Letter writer: Teen offers beacon of hope

Graphic by Lori Deaton

I’d like to respond to “Pop Culture’s Negative Effects on Teen Girls” [July 6, Xpress] by Lily Harlin. Your problem, actually your gift, is that you are ahead of your time. I hate to tell you that because you are more mature than your peers, you may find it hard to fit in.

Kids your age are trying to see where they fit in and are willing to shape themselves based on what is appealing to others in order to do that. Probably because of your upbringing, you seem to have skipped that step, and that’s something they (kids your age) won’t understand. You don’t have to make all the mistakes in order to learn from them.

I’d like to thank you for easing my mind. I was afraid of having a daughter because I would hate to tell her that for most of her life, she can safely assume that a man is only going to want one thing from her.

Please continue to master the art of being yourself. You are a beacon of hope for those of us who have already run the gauntlet you’re going through and are constantly saying, “If I could do it over again …” I’d do it the way you are. Thanks for speaking up!

— Daniel Amick
More than twice your age, but not double your maturity level
Hendersonville

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