INSIGHT 2010 L.A

[Bozo]

Language Analysis

“Too Young, Too Soon” – Written by Michael Grey

Playing on the concerns of parents and the general public, writer Michael Grey creates a sense of danger and raises concerns with regards to the safety of our generation’s adolescents. In his opinion piece, it is evident that a rational and serious tone is present – designed to emphasise the dangers of adolescents circumnavigating the world alone as it is “Too Young [and] Too Soon” for them.

By labelling an around the world trip as “hazardous” and “death-defying”, Grey, condemns children who attempt such stunts. Parents wanting to maintain the wellbeing and safety of their children are likely to reject such acts and distance their children from this “teenage risk taking.” Furthermore, Grey adds pressure upon parents, by indicating that “the motives of such parents need to be examined.” Emphasis is placed upon the words “such” and “examined” which ultimately question parents that “needlessly endanger” their children’s lives. This in addition creates a sense of rejection within parents as they attempt to maintain their credibility by defending their parenting skills. Consistent with this is also the importance placed on the danger that coexists with said stunts. Grey urges parents to see that the “thrill-seeking” “daredevil(s)” that look to “merely gain a brief flash of publicity” is “[unjustifiable].” By juxtaposing these voyages with children restrictions with regards to voting, drinking and driving, Grey provides a sustained and reasoned view that children are simply too young for “this level of unsupervised freedom” which therefore positions parents as nonsensical if they oppose Grey’s argument.

Grey expresses clear disapproval of Australia’s treatment of the issue by questioning whether “Australia...[has] to look overseas to find an example of the firm moral and practical leadership that is required to care for young people”; conversely undermining the current response to the issue as inadequate and encouraging readers to express disapproval of the government’s response towards the issue. Accordingly, Grey also insinuates that “unleashing unskilled junior sailors” creates further conundrums not only relating to themselves, but the rest of the population. By rhetorically asking “who pays for their mistakes when things go wrong?” Grey immediately identifies with an audience that prioritises the business of modern life. As “we taxpayers” are already overly taxed, Grey plays upon the financially insecure individuals within our populations that will reject the current restrictions as they have to “foot the bill” for incompetent youth. Simultaneously humour is used to further emphasise the inexperience of children; to affirm the outrageous restrictions Grey mentions “teenagers runn(ing) aground on coral reef(s)” which exemplifies the immaturity of these children and hence endorses the crux of his argument that untrained young minds should not be pursuing hazardous endeavours.

Capitalising and targeting the age of these navigators, the opinion piece aims to teach parents and children alike not only the physical, but the psychological dangers of such voyages. Grey urges readers to understand that these adolescents are “too vulnerable” and that the “valuing and reckless acts” that certain parents endorse “robs” children of the chance to lead normal lives. Fundamentally all humans want to help and protect each other and indeed Grey uses this to lend weight to his argument. To support this, Grey attacks the capabilities of these junior adolescents stating that they “cannot comprehend the size of a challenge such as circumnavigation.” Ultimately parents are left feeling insecure about the safety of their children and henceforth opposing Australia’s current restrictions towards these matters. In concurrence with this, the accompanying image offers insight into the “emptiness and immensity of the ocean.” As evident within the image, the isolation on such dangerous terrain can be “very harmful for young minds” as the reality of “being alone and vulnerable” can have detrimental effects. As a result, the readership instilled with a sense of fear for children and their wellbeing. In keeping with this, Grey also offers a reasoned solution by encouraging the attendance of “Boy Scouts and Girl Guides” as these tradition outlets are far safer and encourage “positive development in a supervised context.”

Conclusively, parents and readers in general are persuaded to reject Australia’s current restrictions on youth circumnavigation. The opinion piece presents all the physical and psychological dangers that coexist with such “daredevil” acts as well as society having to pay the taxes for these adolescents’ mistakes. Michael Grey has provided logic and reasoning within his piece and so any parent considering allowing their child on such a voyage would be viewed as a menace to society.


Any criticism is greatly appreciated.