Critical analysis on Kay S. Hymowitz,tweens:going ten on sixteen - Term Paper Example

Kay S. Hymowitz addressed the tweens situation by impressing the readers through her thoughts and use of organization and style. She begins on a subtle note by describing the phase transfer of her daughter from childhood to a teenager. Kay has been widely praised for her superior presenting techniques combined with thought provoking statements. The opening lines offer specific strategies for active reading and as the coherent pattern develops the detailed accounts portray her intended purpose, vision and extensive analysis which capture the reader’s interest through illustrations and specific patterns of development.

Most parents are over protective of their children as they are always faced with the ‘letting go’ issue. Hymowitz provides an insight into world of a teenager as “my youngest morphed from child to teenager”. (Hymowitz, 1998) No doubt with the advancement of technology along with the world’s fast pace the present generation either has to go along or be left behind, “There is no such thing as preadolescence anymore. Kids are teenagers at ten.” (Hymowitz, 1998).One must always remember that teenage children have the most fertile mind and therefore, are most vulnerable to impressions.

This aspect is like a double edged sword. The seeds of success or failure are imprinted during this difficult time zone. The prognosis of bad habits which are taken up during these teen years is not difficult to foresee.The presentation is so vividly expressed wherein this strong message implies disaster is awaiting tweens who are so captivated in this world. One aspect we disagree is the term “tweens” as “Marketers have a term for this new social animal, kids between eight and 12: they call them "tweens.

" The name captures the ambiguous reality: though chronologically midway between early childhood and adolescence, this group is leaning more and more toward teen styles, teen attitudes, and, sadly, teen behavior at its most is troubling”. (Hymowitz, 1998). Kay vividly portrays this picture of tweens being utilized as Ginny pigs in return for money. A raw and true picture of reality combined with strong and effective words. Why are we encouraging children to grow fast and loose their innocence and want to behave like adults?

Why are we as parents even accepting this tween? This is what Kay attempts to achieve that through her writings we begin to question and investigate such issues. “Theres no question theres a deep trend, not a passing fad, toward kids getting older younger," says research psychologist Michael Cohen of Arc Consulting….Theyre very concerned with their "look,”(Hymowitz, 1998) By introducing psychologist point of view, Kay attempts to emphasize that tweens instead of concentrating on studies spend most of their time on appearance.

This direct approach towards the issue of tweens reflects the affects of the overall development. “Teachers complain of ten- or 11-year-old girls arriving at school looking like madams, in full cosmetic regalia, with streaked hair, platform shoes, and midriff-revealing shirts.” Hymowitz, 1998) Kay’s direct attack on parents who perhaps on reading this would wake up and take control of the misdeeds. Kay is making all effort in proposing guidelines to prevent the aftermath. “Though the tweening of youth affects girls more visibly than boys, especially since boys mature more slowly, boys are by no means immune to these obsessions.

”(Hymowitz, 1998). By providing this comparison, Kay attempts to ratify that boy or girl’s tween have been affected and the time has come to do something. Kay portrays the negative side of adults who play this blame game instead of taking responsibility. “Cosmetics has introduced the Sweet Georgia Brown line for tweens. It includes body paints and scented body oils…….”(Hymowitz, 1998) The ultimate benefactors who survive and thrive on tweens is the cosmetic company by luring and selling their products.

The evil side which thrives on account of tweens portrays Kay’s strong and bold addresses which provide a strong case about tweens. “Those who seek comfort in the idea that the tweening of childhood is merely a matter of fashion—who maybe even find their lip-synching, hip-swaying little boy or girl kind of cute—might want to think twice. There are disturbing signs that tweens are not only eschewing the goody-goody childhood image but its substance as well.” (Hymowitz, 1998) Kay takes time to finally present truth.

But why does the writer take so long to arrive at the solution? Kay tries to assist the reader’s in understanding her point of views through this description and evidence of reality. Examination of the horror of reality, ‘crime’, “offenders under age 15 represent the leading edge of the juvenile crime problem, and their numbers are growing…tween sex presents a troubling picture……Drugs and alcohol are also seeping into tween culture……eating disorders” (Hymowitz, 1998). Kay presents the real world without mixing emotions or utilizing of expressive words which bares a plain confrontation with reality.

Perhaps Kay should have defined tweens and immediately presented the consequences of supporting and encouraging tweens. “Kids wear sexually provocative clothes at nine because their parents buy them provocative clothes, not because of their hormones,” (Hymowitz, 1998). Finally sense prevails but too late. The author goes on condemning tweens without any remorse and provides no solution. The question that arises is that if parents show no interest what is the duty of educational institutions and society?

Why are there no rules enforced towards the prevention of tween problems?“Many parents are pleased to see their children hip to the market. "Im glad my girls respond to fashion…the blind leading the blind”(Hymowitz, 1998) epitomizes support of parents which Kay has openly reflected in this statement. The overall style is so unappealing. We agree that the author has presented an informative and detailed account of tweens but at what cost? The writer presents the effect first and only towards the end states the cause.

No doubt the author has subtlety blamed the parents for the tween culture. But we feel that the blame was too strong and too much of evidence. The continuous overflow of passion can be reflected in Kay presentation of tweens as her presentation of event is not attached with overly flowery words. ReferencesHymowitz, Kay. S. Tweens: Ten Going on Sixteen. 1998. City Journal. 24 March 2009 < http://www.city-journal.org/html/8_4_a1.html>