Youth Radio - Topic: Commentary

Changing Schools

JKey — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:37:33 -0600

Changing schools can be challenging. There are new rules , new teachers , new campuses , and most of all new friends .

There is also the nervousness of wondering if you’re going to be accepted by other kids . Often times kids are cruel to new kids , and getting through that can be scary unless you have friends at that school to hang out with and help you feel not so left out of things.

School work can often times pose a challenge if you’re a slow learner, or just need more time to deal with your work. This is often what makes people struggle in school.

A personal experience with this is when I was in fifth grade. I had come from a school that was behind in what the new school was teaching. So adapting to the new environment was pretty rough especially learning new material that I had never saw before. Though making friends was easy for me, learning new things was quite a challenge.

Sometimes changing schools can be good , because you get to meet new people and the new school may have activities that your old school didn’t have. I’ve changed schools before in my life , and take it from me, it can be a good thing if you make it. Variety in life, as well as in school, is a good change.

Learning American Culture In The Fast Food Lane

denise — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:54:12 -0600

The following was originally broadcast on 11/12/11, WABE-FM Atlanta

By: Aaron Choi

I immigrated to the United States from South Korea when I was twelve years old. My first fast food experience was a few days after I arrived. I strolled into a local Burger King to try out their famous burgers. After a short glance at the menu, I ordered what looked to be the most American meal the store had to offer: the number six combo. A rich steakhouse burger with fries and a large coke.

Before approaching the cashier, I hastily practiced in my mind what I was going to say. And in spite of my primitive English, I managed to place my order. But, the teen cashier behind the counter mumbled a question so quickly to me, I could not understand the question, let alone answer it. "Here or to go?" I picked up the word “here.” I spat out its counterpart, “there.” It was a reality check. My transition to life here in the US would not be as smooth as I was hoping.

Over the following years, there were bound to be many more moments of embarrassment and trouble. But with a bit of boldness and a sense of levity, I’m accepting this transition – and enjoying my number six combo.

Exposing the Hidden Naked Man

bfeldman — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 21:57:41 -0500

Why is there a scarcity of male nudity in media imagery, but an abundance of unclothed females? There is a strong stigma against aginast male nakedness, nobody wants to see it, so it doesn’t appear very much. Thus, shots that in include full frontal male nudity can often be timed on a stop watch, but scenes that feature women naked require a sun dial. Although the movie industry is now not exclusively dominated by men, the United States has historically been a patriarchal society. Men were the only ones running things. They controlled images, be it the movie industry, paintings, television, sculpture, and men created media for an all male audience. Men would rather look at naked women than naked men. So, naked women appeared more. Even though marketing agents now definitely do consider their female audiences, the legacy of this male dominated media platform is still deeply engrained in our conscious mind. Thus, “nudity” in films is reserved for women. Okay, so Male nudity is much less prevalent than female, but that still doesn’t quite explain why exactly why Americans cringe at the sight of male genitalia. Perhaps it’s due to the liquid homophobia that permeates the American psyche. Unfortunately, most people are scared by homosexuality. Coupled with this fear comes the tendency to distance oneself from homosexuals. In doing so, one is reaffirming his role as a heterosexual in a heteronormative culture. Establishing oneself as a heterosexual can take the form of calling two men holding hands a nasty slurr, or just being disgusted by the sight of a penis to verify ones own identity as a heterosexual. But its not just men who are grossed out by male genitalia, it makes women uncomfortable too. Granted that women are also influenced by the values of a traditionally male-dominated culture, I don’t think that this is the only reason women don’t like to look at the johnson. It could very well be that women are not as sexually charged as men. “Boys gone wild” videos have never been as popular as the DVD’s that feature teenage girls exposing their privates to video cameras. But females are not grossed out by seeing their fellow women naked. Sigmund Freud theorized that all women have homosexual tendencies. Although I think that many of Freud’s theories are far fetched, this hypothesis is scientifically proven in an investigation conducted by Dr. Chivers on behalf of the Center for Addiction and Mental Health, in which scientists measure the heart rate of heterosexual females while they were showed various photographs. The results proved that straight women are in fact stimulated by seeing pictures of other women naked, and in many cases even more so than pictures of naked men. But I don't think that female homosexuality, or male homophobia, is scientifically inherent. Rather, I think that these inclinations are perpetuated by the lack of full frontal male nudity in media. The less men appear naked, the more homophobia will be accepted, the more our heteronormative culture will be reaffirmed, the more men will be grossed out by seeing male genitalia, and the less women will be aroused by a men’s bodies. So, I propose a solution: expose male nudity, for that is the only way we can ever hope to move past our biases.

Sex Tapes Vs. Sexting

sean — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:09:37 -0500

By M. Drexler

Most everyone has heard of the infamous sex tape scandals that are seen in the media. They often involve not so well known stars that supposedly have no idea how the tapes were leaked. But next thing you know these celebrities are getting rewarded with talk show interviews, posing on magazine covers, and the most common sex tape scandal follow up: a reality show. We all know that celebrities act as role models for youth, so it shouldn’t be a surprise when teenagers act in similar ways by sending their significant others nude pics via text message. This is a phenomenon known as “sexting”. However these young people are not being rewarded with their own T.V. show but instead with charges being pressed against them. These minors are being charged as sex offenders, a life-long title, because they are supposedly creating and publishing child pornography.
How are these minors supposed to know that there are consequences for their “sexting” when their celebrity idols get rewarded with popularity and fame? Paris Hilton is now a household name because everyone knew of her sex tape. Kim Kardashian got her own show and is now one of the most popular celebrites out there. NONE of these sex tape scandal victims have been punished for their mistakes and experimentation, so why should a teenager? Especially when they only learned it from these STARS. It seems as though minors are always getting blamed and punished for their mistakes when they only make them so they can learn and grow. Adults should understand this and not punish them for it, especially with severe charges like being a sex offender. These celebrities are the ones who should be punished for their irresponsible actions. I mean, they’re grown! Why are their mistakes seen as opportunities for more FAME and publicity when the mistakes of these teenagers are seen as crimes? There is no room in society for teenagers to grow and learn from their mistakes without having to face severe consequences. This is only going to result in more negative behavior, and probably much worse than the act of ”sexting”.

What's the New What? Slacktivism is the New Apathy

kara — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:11:22 -0500

Youth Radio’s Nico Savidge examines the trend of “slacktivism” – how internet awareness campaigns and “social” ventures offer political involvement, without offering real pathways to action.

What is the New What? I say slacktivism is the new apathy.

Everyone knows the old stereotypes about the so-called “apathetic teenagers” of Generations X and Y: we couldn’t care less about politics; we’d rather rock out on Guitar Hero than learn about issues affecting our community; we’re tuned out; we’re uninformed.

But now, my peers are finding a new way to get involved in politics: slacktivism.

[Mike DiCenzo]: (7.45) For years, government-backed Arab forces known as the Janjaweed militia had attempted to wipe out black farmers in Sudan’s western Darfur region.

That’s Mike DiCenzo, senior writer at The Onion, reading from the satirical atlas, “Our Dumb World.”

However, just as they were about to set fire to another village, word reached them that an American teenager thought that what was happening in Sudan “sucked.” After learning that all her friends agreed, they immediately called off the whole genocide. (8.05) Mike DiCenzo: (13.35)

DiCenzo is mocking slacktivists – the hybrid of slackers and activists.

Caitlin (14.25) I get at least 5 e-mails a day asking me to either sign a petition, send a letter, call a Congressman,

Sixteen-year-old Caitlin Grey is a classic slacktivist.

[FADE IN – FULL VOLUME AT ‘I ALWAYS’] would be that I always type in my name and e-mail address when they ask me to sign a petition, but when they ask me to call a congressman? Never done it once.

You won’t see slacktivists march in the street for their beliefs, but you will see their passive forms of protest on blogs and Facebook pages. Here, Caitlin reads off some of the causes she supports online:

Caitlin: End the seal hunt, stop global warming, rebirth the earth trees for tomorrow – didn’t even know I was in that one – contribute to the humane society PETA [FADE Down]

While Caitlin is realistic that her Facebook support doesn’t affect those causes, some people think these symbolic acts create real change.

Caitlin: [FADE UP]: Animal abuse fighting abandoning and testing, stop all of it now.

Slactivism may have replaced outright apathy, but often the only thing it changes is how active people think they are. However, some organizations have turned slacktivism into action. The Product (RED) campaign sells RED-branded mp3 players, t-shirts, and even laptops. So far, the brand has raised more than 110 million dollars for treatment and education about HIV and AIDS in Africa.

Although examples of effective slacktivism are rare, it’s great that my peers have found a way to educate themselves about major issues in the world. Even if our political dedication stops when we leave the internet, awareness is often the first step in creating real change.

I’m Looking for a Go-Getter

kara — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:05:06 -0500

By Asha Richardson

It seems like it's getting harder for a productive, black, young lady to find her counter part.

I'm Asha Richardson with a commentary for Youth Radio.

I want a boyfriend, but I can't seem to find a black guy who's as interested in his future as I am in mine. I consider myself to be driven, creative, and open-minded, and I'd like to find the same in a boyfriend. My friends say my standards are too high, but I don't think I'm asking for too much.

Most of the guys who do pay me attention are more interested in exploring their sexuality in two-week relationships, rather than truly taking the time to create something meaningful, which is what I want.

I know there are plenty of educated, ambitious young black men out there, but maybe I need to make an effort to seek them out, instead of waiting for them to find me. Maybe I should go out more to meet new people and find my dream guy that way.

In the meantime, I have commissioned my good friends to find me a boyfriend. Unfortunately, they haven't gotten back to me with anything yet though.

Confessions of a TV Addict

kara — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:37:10 -0500

By Ankitha Bharadwaj- Youth Radio

I have an uncontrollable TV addiction.

I blame the internet. With major networks streaming TV shows on their websites, the problem isn't how to find my favorite shows, it's deciding which one to watch first.

There are even non-network affiliated, slightly illegal, websites that allow fellow fiends to download entire seasons of their favorite shows absolutely free!

Knowing that I can watch TV any time, any where, has intensified my addiction. I can even get my fix on the bus, watching downloaded seasons of The Tudors on my iTouch.

My online TV addiction reaches its peak when I share the experience with my friend Anjelica. She is the Roeper to my Ebert. While watching Lost or Desperate Housewives online, we have lengthy AIM chat sessions analyzing everything from how Juliette and "the others" control the smoke monster, to Gabby Solice's skimpy outfits.

Now I know acceptance is the first step to rehabilitation, but I don't want to recover!

Who wants to go out with friends on a Saturday night anyway? I'd much rather cozy up with my Mac and watch raunchy episodes of Californication.

What's the New What? Thai is the New Latin Flavor

kara — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:04:54 -0500

By Evelyn Martinez, Youth Radio Los Angeles

Evelyn: What's the new what? Check this out, I say that Thai is the new Latin Flavor.

Suriyanee: We're gonna have some Thai food today. Siete Mares sea food soup and we have arroz frito con camaron.

Evelyn: Yep. You heard right. Camarone is a Spanish word for shrimp.

That's Suriyanee Phongpian (<PING pian>), co-owner of Khun Dom Thai restaurant in Hollywood, where she says at least 70% of her customers are Latino. And that's why she translates her whole menu into Spanish!

It turns out that Thai restaurants all over Los Angeles are making adjustments for their growing number of Latino clientele.

Here at Lerd Rod Thai restaurant in Koreatown, they have a huge neon sign that reads in Spanish "Sopa de Siete mares". According to a waitress, 90 percent of their customers are Spanish-Speaking Latinos. Marta Jimenez is one of them.

Marta: Me gusta por la manera de cocinar y el sabor que tiene.

Evelyn: Marta Jimenez loves this restaurant. Why? Because she likes that it serves dishes similar to ones she cooks at home.

So why are Thai restaurants all the rage among Latinos in Los Angeles?

Suriyanee Phongpian says there are tons of parallels between Thai food and dishes from different Latino cuisines including Mexican, Peruvian, and Colombian. Even the spicy, sour and sweet flavor profiles are similar. My aunt started cooking Thai at home-and she didn't even need to buy new spices!

But Phongpian says the similarity goes beyond the food.

Suriyanee: I always think about I went to Latinos they say "Su casa es Mi Casa" your house is my house… right

She tells me there's actually a similar saying in Thailand!

I totally get what she means: that Thais and Latinos are teaching each other a lot about language and culture - like Phongpian learning her menu in Spanish.

Mark Pandoognpatt is studying the role of food in L.A.'s Thai community at the University of Southern California.

He tells me this cross-cultural exchange in restaurants could be a sign of even bigger alliances.

Mark: The restaurants themselves are political spaces. Just by her learning Spanish, that's already a political commitment, as much as it can also be a marketing commitment for her its still a strong statement that she's making.

Mark says these kinds of exchanges are how multicultural communities evolve. And I'm all for it, especially if that evolution means more sweet and spicy lunches like this one.

Ambi: mmmmm.Pouring sounds.

And as long as it tastes good, why not let Thai be the new Latin flavor?

Green Collar Dreams

kara — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:40:27 -0500

By Olivia Cueva- Youth Radio

I have always been concerned about environmental issues and the unemployment of youth of color. But recently I've had a reason to be hopeful about a solution to both of these problems.

I'm Olivia Cueva with a commentary from Youth Radio

Van Jones, president and co-founder of the Ella Baker Center in Oakland figured out a way to employ young minorities struggling to make ends meet while addressing the global warming issue. His solution is green-collar jobs. He founded the organization Green for All which is supporting a bill that recently passed the state senate. This bill will fund the creation of more green jobs, and provide green economy workshops for residents in urban communities.

Partner organizations such as the Rising Sun Energy Center in Emeryville have already begun to train young people to install energy-efficient appliances in homes in low-income communities.

The young people that I spoke with there say that green jobs have made them aware of the importance of energy conservation and that being a part of the global warming solution is a really good feeling.

The Coolest

kara — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:41:49 -0500

By Alana Germany- Youth Radio

A few months ago, Lupe Fiasco, a black hip hop artist played a concert at my school. I left feeling disillusioned.

I'm Alana Germany with a commentary from Youth Radio.

He shouted the song's hook and the crowd yelled back, "The coolest nigga WHAT?" I looked to my left and saw a goofy looking white boy in a polo shirt saying "nigga". I was angry to see a black artist giving non-blacks the license to use a word that is derogatory and harmful.

This is when I realized that even those most removed from black culture have unlimited access to it. All my life, I've tried to combat the black stereotype, only to be called white-washed by my black peers. And now that I'm at college, going to parties and trying to meet new people, I'm still being expected to comply with my designated stereotype.

I just want to be able to step outside of my stereotype as easily as some of my white counterparts. And that goes beyond musical taste, fashion sense, and slang. But on a strictly superficial level, if a white person can say, "What it do?" without getting a sideways look, then that same acceptance should apply whenever I decide to put on an Abercrombie shirt, and walk around the mall, like, "Omaigod!"