"Fast Forward" -Lauren Greenfield

I really loved her photographs portraying teens in their natural environments. From smoking in the bathroom, to nitrous oxide hits in the bathroom stalls, aka "whip its", to thirteen year old girls keeping track of their weight, and thirteen year old boys dancing with go-go girls, nose jobs (for girls) and bling (for guys), it was really amazing to see components of everyday teenage life uniquely captured through Greenfield's lens. Monotonous, everyday teenage life-pulled apart and analyzed; creating the illusion that these photographs are unique and risky, when they are really just a part of "being a teenager".

Just as a side note, this passage made me imagine what it would be like if adults were as consumed with new life experiences as teens typically are... How intriguing it would be to enter into a new "puberty" of sorts through the ages of adulthood. Physically, cognitevly and emotionally changing and growing as rapidly as teenagers do...Building foundations of meaning that only a plethora of experience can solidify or destroy. Oh if the naiivity that comes with youth could be granted again... anyways, back to topic....

"The explosion of the Internet and its integral place in education and teen socializing makes the filtering of mature content from children a near impossibility."

Now some of these photos captured rebellious and experimental behaviors that are usually experienced by teens behind closed doors. These are things that we assume teens do (either because we as adults can remember doing them or we have knowledge that it is being done in today's youth-a "fad") but we don't actually condone these bahaviors or see them do it. We can't see them do it, because they are usually illegal activities, sexually risky or deviant, dangerous, emotional or what have you else. None the less, these are the things that teens tell us about when they are much older, when they are laughable and labeled as "part of being a teenager". These are the things they joke with their friends, about yielding reactions and memories starting with "I can't believe we did that...". These are the experiences teens share that solidify lifelong friendships; a part of growing together; a time of "firsts".

Moving past the photos specifically depicting teens, I want to discuss the photos of the young children (aged 5-10). These kids are examples of the "Getting older younger" phenomenon, as Greenfield describes, meaning that teens and youth are being influenced by media at a younger age. Actually, let me rephrase that. Media is strategically targeting these kids at a younger age, and the whole process continues to perservere unabaded. Greenfield used the example of her own son, just three years old, who is already familiar with characters on TV and song lyrics that he has not been exposed to at home. Some of the younger kids in the photos are very aware of their physical image, their social capital (through their parents), and have a growing sense of entitlement. Basically, those who are priviledged know they are priviledged.

---> after reading Greenfield, I have a much better sense of what I want to look for in my teen photo project. I don't feel like I'm going into it as blindly as before.

---> i want to see more photos from a more diverse population! Perhaps some more international photos and inner city class comparison photos. Even though Greenfield said that there is a great deal of overlap cross-culturally, I want to see it for myself! Also, it might be fun to see similar activities (birthdays, graduations, work, ect) being depicted across class and gender lines.