Knowing the Youth's Culture

The more you know about the world your youth are living in the better you can be sensitive to their situation, needs, concerns, pressures. Don't assume that their culture is even remotely like your High School years or like the descriptions in books and magazine. Different locales can be radically different environments. Here are questions to review continually (These are taken from a set articles I wrote Strategy Magazine, 1974, Geneva Press, Vol. 5: No 3 through Vol 6 No 2):

• What are the current "hit" songs? (Not your favorite but your kids' favorites)
• What are the current fads?
• What are the latest fashion trends?
• How are the school athletic teams doing?
• Who are the popular kids in school?
• What is the current slang, particularly the terms for:
  -the inept
  -the dropouts
  -the unpopular
  -those who are unaware of current youth etiquette
  -the school leaders
  -the various body parts and functions

• What is the general attitude toward religion?
• What is the general attitude toward the church?
• What are the current ways of expressing rebellion against adult society?
• Where are the youths' "hangouts" and which groups hang out at which places?
• What forms of recreation and entertainment are available and which are utilized by youth?
• What are the accepted forms of gaining recognition? (Accepted by the youth, not necessarily by Adults)
• What is the school social Structure?
• What are the values of the social structure?