Parents watch their children grow. They see the changes their children undergo—from being a baby, to a toddler, to a grade school kid, and so on. But what is the indicator that a child has entered a new stage of this life, in adolescent to be exact? This is the rite of passage or ceremony that signifies the end of an old lifestyle to the birth of a new lifestyle. In some parts of the United States, some were still observing this rite of passage. (Relin, 1996) Is it important?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the rite of passage? The rite of passage is basically to inform the child of his or her responsibilities and also to inform the society of the entrance of the adolescent to the world of adults. One advantage of the rite of passage is that the responsibilities of the soon-to-be adolescent would be cleared to him or her. This is also an opportunity so that the society would know the responsibilities of the soon-to-be adolescents.
(Rasband) One disadvantage of the rite of passage is that the society views us as adults since we are already briefed of their responsibilities. Because of this, they expect too much from us. Not that we hate expectations, in fact they are challenges. Another disadvantage is the affliction of pain to the body of the child that could hurt the child so much. (Relin, 1996) The formal rite of passage is a good indicator that a baby is no longer a baby but an adolescent.
There are still places that practice the ceremonies of rite of passage. But there are many who no longer practice it because of evolving times. Whether being practice or not, let us help one another. Both the society and the adults should help adolescents as they live in the adult world.
Works Cited Relin, D. O. (1996). “Growing Pains. ” React. July 22-28, 10-11. Rasband, J. “Rituals and Rites of Passage. ” Celebrations: A Social Studies Resource Guide for Elementary Teachers. 17 October 2008