Four Teens

1. Jim Whitmer's photograph displays four teen (as in the title), who are looking at the camera with empty expressions. Stereotypes of our culture tell us to judge these children as troublemakers as their clothes, cigarettes, and frowns would suggest. If we look at them beyond a shallow view, we will see them for what they are - people. But what I see in these people is unhappiness and anger. As they stand there, I see their eyes. The first three from left to right, have soft yet hollow glares. They seem as if they don't want to be there; that they are uncomfortable. Their sunken lips convey a unwelcoming attitude. The guy on the far right pierces the camera with his seemingly angry, bitter stare. He appears aggravated as evident by the way his arm and posture are in a tense, forward position. One could perceive from these physical traits, that they are in fact trouble makers, but after having teenage years in my recent past, I infer that these are just kids being kids. Haven't you ever experienced a unhappy teenager in your lifetime?

2. The teens in the picture may be a close group of friends. I find this evident by the way the kid on the right has his arm slung over his friend and the way they are all standing close together. This stance does not appear to be a forced one, but natural. They seem as if they know each other and are at least comfortable in each other's company. If Whitmer has intentionally placed the kids in the places they are, I'm not sure what would motivate him to do so. Was it to emphasize some of the more unique traits each of them have such as height, hair, ect.? Or was it to intentionally show and create that sense of connection? I believe both are possible, but can't say that they are truth.

3. The children's style is one of an outdated age. I would speculate that this was a picture taken in the 1990's due to the clothing they are wearing and the way they are wearing it, such as the bandannas and the loose jackets. This style projects a more rock or punk stereotype. It reminds me very much of the times and styles of Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and Metallica. I would not adopt this style because, as I have stated, it is outdated. Plus, I don't see myself as one of the hard rock type. I enjoy hard rock music, but I don't the style of the the times that it is from.