The Truth on Adultism by Gayle Winfrey

      On a hot, sticky day in July, people of all ages rush in and out of Quiktrip to buy cold, refreshing drinks and snacks. Despite the annoying heat, everyone seems to be in a good mood. Until trouble storms in the door like Hurricane Katrina. A teen standing in line, doing nothing wrong, is in the way of this typical, rude, middle aged man’s destination. He pushes her aside and she falls into a counter, leaving a bruise on her hip. The man then makes his way to the bathroom, leaving the wounded girl crying by the counter. He sees a young male about to enter the bathroom. Knowing there was only one stall, he pushed past him and rushes into the bathroom. The young man falls back and bumps into another lady, apologizing immediately and helping her pick up a bag she dropped. After the man is finished with his business in the bathroom, he goes to buy a cold drink. A different teenaged girl is trying to decide what lemonade she wants, but the man has no patience. “Move, out of my way,” he says, opening the cooler door from behind her and hitting her with the door. “I’m sorry,” she replies as she rubs her arm. When the man is in line, ready to purchase his items, a little kid bumps into him, saying excuse me, but the man still gets mad. After the man pays for his stuff, he leaves the store. “Stupid kids, they have no respect for adults,” he mutters under his breath.

        Unfortunately, he’s not the first adult to act this way towards younger people. He probably won’t be the last either. Adultism concerns more people than you think. Adults today treat kids like Fiona’s parents treat Shrek. Adults need to understand that everyone has a story and their own problems, especially kids and teens. Whether it’s in a store, at school, or at home. They are living lives just like adults, and they deserve respect just as much as anyone else. Let’s not forget the golden rule, people. More and more teens stand up for themselves, but get in trouble for doing so. As a result, kids are too afraid to stand up for themselves. They shouldn’t be. It makes kids feel like they are less compared to others. Kids go through a lot these days and we should respect that. Are these children and teens going to grow up to be like the man in the store? Let’s end this today. Let’s make tomorrow better than yesterday.