Over the Edge: I.D.s
By Eve Rifkin
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When teen-agers are asked serious questions with important implications, the results are often quite stunning. Over the Edge's first meeting for this fall issue began with a question: "What should we write about this time?" Once the initial shyness lifted, the ideas seemed endless.
Jennifer wanted to write about musical tastes and surrounding stereotypes. Natalya wanted to write about R-rated movies. Jill was interested in teen magazines. Eventually, the initial question about content brought us to some more global questions: "How do teen magazines shape self-image?" and "Why are rated R movies geared towards audiences that aren't legally allowed to view them?"
Many of the story suggestions that first day centered on the media. However, the writers did not simply want to write about media: They wanted the chance to see through and critique it. Magazines tell teens how they should look, television tells them how to act if they want to seem real, movies show them what they should hope for, and music tells them what to feel. Our content for this issue is about these influences.
The interesting thing is that teen-agers know how to act and when they look best. Teens know what they enjoy doing, and, if given the chance and the right atmosphere, they know what they feel and how to express it. They can do all of these things, quite naturally, without the assistance of a television program or a magazine.
Nothing could have proved this more clearly than the YWCA "It's Time to Talk" Youth Forum on race. More than 500 middle- and high-school students from all over Tucson gathered to discuss their views on race. The participants were given serious questions to think about and a safe environment in which to think. Jacey Fortin, Brad Hill, Jacclyn Abbuehl and Chandra Roberts attended that forum as observers and as participants. Their stories are the centerpiece of this issue.
Teen-agers need to be asked serious questions and given the chance to answer in ways that matter. "Over the Edge" allows the teens involved to do just that. Not coincidentally, the writers chose to focus on a topic that often does the opposite - the media. Traditional, commercial media try to influence what teens do, wear, say, think; this publication is not only critiquing something in our society; it's simultaneously offering an alternative.
- Eve Rifkin
Over the Edge adviser
Be part of the spring staff
If you're interested in working on Over the Edge next semester, please e-mail Eve Rifkin at eve@fc.cfsd.k12.az.us.
Colleen Dugan, 17, is a senior at Cholla Magnet and will be attending the University of Arizona next year to study journalism. "I believe what doesn't kill you can only make you stronger - living by that, you can take a lesson and grow from everything."
Brad Hill, 17, is a junior and a pitcher on the Catalina Foothills baseball team. "My friends and I entertain ourselves by filming me riding around on a scooter in a skin-tight red jumpsuit outside movie theaters and outdoor restaurants."
Natalya St. Clair, 18, is a senior at Canyon del Oro. "No thanks, I already have a penguin." - Jill Sutera
Jaclyn Abbuehl, 17, is a senior at Tucson Magnet. She dances like a maniac, acts crazy with friends and takes pictures. "Sarcasm is irritating and unsettling and should be used frequently."
Jennifer Welch, 17, is a junior at Canyon del Oro. "I would like to be a writer for Teen People because a friend once told me I was one of those 'In' people. I think she got a bit confused with my alter ego, Jenn."
Brenna Morgan, 17, is a junior at Flowing Wells. She likes golf, basketball, music and dancing.
Laura Mignon, 16, is a junior at Salpointe Catholic. "You think you know the real me, but in reality you don't."
Jacey Fortin, 16, is a junior at Canyon del Oro. "I love writing, traveling, music, my friends, and being in the newspaper!"
Jill Peddicord, 17, is a senior at Canyon del Oro and an aspiring journalist. "I also have a strange desire to be an actress, and run off to Hollywood or New York or London, or maybe even to the circus."
Chandra Roberts, 18, is a senior at Tucson Magnet and managing editor of the school's newspaper, The Cactus Chronicle. She plans to study journalism and public relations in college.
Beth Prosnitz, 16, is a junior at Catalina Foothills. "I spend all of my time riding my horse, writing and indulging myself in photography."
Amanda Graves is a junior at Canyon del Oro. "I like tennis, surfing and snow- boarding." She plans to attend Arizona State University.
Steve Romo student at Cholla Magnet.
