While thinking about puberty and adolescence before I read the required readings, I just took the two terms for granted and put them into one category under the same definition. For me, the two went hand and hand, and I didn't realize that adolescence is a fairly new concept. Although last year I took a CURRINS class that was all about Young Adolescent Literature and how to encourage my students to read by presenting literature to them that is aimed towards their experiences as adolescents, puberty was never really mentioned. Well, there was one exception of one of my female classmates giving a book talk on Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. and suggested that it could be a good recommendation to our female students experiencing puberty. In that class I was surrounded by the word adolescence, so I took what I learned from that class and applied it to the readings this week. It makes sense that as our society was changing towards industrialism, so too were the young lives that were growing up in that world, as it is said, "Adolescence became the projective site and repository for social, sexual, and moral anxieties that were rooted in American society." (18). To say the least, I am not surprised that this sentence made sure to include the society in question is American society.
As I started reading chapter 2, "The Role of Pubertal Processes", there was one sentence that caught me off gaurd: "As they do so, they must deal with sexual arousal and the beginning of relationships with members of the opposite sex..." (27). Now, I don't think this sentence meant to offend anyone in particular, I was offended at the use of the word "relationships" when it was included with the terms "sexual arousal" and "members of the opposite sex". I wish this sentence would have been a bit more specific, because a relationship shouldn't be excluded to just sexual and/or romantical, but should include the relationships we have with friends, family, peers, etc. I also didn't like that the authors were specific about the relationships being with members of the opposite sex. While it isn't the case for every adolscent, it is important to keep in mind that some have these arousals with members of the same sex, and are questioning their sexuality. Also, what about the relationships with members of the same sex that don't lead to sexual arousal? While keeping in mind that the non-sexual relationships we have with members of the same sex can include in their conversations the issue of sex. Perhaps I am making something out of nothing, or am taking offense at something that meant no harm and was stating a general fact, I think it is important to keep the issues I mentioned in mind when we think about adolescence.
Overall, I think that the schools should provide a safe environment where puberty can be taugth to adolescents so they are aware of the changes that are taking place in their body, and will have a better image of themselves as they grow into their adult bodies. And, these teaching opportunities don't have to be limited to Sex Ed. classes. English teachers, for example, can include books into the curriculum that their adolescents can relate to, and not all of them have to be about puberty, but they should be something that can make the adolescents feel comfortable with their changing bodies and minds. I was glad that it was included that, "...many adults seem uncomfortable discussing puberty themselves and, by inference believe that young people feel the same way." (29). That is why it is important for the school and teachers to provide an emotionally safe environment where an open dialogue in regards to puberty and adolescence can occur between teacher and student.
But, what about the students that are ashamed of the changes that they are experiencing? Or the parents that don't want their students to be exposed to these puberty issues that may be taught about? How can these students/parents that aren't comfortable with these issues fit comfortably into a school environment that is taking the opportunity to address and help all the students going through puberty and living as an adolescent?
Friday, February 6, 2009
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I agree Sara with your second point. I didnt catch that sentence. I must have read it and did not catch it or my mind unconsciously found nothing wrong with it. Adolescents is the key age group where people start to question who they are and who they like. Homosexuality is a very touchy subject to teens and can be very embarressing for them if they are singled out. Assuming that all adolescents are attracted to the "opposite" sex is too generalizing we should all be careful to never single anyone out. We should be helping and guiding those who are feeling either confused or scared about their feelings.
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