Defining rites of passage

[jay]

Given a debate in the hallways at work today with hopeforyou, over someone's celebration this evening ... I just don't see how celebrating the onset of an icky, unpleasant bodily function that causes half the population to be cranky and require chocolate and paper products one out of every four weeks is a rite of passage, other than as an affliction. Might as well design a ritual to celebrate, say, acne as the door to adolescence.

In this culture, IMO the things which most clearly delineate children from adults are gaining independent mobility and finances. So I think that a first paid outside job and gaining a driver's license are the true rites of passage in the US, both usually happening around age 15-16.

Comments

[lynne-laughs.livejournal.com]

1. I like that you can express your feelings. Some of the comments have been hurtful.
2. You know your daughter and you know what is important to her. Good for you to create the ritual and work hard to make it happen. The ritual was for HER, and if others feel it is silly or wierd or whatever then they are not seeing what is really important. The important thing is that you made something happen for your daughter that was meaningful and that she will remember for the rest of her life. Hurray!

[deedeebythebay.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[brian1789.livejournal.com]

Whatever works to make the daughter happy and feel supported, agreed.