We look at kids as consumers, rather than as contributors. All our social policies are designed to lift up kids' heads and dump stuff in. You're part of us. Teens want to explore their community and to test their growing skills and abilities in the adult world. They need to interact with adults to mature.
Teens have a wonderful energy, freshness, and vigor.
If we can tap these assets, we can enhance their self-esteem and help the community meet its needs. One thing is power. This is a pretty anonymous culture and these kids don't feel like they have much control over anything. So you give them a gang and you give them a gun and they feel some control. But I think more importantly, they're looking for a sense of place and belonging.