Stardate 20010811.0613 (On Screen): Girls today want to wear clothes which scandalize their parents. Well,
of course they do! When, in the 20th century, was that
not the case? Today they want to imitate Britney Spears. At other times it's been other icons. Right now it's short skirts and bare tummies; at other times it's been makeup, or pointy bras, or spike heels, or hair styles, or nylon stockings and garter belts, or body-piercing and tattoos. It's always
something. But this is simply one part of a larger struggle: kids insist on growing up; girls want to be women, boys want to be men, and that prospect fills their parents with abject terror.
The odd thing about this is that "adolescence" (as the last stage of childhood) is a 20th century invention. For most of history, in most places in the world, effective adulthood began about age 14, if not even younger. I believe that Bar Mitzvah happens at age 12 for girls, doesn't it? Adolescence is a recent creation. "Traditional family values" would have most of those girls married by age 14 (and pregnant by 16). Depending, of course, on just how far back the traditions in your family really run. (discuss)
