By Randy Wells, 17, Washington Preparatory HS

“A while ago I went shopping for jeans at a major department store. I noticed that the security guard was watching me closely. He was coming in my direction to see what I was doing so I stopped and waited for him. Right before he got to me I turned around and asked him if he had something better else to do with his time than to play cat-and-mouse. He replied “Shut up and go on and spend your county check.” His answer caught me by surprise. I was in complete disbelief and pissed-off so I answered back “F you.” Why do teens get the “cold shoulder?” Why are we treated in such a dehumanizing way?
You know what I’m talking about—sarcasm, stalking, harassment and red lights blinking on and off in your face, letting you know that the security cameras are on. Or when you’re a mile away and the cashiers close their drawers in fear.

A message to retailers
I would like to say something to all you disrespectful store employees: You think we’re going to do something bad, like what? Are we a danger to your store? You say teens are so clueless about their lives. What makes you think we’re going to rob you? Come on, don’t you be clueless. You all were once teens. Don’t tell me that you forgot what it’s like. For real.
I talked with store employees at the South Bay Mall but they didn’t want to answer any questions. I had my little tape recorder, and asked them politely, but they told me that if I wasn’t going to buy something, I could just leave, otherwise they would call security.
I tried to put myself in their shoes. Maybe employees would treat teens better if we didn’t steal or were more courteous. But if employees already have us stereotyped as thieves and disorderly people, no matter how we come into their stores they’re going to think we’re up to something. It’s sad that teens can’t be teens. Okay, so we can be a little loud, no disrespect intended. But when they’re hassling us as soon as we get in the store, what are we supposed to do? We just act the way they approach us.
One guy told me that teens just come into his store, try on lots of clothes, ask questions and then leave. I don’t think that’s a relevant explanation for why teens are given the “cold shoulder” because lots of people of different ages do it and are treated with respect. Teens also have money so don’t think we’re broke or poor because we aren’t. We get our money from either our parents or we have jobs. Nothing’s wrong with asking questions and trying on different clothes. We all want to know what certain things are and how much they cost. Maybe they should be less worried about us stealing and more worried about answering our questions.
When I first began to write this article, the first thing that came to my mind is my personal experience as a black teen being hassled by white employees. But this is a problem that goes beyond race and ethnicity. It is a problem among all teens whether you’re black, white, Asian, Latino or whatever. Adults act as if we’re nothing compared to them and they can treat us any way they want. But guess what, adults? You can’t because if you do, we’ll stop shopping there. Then you’ll see how full your pockets will be.”