degrading language.” He also points out
that teenagers will go on the defensive.
“If she replies with something like, ‘It
doesn’t mean that anymore’ or ‘We’re
just kidding,’ don’t get into an argu-
ment.” Instead, he suggests that parents
reiterate their point of view, explaining
why their word choice will likely be
misunderstood by others.
Most importantly, Rapini reminds
parents of their role. “Parents have to de-
mand respect. You cannot be your teen’s
buddy and parent. Be your child’s parent.”
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TIPS & TALES
“If you don’t respect yourself and
your friends, don’t expect anyone else
to.”
— Myrna Adams King, Woodstock, NY
“Although they may think it is
harmless, it sounds so disrespectful to
others. I think it is up to parents to let
their girls know how bad it makes them
look.”
— Lisa Phillips, Hyde Park, NY
“I’m dead against it because it is an
example of kids seeking to emulate the
behaviors and lifestyles they don’t really
understand, but which they are bom-
barded by in popular teenage TV, music,
and movies. The kids are just parroting
back what they have heard in popular
media. I don’t think they understand the
exact implications of the slang they are
throwing about or where it comes from.
It’s simple for me. If one of my sons ever
said a female friend of his was one of his
“hoes,” I would be just as horrified as if
he had said, “She is one of my whores.”
— Michael Smith, Amenia, NY
“I think it is horrible. Young girls
need to value themselves more. If they
are using the terms in regards to them-
selves, it’s like giving others permission
to use the same sayings in a derogatory
way.”
— Wendy Smith-Emmett, Kingston, NY
Myrna Beth Haskell is the author of “LI-
ONS and TIGERS and TEENS: Expert
advice and support for the conscientious
parent just like you” (Unlimited Pub-
lishing, LLC). Her work has appeared
in publications across the U.S. as well
as internationally. Learn more at www.
myrnahaskell.com.
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