TIQA Paragraphs about Zits’ identity, self-reflection, and behavior

Topic 1- Appearance & Identity

Teen Identity: Figuring out who you are

“Teens are starting to figure out who they are. They are thinking about how others see them and how they want to see themselves. Teens work out who they are by trying on new identities and experimenting with different appearances or new interests.” 

Teens are trying and struggling to find and accept their identity and who they are or will be soon. Zits relates to this by struggling to identify himself with the people around him especially not having his parents around to help him learn who he is, but instead has a bunch of different foster parents who never relate to him. The article also states things about teens “trying on” new identities such as new groups of people and behaviors or identifiers like hair color changes, or changes in clothing style.

Dangers of Teenage Stereotypes

“Clearly not all teenagers are the same. Some sleep in more than others, some love social media, some don’t. But rather than dismiss them as teenage things, we need to look beyond the behaviour. What’s going on in their lives? How can we be there for them?”

Teens are just trying to live their lives just like everyone else, meaning they shouldn’t be defined by one little thing like sleeping or their struggles with anger. Zits is a prime example because he constantly gets defined by his violent and rage-filled actions when he’s sad or stressed. He struggles to express himself healthily due to his past, its strong trauma, and the horrible memories that stick with him. Everyone has their moments and shouldn’t be judged for the negatives or the one thing that makes them different but instead, talk to them and help them out if needed.

Topic 2- Anger & Behavior