Aarti
In the heart of the Alaskan wilderness on September 6, 1992, a moose hunter called Butch Killian discovered an abandoned bus. Christopher McCandless’s sad remains were discovered inside the bus, wrapped in a sleeping bag. A lack of food led to his demise. Sean Penn’s 2007 film Into the Wild, which was based on Jon Krakauer’s book of the same name, brought even more attention to McCandless’ story. McCandless idealized life off the land in the Alaskan frontier with minimal resources. He tragically lost his life because he wasn’t ready. He killed a moose around two months ago, but the meat spoiled before he could preserve it. He had relied on the knowledge of South Dakota hunters, but the methods used to preserve meat there are different from those used in Alaska. When trying to preserve meat in the wild in Alaska, it is necessary to slice it very thinly. He paid a high price for relying on false information throughout his life.
There is a wealth of resources available to teenagers. There is a high price to pay for trusting false or misleading information. We must empower them with the facts so that they may make decisions that are beneficial to their lives. Teenage boys often believe these harmful myths.
“My value is based on my achievements.”
They evaluate themselves solely in relation to their most recent accomplishments, whether they be academic or athletic. Believers believe this falsehood experience constant worry as a result. The impetus is apprehension of rejection and a desire for approval. They become who they are in the face of adversity. They are always looking at themselves in the mirror and wondering why they don’t measure up. He is lacking what everyone else has: the secret to success.
“Losing my virginity will make me a man.”
A rite of passage, in other words. They feel left out of the group when their friends start having sexual experiences. It’s as if all of their friends have grown up, while they’re stuck in the boyhood limbo. It’s unfortunate that adolescent boys often perceive sexual activity as a milestone on par with earning a driver’s license or enrolling in college. In the pursuit of manhood, the intended purpose, historical context, and aesthetic beauty of sex are lost. This deception leaves shattered and bruised hearts in its wake.
“I need to have it all together.”
They think they should never have any problems or questions. Always keep your strength up, defeat all obstacles, and complete all tasks. When things get tough, real men step up and get things done. Any less, and they risk being categorized as feeble. I’ve seen a lot of teenage lads go down this lonely, stressful path. Teachers, coaches, and parents all put stress on them. More often than not, they put in more effort maintaining a strong and competent appearance than they do in actually being so. Because they are putting on an act, their development and maturity are stifled.
“The value of a man is in his net worth.”
This falsehood originates during the adolescent years, when boys’ earning potential is at its lowest. The folks that make a lot of money are always the ones who are considered to be “successful” or “doing well” in our society.
If people buy into this myth, they will prioritize financial security over following their true interests and skills. They might pass up opportunities to engage in activities that would provide them with genuine, profound joy. They may also develop a negative outlook on the impoverished and on themselves as a result of their lesser income. When a young man learns that his value is contingent on his bank balance, his integrity swiftly goes out the window.
