The (un?)Creation of the American Teenager

This week the New York Times featured an “Op-Doc” on “The Role of Youth,” part of a bigger upcoming film project called Teenage (which looks fascinating and has a great docu-blog).  Here’s the brief op-doc on the history of youth in US history, particularly in times of crisis:

The filmmakers suggest that perhaps the current reality can call us to think of other ways to integrate adolescents into society. They are not, of course, the only ones to raise this question in recent months/years (as Teen 2.0, our own Sticky Faith, and others are wondering aloud in different ways).

The bigger question is, are we at a unique moment in history where change can again take place? Is it possible that the post-WWII moniker “Teenager” is ready to be replaced with new language and new sociocultural understanding?  What do you think?

©2011 Fuller Youth Institute