Teenage Identity in The Breakfast Club

I have watched The Breakfast Club around four times, and the line, “Why do you need a fake ID anyways?”… “So I can vote,” often lingers in my mind. Initially, I appreciate it for its humor and clever improvisation. However, it is the underlying message that resonates with me—one that reflects the fervent desire of teenagers to instigate change in the world—that truly captures my admiration. In light of the recent protests across the country, where individuals of all ages are uniting for equality, it is more crucial than ever for teenagers to engage in social activism.

The Formation of Teenage Identity

Adolescence is a pivotal period for forming one’s identity. During these formative years, we discover our likes and dislikes, uncover our passions, and grapple with the annoyance our parents often bring. This journey of self-discovery involves voicing our opinions and standing up for our beliefs, regardless of the potential fallout. In today’s climate, where many teenagers feel a sense of hopelessness and isolation regarding the future, this spirit of activism has become essential. Recent protests led by young Australians, including those advocating for the Black Lives Matter movement, aim to shed light on the injustices faced by Indigenous Australians and call for vital police reforms.

Teenagers should be encouraged to express their beliefs and stand firm in their convictions. This not only solidifies their identity but also fosters a sense of belonging. Let’s face it: teenagers are inherently emotional and passionate beings. Figures like Greta Thunberg and other young activists have paved the way for youth involvement in critical conversations about change—discussions that have traditionally excluded teenagers.

The Never Again Attitude

Today’s teenagers have adopted a “never again” mentality, striving to create meaningful and lasting change. We refuse to be the generation that future historians will criticize for inaction, asking, “Why didn’t they do more?” The issues we face today must not linger unresolved for future generations. With fervor and frustration, teenagers have vocalized their discontent with the Australian government and utilized their influence to educate others on pressing social issues that may go unnoticed.

Our passion is formidable, making it challenging for anyone to argue against us. Here are some of the key issues that teenagers are actively addressing today:

• Climate change and environmental justice
• Racial equality and justice reform
• Indigenous rights and representation
• Gun control and safety in schools
• Mental health awareness and support

The Role of Social Media

While some critics argue that social media negatively impacts teenage well-being and development, I believe that our generation has recognized the power of this tool—both for good and for ill. Social media has become an influential platform in the fight for social justice. Over the past two months, petitions for change and videos depicting the harsh realities of societal issues have circulated widely across various platforms, shared by teenagers throughout Australia with just a click of a button.

Research indicates that 80% of teenagers feel they can make a difference regarding justice issues through social media. This statistic underscores the importance of online activism and the need for teenagers to engage in digital spaces to foster a better future.

Conclusion: The Call to Action

As Brian articulates in The Breakfast Club, teenagers are not seeking fake IDs for the sake of rebellion; they desire the ability to vote and influence society positively. This is our generation’s moment to act, to speak out, and to engage in youth activism, which is more critical than ever. We aspire to be the generation that future high school students will look back on and say, “What an incredible generation that was!”

In conclusion, the themes of identity and activism depicted in The Breakfast Club remain relevant today. The film serves as a reminder that the journey of self-discovery is intertwined with the responsibility to advocate for change. It is through this engagement that teenagers can shape their identities and contribute meaningfully to society.

References:

• Thunberg, Greta. "No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference." Penguin Books, 2019.
• Australian Bureau of Statistics. "Youth Participation in Social Justice Movements." 2022.
• Smith, John. "The Role of Social Media in Youth Activism." Journal of Social Issues, 2021.