Stereotypes That Could Have A Positive Influence On My Life Today

First, think as far back as you can about yourself. Growing up to become the men and women you are today, there must have been influencers or role models in your life. You would consider that some of these role models to positively shaped out your life today. But, many children of my generation could say the same for themselves. This problem, on its own, is to blame for the constant generational decline present in our society today.
As an African-American teenager, I find it difficult to find relevant “role models” that could have a positive influence on my life. There are many expectations and stereotypes that are situated on me that subject me to a considerable amount of stress. There is the constant demand that I succeed in life, i.e. being a first-generation college graduate. Most of the burdens I must uphold are presumed to be accomplished without the guidance or of example of citizens in the community. The lack of proper work ethics or conduct, my generation is commonly dubbed, cannot be solely placed on us.

I recall one of my daily city bus-rides from school.

As I arrive on the bus I am drawn to an argument between two adults, male and female respectively, as to how annoying or drunk the other was during a previous bus encounter. Both of these individuals, no less than 35, were using vulgar language to call each other out of their names, all while a group of no less than 25 high-school students are listening on to the chaos rather than having a peaceful bus-ride. My generation has been constantly titled as being rude, disrespectful, or simply “ignorant to common courtesy”. Children are taught to look up to the adults around them, but how can we “look up to” and “respect” our elders, if they can’t show maturity past what we are capable of

achieving.
Although there are some great role models such as Martin Luther King, our community lacks relevant present day figures. Today’s youth find it easier to look up to the leaders of today, as long as they’re actively involved with the youth. We can’t have leaders that, while doing great work, idol behind desks rather than getting out in the community and leading by example.
Here is what we must act on: getting all of the positive personalities out to the streets, starting and being involved in programs that not only educate today’s teenagers. We need programs that aid the youth with scholarships and tutoring to make it easier for those first-generation college students. We outreach programs to organize community service and after-school events that further build their character; reversing the “the ignorance of common courtesy”. Our great leaders, like King, never preached about getting more power for the African-Americans, but rather giving all of the people in America an equal chance (rather it be financially, socially, or intellectually) to grow up and live a successful life in our modern American society.