Mom It's Not A Phase!

When I was younger, identity was a tricky topic for me. I found that being a left-handed, dual-ethnicity, rock music loving, WWE appreciating, piano enthusiast surprisingly put me into a very niche demographic. Who would have thought? People did not always have similar interests to me and the option to relate to everyone was not always on the table. 

Luckily, as I grew older there was a growing tolerance and acceptance of different types of people. Humanity came to be more willing to look at alternative ways of life. I also have to acknowledge that I was born into a much more accepting generation than my parents or grandparents were. I am grateful for that. 

Alas, not every young person can say the same. Even in the year 2023, asserting yourself in the world can be one of the hardest challenges the youth may face.  

There is an under-representation of fictional, African coming of age stories in popular media that can help Gen Z navigate their struggles. The greatest contribution to African coming of age stories exists in print media, but more could be done through the other meduims. We need to see the kinds of stories that tackle the emotional transition from adolescence to young adulthood. Many of the available sources document the traditional rituals and ceremonies that happen in traditional African communities. 

Although necessary to document, only sharing these stories does not help to paint African youth in a relatable, complex and realistic light.  

My hope for the future is to have African youth know that there is no path that is closed off to "people like them." While I was in high school, I was fortunate enough to have gained permission to play the school's piano in my free time. I would use every break time to further my skills. Although I received a lot of praise, there were also some peers and family members who told me that I was wasting my time. Told me that there is no use in building my music skills. Told me that there is no success in this field... that it does not happen to "people like me."

But why do we do this? Why do we project these limiting beliefs onto our own people? Was it not Michelle Obama herself who said "your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude?" So let us stop putting people into the boxes and cages that we have not yet broken out of in our minds. My wish for all young people in this country is to feel a sense of comfort in being whoever and whatever they want to be. If you have not seen anyone doing what you want to do, then be a pioneer in that field. Be that person for the next generation. Be the change you want to see in the world.