Growing Pains

We have been discussing how teens are socialized in America; that is how teens are influenced by American culture to act a certain way. One of the hot button issues for teens is alcohol consumption and frequently the discussion breaks down into one about alcohol and legality. But the issue is larger than that. In what ways are you held back from maturity, responsibility and independence? How does society add to this? In what ways are you allowed (legally) to prove that you are indeed, mature, responsible and independent?