1. Lister, Rachel. Teens Making a Difference. Feb. 2007. Web.
1. This article focuses on teens and the many roles they can take on in our society. First, Lister advocates for teens to volunteer. Not many are aware that many organizations take teenagers to do a variety of non-paying jobs. Next, she talks about youth in government. Even if someone isn’t of voting age, they choose a candidate to support based on their beliefs and make phone calls or deliver fliers. Finally, making good decisions about education in order to make an influence with your future career.
2. Teen Power Politics. Web. 19 Apr. 2010.
2. “Teen power politics” is a very interactive website whose goal is to alert teens about events happening in the world. The site, which is based on a book, offered me guidance on issues ranging from animal cruelty to education. It also showed me the type of website I strive to publish- fun, colorful, multiple links, and informational. Finally it provided me with a quote that will be the basis of my hypertext, “democracy is based upon the conviction that there are extraordinary possibilities in ordinary people” (Harry Emerson Fosdick).
3. Who Says Teenagers Don't Care About Politics. Democracy Cell Project. Web.
3. This article talks about the interest young people have in politics and how some have made major changes in their community. It shows that some teens know their power and use it such as the eighteen and nineteen year old mayors who ran and actually won candidacy.
4. Doctorow, Cory. Little Brother. New York: Tor, 2008. Print.
4. The novel “Little Brother” is my inspiration for this hypertext. I am focusing on the parts of the book that deal with the roles of teenagers and the power they have even if they aren’t aware of it.
Review of the Lit
Youth have an important role in our society if they know it or not. We change people’s options and largely affect presidential elections. Yet many adults believe teenagers are ignorant to important issues and can only make a change once they “grow up”. This is a deceptive notion only brought upon by gender gaps that make adults have disrespect for teenagers. Teenagers have tried to prevent this stereotype politically and by having a voice in their community. Some teenagers don’t understand the amount of power they have or how to use it. By being informed one can then find their passion and make a difference.
A main theme in Cory Doctorow’s “Little Brother” is youth and the power they have. The main character, Marcus, unravels the corrupt Homeland Security even though he is only a teenager. Doctorow exemplifies that teens too can make a difference in our society. To go even further, he is implying that teens can sometimes do things that adults are afraid to do. In the novel, Marcus’ parents are ignorant while Marcus is informed and active. This is opposite of the common misconceptions that teenagers are ignorant about world issues. Doctorow develops the character of Marcus from a normal (but intelligent) student to someone who would give up their personal freedom for national freedom. Marcus finds a passion for taking down Homeland Security which gives him power. Passion goes hand in hand with power since you must have an emotional connection in order to make changes. Marcus often didn’t know the amount of power he had and was shocked every time large amounts of people congregated to his events. Doctorow also uses the slogan “don’t trust anyone over 25” and large number of teens who support Marcus on Xnet to show that teens are an influential force. Finding his passion and expressing his power were the factors behind Marcus’ extreme character growth.
By creating the character Marcus, Doctorow is showing that power can be obtained at any age. I think it is important to stress that power is obtained; it is not intrinsically giving to you. Some characters in the novel didn’t have the determination that Marcus had (such as Van) which shows not everyone can be a revolutionary leader. The only difference between Marcus and Van was that Marcus wanted change more than anything else while Van put her fears first. Though the idea of a teenager single-handedly overturning part of the governmental system may seem extreme, I think Doctorow is implying that youth can and should make a difference.
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