American Culture Week Three Discussion

Question 1

Sternheimer articulates that one significant way in which society constructs uniform, idealized and nostalgic perspectives of childhood is through a definition of the qualities that young children lack rather than the ones they have (Sternheimer, 2013). It also entails generalizing the perspectives with the notion that children are impulsive, naïve, and ignorant. According to many people, the ideal childhood experience is grounded on the standards of white, suburban, and middle-class families. Even though children experience ever-changing and different childhood experiences, this perspective only represents a specific group. I believe that there is a significant trend to protection rather than preparation. Parents must ensure that their children are prepared to face the world’s reality. However, most parents fear the ongoing changes in the world. Thus, they try to protect their child from the dangers that come with these changes. From my childhood experience, my parents gave me the freedom to explore the realities of the world. With TV being the main source of entertainment, we were allowed to learn the experiences of others.

Question 3

Sternheimer urges that some media and public fears permeating debates concerning technology and children include cyberbullying and its connection to the suicide rates among children. It also incorporates the cyber predators threatening the well-being and safety of teens and children. Nonetheless, the author states that the internet has led to negative impacts on the relationships and health of Children (Sternheimer, 2013). As the internet becomes more popular among children, the addition to the internet sets in contributing to a decrease in critical communication skills and face-to-face interaction. Research shows that there is a high prevalence of cyberbullying among LGBT people. Due to the changing definitions of cyberbullying, there are variations in evidence concerning the link between cyberbullying and suicide. No comprehensive data has been provided concerning this and the same applies to internet predators. Most discussions ignore the fact that mental health issues and the adults surrounding children are the more direct threats. Researchers have ignored the fact that adults are a threat since they are assumed to provide love and care to the children. Nonetheless, a lot of stigma concerning mental health issues exists and it is quite challenging for children to access services related to mental health.

Reference

Sternheimer, K. (2013). Connecting Social Problems and Popular Culture (Second Edition). Philadelphia: Westview Press.