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What makes someone an adult?
Age seems to be in the news a lot right now. Teen and young adult women were "rescued" from a polygamist group in Texas, only to be returned because they were deemed old enough to be able to make their own choices. Now teen girls in Massachussetts — who may have participated in a pregnancy pact — may see their over-18 boyfriends charged with statutory rape. And here in Bakersfield, two 14-year-olds and a 15-year-old may be tried as adults for the beating death of an 81-year-old man. (Two 13-year-olds have also been accused.) After reading this Newsweek article by Dahlia Lithwick recently about how law enforcement treats teens differently when it comes to "victims" vs. the "accused," I am keenly aware of the differences being played out right now across the country. At what age do teenagers become able to make their own choices and be responsible to handle the consequences of those choices? A 17-year-old who has sex with an over-18-year-old becomes a victim while a 13-year-old who is influenced by peers becomes an accused murderer. It just doesn't make sense to me. What do you think? — Jennifer Baldwin, Contributions Editor 8 comments from 8 users
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posted by
AudreyB
on Jun 24, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Someone who can take responsibility for themselves is an adult. Just because a girl is forced into adult behavior does not make her an adult. Getting pregnant isn't an evil act. Sex between teens (who are close in age) isn't an act of maturity, but neither is it evil. Sex between a young teen and a grown man is an evil act. Murder is also an evil act. Being evil automatically places you in the adult category. Even if you're only 13 years old. posted by
woofwoof
on Jun 24, 2008 at 02:40 PM
Well I think Audrey put it quite eloquently....enough said. posted by
gube
on Jun 24, 2008 at 02:53 PM
18 = Adult = Legal posted by
robinislost
on Jun 24, 2008 at 03:59 PM
I agree with Audrey, too. I have legally been an adult for 15 months ago, but sometimes when I'm on here I don't feel like it just because I'm young and know so little about so many things. I don't mind, though. I don't really feel like an adult at all, but I guess I am.
posted by
FloridaStateGrad
on Jun 24, 2008 at 04:53 PM
Most laws regarding age are bullocks. posted by
CatherineBaker
on Jun 24, 2008 at 04:54 PM
Don't sweat it, Robin. I didn't become an adult until I was 30. posted by
randomfactor
on Jun 24, 2008 at 04:56 PM
I'm still fighting it... . Spamcode SAY VD. Nope, not so far. posted by
HRMitchell
on Jun 25, 2008 at 08:57 PM
I believe that Audrey stated it quite well. To add to robinislost's and catherinebaker's comments, "Being An Adult" isn't necessarily a factor of age, although that certainly plays into it. I'm 53 and sometimes I have to wonder if I've reached adulthood myself. Over the years, I met several young people who were, in many ways, more mature and capable that I was at that age. The much-touted "Life Experience" that most people seem to rely on doesn't always pan out either. :)
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