Ritual

First Tooth

When I was one years old I can’t say I remember much, actually I don’t think many will remember their childhood years if it wasn’t for video tapes and pictures to capture those memories. Being in the Armenian culture there is one ritual that we participate in that is traditional to us. It’s called “Atam hatik” or in English translation, “Piece of tooth.” When I was about one years old, or to be more correct whenever my first tooth came out, my family got together and I was set on the table of my grandparents backyard table and I’m sure I watched with curious eyes as they gathered around me. Then I bet I was even more puzzled as they poured this food over my head. Laughing in those pictures, I reflect on my innocence of the world. This traditional ritual happens whenever a baby gets their first tooth. Family gets together and they celebrate by pouring this rice-like thing called hatik and cesar and to top it off with cinnamon to be sweet. Then there is typically candy all around the table for ones sweet tooth. With the main ingredients the mix can vary and it just depends on the families preferences. This is edible and the baby can basically eat it while it is being poured. It sounds like a strange thing but in our culture it’s meaningful. In the Armenian culture it is our norm and it may seem strange to other cultures but this is how we celebrate the coming of the first tooth.

"Bikinis & Tiaras: Quinceaneras" in Girls on the Verge: Debutante Dips, Drive-bys, and Other Initiations by Vendela Vida

The following is a chapter from Girls on the Verge by Vendela Vida. In this chapter she talks about how she traveled to Miami to observe the fifteen year old girls and how they celebrate their Quinceaneras today. How the tradition has changed and it isn't what it used to be. It is viewed more as a party to them and a huge tradition to their mothers. This is a definite ritual in America and has turned into competition for young girls and a milestone for mothers.

Versus

Something to Value

Throughout my life there has been one single thing that has literally always been there, my family. Through fights, through pain, through happiness, and memories they were always there. And one thing that I’ve definitely learned over the years is that they always will be. Being raised in the Armenian culture, one thing that is very important is your family. When I went to Armenia over the summer I observed so many different things besides the beauty of my country, I witnessed the families. When I visited an aunt that lived in a more lower class area, the money and one-bedroom apartment didn’t mean anything. She turned on music and we danced, danced in that small area, ate, laughed, and talked for hours, and although it wasn’t as big, there was one definite thing-HAPPINESS. In our society today I notice so many families getting divorces, kids who aren’t as close to their family, families that are separated by countries, and families that are small; all these different types that don’t get the advantage I do. So at times I’m judged if I go out to have dinner with my parents or spending nights at my grandparent’s house is a crime; some people just don’t understand that bond. It makes me sad to think that so many think that that’s “lame” and they would rather spend time going out with friends. There is always time to hang out with friends, but family is precious, valuable, something that should be cherished. Like they say, “Friends come and go, but family is forever.” I’m a true believer to that quote and have been through so many friends that I have experienced it. I always see people getting into fights with their friends for ridiculous reasons and I’m thankful to know that I’ve learned to let those types of people go. I have one best friend that I can always turn to and she has been that one person that agrees with me in that sense of mind. My best friend and I are so close I consider her more of a sister than a friend; she has become part of my family. So the conflict between my mindset is that family come first then friends. In another perspective my family is like my everlasting friends. Every time I’m with my family I get this overwhelming feeling of comfort and love that is indescribable, and at the end of the day I’m glad I have a huge family that I can rely on.

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

This comic strip was about a american-chinese boy named Jin who has a crush on a girl named Amelia. He feels that she doesn't even know he exists. With his friend Wei-Chen always there to back him up he pushes him to talk to her and ask her out. With given time and help from Wei-Chen, Jin gets the courage to ask Amelia out, she accepts and he couldn't be happier.

Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satarpi

This was a comic strip based on a girl during the Islamic Revolution. She basically tells her stories about when it became mandatory to wear the veil and also the constant clash between the people that were for the revolution and against it. She tells her story and her struggles and she wants the revolution to end and how it changed their lives.

My Stereotype Wordle

My Stereotype Mind Map

Sterotype Photo

Fired Up

Different

Going out, partying, underage drinking, smoking, I must be a teen right? You can stereotype us all you want, but unless you are one in today’s generation, you can never figure us out. I’m not your stereotypical teen and I do things differently, my way. I cannot say I haven’t done any of the things teens do now because that would be a lie, but I’m definitely smarter than most when it comes to trying “cool” things out. It wasn’t until a recent group lunch with my friends (which we recently started doing) made me think about this. So on our third and latest lunch date to sushi, I sat and looked around and thought about this. I thought about how I would never smoke, never do things that a lot of people at my school do. I guess it made me appreciate my friends. I’m not saying they are perfect, we are nowhere near, but I came to the realization that these are people I should keep around. As my own person I have my own insecurities; I’ll admit that I am self conscious of the way I look and sometimes think that what I do may not be “fitting in.” As teens we are extremely pressured and are constantly put into different situations that make it difficult for us to feel accepted. I have come a long way in my 18 years of life; I’ve been made fun of, brought down, but also brought back up. Family and friends are a core part of my life. Family has always been there, especially my older sister who I share a room with. I could call her my other best friend because she knows everything and anything about me. She knows how to make me laugh and when to back off when I get mad and also when to comfort me when I am sad. I have an incredible best friend that has been there for me so much over the years and I appreciate her so much for that. So I guess that this sushi date made me think how thankful I should be that even though I may not be your most “popular” person, I am my own individual and extremely happy at that. All of these things in life have only made me a stronger person. I may love to shop and gossip with my friends, but I also love to spend time with my family and plan my future goals. I’m prepared for what is to come and plan on enjoying the ride along the way.

By: Sara Cheek

"My Brown Eyes" by Alexander Amador in Entering New Territories: Dreams for a New Los Angeles written by students of Roosevelt High School

The following excerpt was from "Entering New Territory" written by Alexander Amador, a Mexican-American born and raised in Boyle Heights. With a mother that can't speak english and him and his brother in a gang, the struggle was hard. Alexander describes how its funny that we come to America for success and end up getting lost along the way. He helped his mother out as much as he could and they try to make the most out of the life they have.

"The Border" by Cindy Morand in Red edited by Amy Goldwasser

The following excerpt was from"Red The Next Generation of American Writers-Teenage Girls-On What Fires Up Their Lives Today" called "The Border" by 17 year old Cindy Morand. Born in American she moved to Mexico at two. Growing up she was never fully accepted because of where she came from but only until her wealth was mentioned was she respected. She excelled and achieved in school and knew what she wanted to do with her life. At thirteen they moved back to New York and her world around her collapsed. Her grandfather passed away, her father was diagnosed with cancer, and she didn't know how to speak english. Finally two years later she realized she can't waste time with her life so she decided to go back to the purpose of her life and get back on track.

"No Laughing Matter" by Chris Shmader in Our Boys Speak edited by John Nikkah

The following excerpt was from "Our Boys Speak" by John Nikkah. Seventeen year old Chris Shmader writes about his friend Abe who has strong morals and is very religious, which is rare for a teenager. He writes how at a group dinner with friends, one tells a story of the time he almost got arrested for underage drinking. While the whole group is laughing, including Chris, he wonders if he should have as he glanced to see Abe shaking his head in disagreement to what his friend had done. It was quite different to see someone so young actually disagree with morals like that as they are the "norms" for teens.

"Introduction: A War With Ourselves" by John Nikkah in Our Boys Speak: Adolescent Boys write about their inner lives Edited by John Nikkah

In the introduction by John Nikkah he is basically describing the book that he has put together called "Our Boys Speak" and the intent behind it. Nikkah feels that boys aren't being heard and that because of the stereotypes we aren't listening. So he put this book together to prove everyone wrong that boys can speak up and write about their lives. With the willingness of our society we can break down those stereotypes created for boys and get a better understanding for how they feel.

"Curve" by Alison Smith in Red edited by Amy Goldwasser

The following excerpt called "Curve" is from the book, "Red The Next Generation of American Writers-Teenage Girls-On What Fires Up Their Lives Today." Written by 16 year old Alison Smith, she describes her struggle all through life-being too skinny. To her friends they envy her and wish they would decrease in pounds, while Alison wishes she could put some on. The single thing she loves about her body; her hips-her curve. She loves that they are perfect and most importantly hers.

"Introduction" by Amy Goldwasser in Red: The Next Generation of American Writers-Teenage Girls-On What Fires Up Their Lives Today edited by Amy Goldwa

The following excerpt was the introduction of the book "Red The Next Generation of American Writers-Teenage Girls-On What Fires Up Their Lives Today," which is edited by Amy Goldwasser. She wrote the introduction and it is a basic summary of what we as readers should be prepared for and what he will see in the chapters to come. All experiences and stories written by teenage girls. This introduction gives readers the want and need to read more and gain more knowledge of the generation of teenage girls today.
(http://redthebook.com)

What are Norms?