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  • Essay / Teen films and the transition from adolescence to adulthood

    Teen films emerged in popular culture, developing into a genre in their own right since the 1950s, cinematically representing the world across the crucial and bumpy transition from adolescence to adulthood. Finding their literary equivalent in the bildungsroman, teen films are aimed not only at an exclusive audience of adolescents, but also at adults who have had similar coming-of-age experiences. The authors generally highlight the struggles of a young person searching for their place in society and the world. In this genre, one can distinctly trace the development and maturity of characterization from childhood to adulthood, often faced with the cruel adversities of life and the challenge of belonging. The unique influence of teen film simultaneously impacts and reflects popular culture, while raising awareness of social issues that affect adolescents, such as self-esteem, suicide, anorexia/bulimia, drugs and sexually transmitted diseases. At the same time, teen films tend to glorify resistance to authority, bacchanalian parties, liberated sexuality, and the struggle for power among peers. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The rise of this subculture has prompted organizations to censor broadcast material in order to control populations of young people who espouse the values which are shown in the films. By examining the life of the American adolescent, we conclude that the adolescent film often idealizes this transition to adulthood where the adolescent protagonist often seeks acceptance in the family and school spheres. Due to the wide popularity of the teen film, connected companies rushed to capitalize on food, fashion and music advertising. An article titled "Mean Girls-Realities of Relational Aggression" focuses on the types of aggression or bullying that teen films often depict. Two types of relational attitudes reign among women: proactive and reactive aggressiveness. Characteristics of relational aggression include active exclusion, intimidation and manipulation, while the ulterior motives of this behavior are usually attributed to fear of isolation, struggle for power, desire to popularity and insecurity. Typically taking place in the school environment, different core characters emerge and are categorized according to the hierarchy of social power and self-esteem, such as the Queen, the Sidekick, the Gossip, the Float, the Torn Bystander, the seeker and the target. These characters strive in one way or another to be accepted either to dominate a group or to get along with the crowd..