Ro-man the Librarian

What's a YA anyway?
by Roman

Okay, I've been thinking about this topic on and off all week. A few definitions from the American Heritage College Dictionary, 3rd ed. to get the old brain crank-started ... [See Definitions]

At this juncture, we can already see a huge problem with the term "young adult." I mean *DEAL* with those two definitions a moment. Combine the definitions a little. Go ahead, it's fun. I'll even do the first one for you: "An immature one who has attained maturity." Doesn't this lead you to think that "young adult" makes about as much sense as phrases like "jumbo shrimp," "Peacekeeper missile," and "gym teacher." (Just a joke, folks. No flames please if you are or know a phys. ed. instructor. This has been a public service caveat. Thank you. We now return you to your regularly scheduled topic.)

The confusion adults have in dealing with YAs is apparent in the terminology we use to describe them: contradictory, paradoxical, and incongruous. Still, we feel the need to define a group that, by its very nature, seeks to defy definition as its members attempt self-definitions. (Say that 5 times fast.) But humans are categorizing animals; it's one of the aspects of analytical intelligence, after all.

So, here are a few of my categories. Note, however, I reserve the right to address specific examples separately from these general guidelines. (Public service caveat #2.)

Age range: puberty (approx. 10 to 12 in the U.S. of A.) to 18 years of age. The minimum is derived from my personal belief that if an individual can reproduce, then it's time to start getting them to think with some maturity (if not before). The maximum is simply a legal matter. If the law considers you an adult, in terms of responsibility and accountability for your actions, you'd better be acting like one for your own good. This category would incorporate legal definitions of "minor" vs. "adult" as well.
Life experience: generally less than adults, simply because YAs haven't had as much time to accumulate experience. I of course use the definition of experience given by Oscar Wilde: "Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes."
Biology: Closely related to "age range" above. Physiological changes such as body maturation, hormonal development, etc.
Behavior: see "Biology" above. Any behavioral changes due primarily to changes in biological maturation should be taken into account.

... and that's about it.

People say that YAs are immature. I'd argue that they're no more so than most adults I come across. Now be honest--how do *you* act when driving on the highway? Or in debates about politics and religion? Of course, we librarians are a *rare* breed, but in lieu of that think of *other* adults you've encountered in those same situations. Uh huh. Thought so.

People say that YAs' ideas about the world aren't fully formed, and that they don't know what they want to do for the rest of their lives. Big deal. Let's look at ourselves. Think about that a moment. Are you open minded? How many times have you changed majors or careers?

In my work with teens, I find relatively little difference than in dealing with adults. If you show them respect, give them your attention, take the time to know them, you can usually develop a rapport with YAs. If you show disdain or superiority, you'll likely be mocked, insulted, and reviled. How is this different than adults? We could all use more wisdom, intelligence, and maturity.

But that's just my opinion
~Roman
P.S.: Take a look at the 3rd adjectival definition of "adult." You'd be surprised how many adults hear the term "graphic novel" and think "pornographic novel." Such dirty minds ...

What's a YA anyway? by Roman

What's a YA anyway?
by Roman