• bidenicecream
      ·
      2 years ago

      I know this is an ancient anxiety

      Historically it isn't even that much of an anxiety. I know orientalists like to point out these age gaps when they're trying to be racist/colonial/islamophobic, but even in the west this wasn't that big of a deal until recently. I'm not sure what caused the sudden switch. Maybe a historian here can answer?

        • bluescreen [none/use name]
          ·
          2 years ago

          Other languages lack the entire idea of "teenager" as their numbers from 13 to 19 lack the suffix "teen".

          They're just seen as children. The whole "rebellious phase" thing is 100% cultural. Teens in other countries are respectful of their elders and eager to learn their culture so they can pass it on to their children when they have them.

          • usbgen4 [none/use name]
            ·
            2 years ago

            Interesting to think about how the decimal system and language influences us

            • 420blazeit69 [he/him]
              ·
              2 years ago

              I mean I belive you when you say you're an historian.

              But great advice overall, and :rat-salute-2: for recognizing what you specialize in and what you don't.

        • Dolores [love/loves]
          ·
          2 years ago

          I'd situate panics about The Kids broadly in the breakdown of Patriarchy via capitalism and progressive resistance but goddamn that's a colossal topic

          but to demonstrate it one need only compare right-wing focus & outrage between child abuse coming from traditional patriarchal hierarchies (church and family heads) versus their outrage toward [right-wing boogeyman du jour]