(November 29, 2000) — In the mind of teens, it seems that everywhere they turn, they are surrounded with constant slandering of their persona and character. Whether it is the nationally-acclaimed Time Magazine or their own school newspaper, it seems that teens have no refuge from this massacre. However, is it truly a massacre on the part of adults? Or do teens fully disserve this onslaught? No one can deny it — certainly not teens — that automobile accident rates for young adults are higher than those for adults. They are especially high for people between the ages of 16 to 19, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Additionally, more than 21% of teens drive under the influence of alcohol or some narcotic substance, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. So before you complain as to why the nice police officer is questioning you, ask yourself, “Was I speeding? Or was the keg of beer just a little over the top?” The situation might not appear to be so bad if teens took responsibility for their actions, rather than responding with sharp cynicism. No matter whether it is suspension of their license or a large fine, teens will rattle on and on about the ever-so- unjust act, never taking into consideration that they may have done something wrong. This innocent façade that teens create for themselves is exactly what leads to their disrespect of higher authority and the absence of accountability. Some might say that this is a bad stereotype of teens, and that most teens do take account of their actions. However, if this was the truth then why do automobile collision rates continue to skyrocket for young adults? It’s because teens focus too much on the adrenaline rush of driving rather than on highway safety. Teens need to start taking responsibility for their actions, though they also need to recognize that law enforcement isn’t out there to incarcerate them. They also need to realize that the job of law enforcement is to serve and protect. So obviously, if you’re “crusin’” down the street in gangster-type attire, playing some Snoop Dog or Dr. Dre at high decibel levels and making west-coast hand signals, you’re going to get pulled over by the cops. It’s not that you’re being unfairly stereotyped, it’s that you match the description of the individual who robbed the 7-Eleven two blocks down. What teens need to understand is that they’re not that innocent, and if they intend on being treated as adults, they better be prepared for the consequences. So rather than trying to slay Goliath, teens should work on slaying the rebel that provokes the giant, because that’s the real problem, not some middle-aged police officer.