Because of our age, society says

Because of our age, society says Our ideas qualify for nothing. Because of our youthful look we are deemed unimportant. Because society says we do not know anything. Because society says we do not understand. We may have classes, stresses, and jobs the same responsibilities as so many adults. Yet wanting to be taken seriously is too much to ask for. Because of our age, society says. Because we are young, our problems mean nothing. Because of our age, our desires are not real. Should we say ‘I am sad’ it is merely dramatic angst. Should we say ‘I am angry’ it is simply teenage hormones. Should we say ‘Why is this happening?’ it is clearly childish disrespect. Yet through this, adults tell us ‘You can do anything!’ But should we find something we love, we are told ‘Be more realistic’. Because of our age, society says. And over time, we grow to believe it. Society says our opinions are unimportant; and they become that way. Society says we don't understand; and we start to believe it. Society says we don't deserve respect; so we are no longer respectful. Adults preach, ‘You’ll understand when you’re older’. But what if, in fact We can only understand when we are young?