Teenagers Engage Culture Through Blogs
03/12/06 10:28 PM Filed in: Youth
While their
peers may be carousing and into all kinds of trouble,
a new movement of teenagers is defying the trends of
their generation. These teens are combating
ignorance, rebellion, and apathy with the latest in
modern technology: the blog.
While their
peers may be carousing and into all kinds of trouble,
a new movement of teenagers is defying the trends of
their generation. These teens are combating
ignorance, rebellion, and apathy with the latest in
modern technology: the blog.
Twin brothers Alex and Brett Harris, 17, created their blog (therebelution.com) in order to debunk the "myth of adolescence"—that being a teenager means freedom from responsible, productive action. According to Alex, "if teenagers think that this is the time to have fun, they won't be ready to be responsible" as adults. He adds that "low expectations affect you even if you're not into the drugs, sex, etc., and it continues until someone intentionally remedies that irresponsibility."
Both Alex and Brett believe that the best way to remedy the irresponsibility of their peers is to lead a "rebelution," which is a cross between rebellion and revolution. Alex defines this goal as "an uprising against social norms. We are refusing to be defined by an ungodly, rebellious culture." In other words, the Harris twins are leading a rebellion against rebellion.
Jonathan McCarthy, 18, also has a heart for indifferent and apathetic teenagers, although he specifically targets the Christian variety. He says: "The biggest threat that I see facing Christian teens today is a deadness to spiritual things and a conforming to the world in the areas of music, movies, and books."
McCarthy's blog, christianthink.blogspot.com, is the perfect place for him to emphasize a worldview based on Scripture and the necessity of a changed heart. As he continues to mature, McCarthy hopes to encourage others to become spiritual leaders through technology. He says, "We need to produce better, deeper media products and preach a gospel of judgment and mercy."
Twin brothers Alex and Brett Harris, 17, created their blog (therebelution.com) in order to debunk the "myth of adolescence"—that being a teenager means freedom from responsible, productive action. According to Alex, "if teenagers think that this is the time to have fun, they won't be ready to be responsible" as adults. He adds that "low expectations affect you even if you're not into the drugs, sex, etc., and it continues until someone intentionally remedies that irresponsibility."
Both Alex and Brett believe that the best way to remedy the irresponsibility of their peers is to lead a "rebelution," which is a cross between rebellion and revolution. Alex defines this goal as "an uprising against social norms. We are refusing to be defined by an ungodly, rebellious culture." In other words, the Harris twins are leading a rebellion against rebellion.
Jonathan McCarthy, 18, also has a heart for indifferent and apathetic teenagers, although he specifically targets the Christian variety. He says: "The biggest threat that I see facing Christian teens today is a deadness to spiritual things and a conforming to the world in the areas of music, movies, and books."
McCarthy's blog, christianthink.blogspot.com, is the perfect place for him to emphasize a worldview based on Scripture and the necessity of a changed heart. As he continues to mature, McCarthy hopes to encourage others to become spiritual leaders through technology. He says, "We need to produce better, deeper media products and preach a gospel of judgment and mercy."
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