That Was Then This Is Now :: essays research papers

The 70s life style was wild, free, and uncontrolled. Teenagers did whatever they wanted. They partied, stole things, sold drugs, and participated in gang fights. Today, teenagers are to a greater extent discipline and have more restrictions. Parents and police are aware of teenagers lies and tricks and their participation in unsafe activities. According to S.E.Hintons novel, That Was Then, This Is Now, the freedom teenagers have in forthwiths society is comparably less than the freedoms experienced by teenagers back then. The main characters in the novel, Mark and Bryon which is compared to experiences typical teenagers today encounter.With, all the responsibilities most parents had back then, it seemed like their children werent a priority. Most, parents allowed their children to leave the house to do what ever the teens wanted. Teenagers could walk freely with friends with no supervision. If teenagers were injured in fights parents wouldnt bother to care. Parents back then didnt realize the hazards and safety concerns of the outside world. Parents would allow their children to go with friends, making no restrictions on curfew, or the natural action they were taking part in. Parents were also caught up in the more important things in their life for example working long hours to put food on the table and provide shelter and clothes for their family members. In the novel Bryon realized and stated Mom never worried about Mark and me, Pg 105. Today, parents are more aware of the dangers that can affect their children because of information from T.V news reports and media. Parents also fear for the safety of their children and if they are getting involved with the wrong friends so they have unceasing surveillance. ie. Cell phones firefly, and Internet Chat.The surveillance of police in the past 40 years has drastically increased. Police were unaware of the effects teenagers could have on society. Policed believed that teenagers were politic kids and couldnt c ause a lot of trouble. The novel proves that police didnt worry about patrolling or searching for trouble that may involve teenagers because Bryon say The police didnt know about the hippie house, it was safe, Pg 121. Cops or police didnt worry or think that teenagers would do frightfully things to affect others or themselves. Police had less surveillance over gangs and criminals. At present, police are always patrolling the malls, streets, and schools searching for gangs and violent or drug related situations.