"Exploring American Youth Culture: Insights from Phillip Taw's 'World Youth Culture' Lecture"
By Salsabila
On October 11, 2024, a guest lecture titled "World Youth Culture" featuring Phillip Taw took place from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. This event explored the vibrant and diverse experiences of youth culture around the globe, with a particular focus on American youth culture. Phillip Taw delved deeper into these aspects of American youth culture while comparing them with global youth experiences.
American Youth Culture
A distinctive environment for students is created by the combination of extracurricular activities, academic ambitions, and social customs that define American youth culture. For instance, in American high schools, it's encouraged for pupils to discover their expertise through extracurricular activities like clubs and athletics.
Academic Setting
A wide variety of academic curricula with an emphasis on creativity and critical thinking are offered by American high schools. With so many options, students can customize their education to fit their hobbies and professional goals. Compared to Indonesian schools, the classroom sizes are typically higher, which promotes a more active exchange between the professors and pupils.
Sports and Extracurricular Activities
Sports play a significant role in American high school life. With around 15 different sports available, students can participate in everything from football and basketball to swimming and track. These sports not only promote physical fitness but also instill teamwork and discipline among participants. Each season—fall, winter, and spring—brings its own set of sports, ensuring that students have ample opportunities to engage in athletics throughout the year. In addition to sports, high schools offer a plethora of clubs catering to various interests. Special Traditions:
Prom Night
One of the most iconic aspects of American high school culture is the prom—a formal dance typically held for seniors at the end of the school year. This event is not just a dance; it’s a rite of passage that marks the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Students often spend weeks preparing for prom, selecting outfits and planning group outings, making it a memorable experience that stands in contrast to celebrations in Indonesian schools. Social Life at University Fraternities and sororities, or Greek life, offer students opportunities for social engagement, networking, and community service. Joining a fraternity or sorority can improve the college experience by fostering lifelong friendships and connections that last beyond graduation. As students adjust to university life in America, they encounter a vibrant social scene that is often centered around Greek life.
