Perception is Reality
Whether sitting in a restaurant, or walking through a store, we can't help but overhear the conversations of others. As we catch pieces of these conversations, we find many adults are using current teenage slang, and it makes me wonder why they feel compelled to do so. Do they think it makes them sound cool, relevant or younger?
Every generation has had their slang terminology which was relevant for its time. It was cool in teenage conversations, but when adults were heard using it the words lost their "coolness". In your thirties and forties it can sound silly; as if you're trying too hard to remain young. Plus, if you have children, they don't think you're cool when using it.
When we hear adults using the slang of teenagers in conversations, or on social media sites, an opinion is formed. Even if it's not an accurate representation of who they are, it is how they have chosen to represent themselves.
As teenagers we used slang when talking with our friends. Not only did we feel cool, but it allowed us to fit in with our peers. However, our parents always expected us to speak clearly and intelligently when talking with adults. How we spoke not only displayed our knowledge; it represented how we were being raised. Their expectations ultimately led us to appreciate how others saw us.
When my children were growing up, they too were taught to use proper English, and to be respectful when talking to adults. Not only does it speak to the type of person you are, but also your education and intelligence. The expression used was "how you speak is what people will think of you". Today it's my grandchildren receiving this message from me.
I have no doubt that the adults using slang such as "bae" or "my bad" are intelligent. However, adults are the ones who are supposed to set an example for teenagers. How they portray adult behavior will determine what kind of adult today's teenagers will eventually become.
Perhaps some would say I'm out of touch or getting old. But remember, in the end perception is reality. As an adult how do you want to be perceived?
Every generation has had their slang terminology which was relevant for its time. It was cool in teenage conversations, but when adults were heard using it the words lost their "coolness". In your thirties and forties it can sound silly; as if you're trying too hard to remain young. Plus, if you have children, they don't think you're cool when using it.
When we hear adults using the slang of teenagers in conversations, or on social media sites, an opinion is formed. Even if it's not an accurate representation of who they are, it is how they have chosen to represent themselves.
As teenagers we used slang when talking with our friends. Not only did we feel cool, but it allowed us to fit in with our peers. However, our parents always expected us to speak clearly and intelligently when talking with adults. How we spoke not only displayed our knowledge; it represented how we were being raised. Their expectations ultimately led us to appreciate how others saw us.
When my children were growing up, they too were taught to use proper English, and to be respectful when talking to adults. Not only does it speak to the type of person you are, but also your education and intelligence. The expression used was "how you speak is what people will think of you". Today it's my grandchildren receiving this message from me.
I have no doubt that the adults using slang such as "bae" or "my bad" are intelligent. However, adults are the ones who are supposed to set an example for teenagers. How they portray adult behavior will determine what kind of adult today's teenagers will eventually become.
Perhaps some would say I'm out of touch or getting old. But remember, in the end perception is reality. As an adult how do you want to be perceived?
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