Fads and trends

All the manuals insist that you keep up with the youth's culture but remain authentically your own age. You are to be “in the world, but not of it...” This is sometimes vague and sometimes easier said than done. Here are a few observations on this oxymoron.

• Read the youth work trade magazines which always have sections on the youth culture.
  
• Listen to the kids talk. Listen for what groups, musicians, actors, movies, books, etc are the current buzz.
  
• Familiarize yourself with these fads.
  
  • Come to appreciate what they see in it. Even if it may be dumb from your perspective, it has value to them.
    
  • You don't have to embrace the fad or buy into it. In fact, one of the purposes of these things is to differentiate themselves from the older generations (you!). Give them that. It is important. But you need to be able to talk intelligently about these fads. This shows that you care for and respect the youth.
    
• Speak openly of your preferences in music, etc., but don't try to convert the youth to your preferences.
  
  • If you respect their tastes, they'll respect you – and your tastes. Be prepared to listen to their music, watch their movies without judgment.
    
  • You can, however, make comments about content. Hip Hop is good music, but some Hip Hop music promotes violence. Comment on the violence not the musical form.
    
  • Find examples of music and artists that are acceptable to both the youth and you to promote these.
    
  • If you have a music night, bring a piece of music that is authentically yours.