Teens Then and Now

Throughout the generations,  the problems that parents have with their teenagers are basically the same, aside from some cultural aspects that are dependent on the time period. Thus the only major differences are the instances where modern technology and products are concerned. For example, in present times, parents hate how today's youth is always texting. Also, they spend countless hours on the Internet and social-networking sites. Obviously, teens in the 20s did not have this technology, so it wasn't a problem. Besides this major "issue", the other differences are more subtle. For instance, adults of both times do not like the popular music of the time. The subtle difference here is that in the 20s that music was jazz, while today it is rap. In addition, adults did not approve of their children's stylish clothing, which they see as promiscuous. Here the promiscuous clothing of the 20s was not wearing a corset, sporting dresses that revealed the ankles, and rolling stockings below their knees. Moreover, parents in both the 20s and today were against provocative dancing, smoking, drinking, casual sex, and late nights out. These types of things will always be of concern to parents, no matter what the time period is. Thus, teens today are not worse behaved. We (teens of the 20s and teens today) just want to enjoy ourselves and not be limited to what our parents want/think. Freedom is a huge part of growing up, so teens always want to just do whatever they want. The cultures and societies of the two are completely different, so it is hard to compare and then decide which is worse. It is all dependent upon the other factors that are in play during that time period.