Semester Reflection: What Went Wrong?

I recognize my blogging has gone way down in quantity, and from what you may observe, quality, since first quarter ended so many weeks ago. There is really no explanation for my lack of blogging, an act which would normally consume about 10-15 minutes of my week.
       As far as lame excuses go, "not being inspired/having a desire" to blog is pretty high up there. But honestly, when it came time for me to dedicate myself for those daunting 15 minutes every Sunday afternoon, I could not dig out a topic in my mind that I felt passionate enough to write an honestly worded post about. Perhaps that is only an excuse I am inventing in my own mind now, as the semester draws to a close, but it really sums up my attitude towards this assignment in general.
       That being said, I recognize that I am a student of this AiS class, and have missed the equivalent of several assignments. I have choice on the curriculum, and understand that a grade must be given based on all aspects of my work in this course, and that my grade may reflect my lackadaisical attitude.
       I will apply myself much more to my blog this second semester and third quarter; a fresh start will encourage me to more to work on the assignment. A sample of my work from this quarter can be seen here: http://shotsfrommyblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/who-is-real-authority-on-childhood.html. It is probably worse than many of my first quarter posts.

Who is the Real Authority on Childhood?

       As our American Studies class continues our discussion on a child's development, and when it childhood actually ends, a new point has snuck into my mind: who are we (about 45 high school juniors, and 2 high school educators) to discuss what defines "childhood," and more specifically, the childhood of others? Obviously, our wandering discussions have no bearing on the lives of others, but can each person speaking in the room truly say that they are a decent, or even reliable, source on a child's development into adolescents? I believe no researcher, student, small child, or anyone else can speak general truths about "childhood."

       It is interesting how the common public puts so much faith in the research of aged PhDs when it comes to child research. They are the ones furthest from childhood in their life; and perhaps the least understanding of what modern childhood is like. One of the top groups in this field is the Society of Research in Child Development. Upon quick inspection of their home page, they do not seem to market themselves as a site friendly to the casual online viewer, or even child. This apparent lack of concern for their research topic is understandable; the average child or new mom would not look at this page for their own interest.

       A child could not claim to be an authority on childhood; they cannot fully express the complex emotions they are experiencing at their age. I am speaking only in regard to approximately ten year olds, but even after the age emotions become such a clutter in the teenage years.

       The only fair age to analyze youths is... none. Although many will formulate opinions on childhood, no definite facts/generalizations can be accredited by anyone of any age.