Scott, Andy and Andy, I think you make a good point. Society does tend to demonize kids a lot of the time these days, by blaming everything on them - or failing that their parents. It's a real shame. Most teenagers I know are really cool (and much more together than I was at their age). :super:
But I think rather than pigeon-holing people according to their age you have to see that there are badly behaved people of all ages. And there's a lot of aggression around these days and so a lot of fear. IME little old ladies can often be just as pushy and loud as anyone else (try fighting it out in the greengrocers! :roll
. And likewise, it's not just that they feel defensive towards to teenagers and young people, they react that way to people of all ages. Older people are frequently just as careless about their neighbourhoods and local environment too. Young people are sadly just an easy target for the blame. I think it's important that kids and young people don't take it to heart by believing that they are to blame.
Tony, IME teaching, is a tough profession - not just because of young people, but because often they don't want to be there in the first place. So it takes really creative and dedicated teachers to inspire them! :You_Rock_