me wrong but they did call me names.

I've been active in politics since 2000. I really started working in 2002 when I helped our Governor and State Senator. After that, I worked for a congressional campaign and the Kerry Campaign. Not much but it is better than nothing.

At times, I do want to just give up and quit. Our local party is not very acceptive of young people or their ideas. They are old-fashioned I guess you could say. They don't encourage young people to run for local office and when you go to one of the events, they look at you like you don't deserve to be there or something. People should be proud of the group of kids that want to get active in politics and make our country a better place to live. We are the next generation.

Sorry for my rant but .... ;-)

[TAPat]

16. You go!

Good for you and keep up the great work. I've been at it since the Carter years & it can be discouraging...
:yourock:

[crispini]

19. you go! Keep working!

Ignore the naysayers in your party! If you will be living in one place awhile why not become a precinct chair? That way you will have your own little area of turf to work. I am a precinct chair, and of the two members of our delegation to the state convention this year, one is only 21. :D

[blondeatlast]

22. Teens influence what we're offered to buy, how we're entertained,

pretty much our entire popular culture revolves around teens--and I think that's a good thing!

Why shouldn't you use that same kind of power to influence your very future thru the political process?

I enthusiastically welcome you and your enthusiasm and energy to DU and thank you for your efforts in the past and to come.

I very much intend to get my now 9 year old son involved as soon as he shows some interest (actually, he already has).

:bounce:

May I offer you, well, it's a GINGER ALE, I swear! :toast:

[blondeatlast]

17. Teens should become more involved iin the political process!

Therefore, if there is a teen contingent at DU, I welcome them.

Mainstreet Moms is acticely engaging teens, and I will join them soon:

http://www.themmob.org/voteat18/voteat18.html

Teens have the power to shape the culture of fashion, entertainment, etc. I say let them shape the future by voting and more!

[Arkansas Granny]

18. I'm afraid I have to disagree with you. If there are teenagers

posting here, I'm all for it. This is our next generation of decision makers and I welcome the chance to have a discussion with them. I don't see that segregating their remarks to a certain age grouping would be a positive thing.

[MadisonProgressive]

21. It's also the generation that the current ones are fucking with their

future. We have an obligation to listen to them and take them very seriously.

[bunkerbuster1]

20. How about we call it "Steven Colbert's BALLS

- For Kidz!"