Avoiding the norm

It seems that teenagers are always getting a bad rap. Ever heard of Generation X? Apparently children aren't our future -- they're what will eventually cause the fall of society. Most adults can't seem to understand anything about youth -- their music, clothes or even political views.

This is especially true if the the young person's clothes are mostly black, listens to "heavy metal," or prefers shopping at Hot Topic over Aeropostale. These are the teens that get most of the rude stares and scoffs in public.

As an aware teen, I would like to point out that just because someone looks like trouble doesn't mean they are.

I get quite bored being a "good kid" (I make straight A's, go to church, and don't do anything I shouldn't) and decide to make my own fun every once in a while.

One of my favorite things to do is grab a couple of friends, put on some of the scariest combinations of clothes in our wardrobes, and head off to Cape Girardeau.

There's just something about knowing you're a "good kid" but everyone seeing you thinking you're trouble that hooks you automatically.

My friends and I have been subject to rude stares, being pointed at, and being watched very carefully in stores -- even though at heart we're ideal children.

I suppose I'm trying to say that you should not judge a person by their appearance or age. Just because someone is a teenager doesn't mean they're scum of the earth, it just means they're little people trying to test boundaries to find out who they really are.

Nevertheless, if you see three girls dressed like they could've just come from a funeral, smile and wave. They're probably incredible kids with a passion for avoiding the norm.

Brittany Ryan lives in McClure, Ill.