The article ”A teen drama in Glen Ellyn? Stay tuned . . .” explains that a new television series, filmed at Glenbard West High School, would be a ”real-life series about the trials and tribulations of teen life today.”
This ”realism” would be accomplished by filming Glenbard West students as they experience events (in lieu of a script and actors). Some of these
”important” situations include counselor appointments, breaking up with boyfriends/girlfrien ds and receiving college acceptance/rejection letters.
As a senior at Hinsdale Central High School, I have seen numerous movies and television programs that portray teenagers as brainless fools. It is encouraging to see that producers like Chuck Bangert are attempting to
”present a different portrait of teen life.” However, I feel that it is impossible to illustrate the life of an average teenager in such an exceptionally wealthy area.
Glenbard West is a school in which academic success is well above average. In addition, only 1.2 percent of the students come from low-income households. Only 11 percent are minority.
Clearly, the average American teen doesn`t have all the opportuniites that Glenbard students have. Perhaps if this series were taped in a less-affluent area, a truly realistic portrayal of middle-class teens would be accomplished.
