On Our Radar

News and trends we’re watching and curated content from other youth media sources.

(Photo Credit: rachaelvoorhees)

Why My Neighborhood Kids Don’t Trust The System

by

I grew up in a middle-class, suburban county in New Jersey, but now I’m a twenty-something intern living in a low-income part of Washington, D.C. The realtor euphemism for such neighborhoods is “transitional,” a word that implies ongoing change. This is ironic because I feel that so many of the residents here feel as though things will never change, and will always stay the same. Since moving here, I’ve already become accustomed to the wail of sirens, the disconcerting, yet reassuring pulse of blue and red light through the heavy bars on my windows.

Learn More

Brett Myers

One Teen’s Perspective: Save Our Girls

by

“Nationally, the average age at which girls first become exploited through prostitution is 12–14 years old.”

Out of the many disheartening statistics, this one stuck out the most to me. I have two beautiful little

cousins who will turn 12 years old this year. Instead of them entering the safe and innocent pre-teen

years, they are now entering a war zone. Who will fight for them when they are too young and too small

to fight for themselves? How am I supposed to protect them from being yet another statistic? When I’m

not there to hold their hands and lead them away from a strange man who only wants to hurt them,

then what?

Learn More

(Photo Credit: Michael Fleshman)

Reframing The Trayvon Martin Reaction

by

I followed the Trayvon Martin case from day one. I read countless articles, social commentary, and notes on the trial. When the case finally came to a close I was deeply shocked– but not by the verdict.

After watching the Casey Anthony and OJ Simpson trials, I had already guessed Zimmerman would be found not guilty, because the evidence was not “beyond a reasonable doubt.” I was not surprised by the outcome of the case, but rather the reaction it drew from the public.

Learn More
Listen Now