THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, July 28, 1995 TAG: 9507260208
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 13 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TAMEKA CASEY, HIGH SCHOOL CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 53 lines
Naomi Casey is one of several elderly Hampton Roads residents who live in fear. Each night before going to bed she bolts her door with numerous expensive locks, afraid that someone might intrude.
The 78-year-old Portsmouth woman, who sees young people as a particular threat, is not alone. Many elderly people say that their fear of the young is based, at least in part, on the portrayal of today's teens in the media.
``I'm skeptical of youth in this generation,'' Casey said. ``They have ideas that we didn't have.''
She added, ``I feel sorry for them in this changing world.''
While some teenagers agree with Casey, others believe that elderly people unfairly stereotype a generation. Justen Herrine, 16, a rising junior at Green Run High School, is one of these people.
``I don't take advantage of anybody so why would anybody fear me? They (older people) just watch too much TV,'' Justen said.
``I don't blame them though, it's all because of stereotypes and also because we've lost respect for them (old people),'' said Tiffany Quash, 15, a rising junior at Great Bridge High.
Tiffany wasn't the only one who noticed the lack of respect for the elderly in our society.
``I think it's terrible the way teens don't respect the elderly the way they used to,'' said Zola Murden, a resident at the Georgian Manor retirement facility in Chesapeake. Murden suggested that parents teach their kids well and take them to church regularly to help instill positive values.
Annie Murray, 73, a resident of Portsmouth, also believes that parents should teach respect for the elderly.
``I'm skeptical sometimes . . . I'm almost afraid to leave the house,'' Murray said. ``In this generation they aren't brought up like the last generation, parents just don't spend the time with their kids anymore.'' MEMO: Tameka Casey is a rising junior at Deep Creek High School. She wrote
this story during the newspaper's summer Minority Journalism Workshop.
Naomi Casey is Tameka's grandmother. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MARK MITCHELL
``I'm skeptical of youth in this generation,'' says Naomi Casey,
78,
of Portsmouth. ``They have ideas that we didn't have.''
Photo
Tameka Casey
by CNB