Wrongly Accused of Throwing Fireworks at Somebody

[cbg]

You stop behaving like a child and start behaving as if you deserve respect, and you'll get treated that way. As long as you continue to behave like a spoiled child who needs a swat across his backside more than he needs respect, you'll continue to be treated as one.

[veoozo]

Okay, brat, here are your answers.

Is there anything I can do? No,

What can I do? Stop riding around at 2 am. Other than that, nothing.

Is there anything? No.

Why am I a spoiled brat?

[harrylime]

Please stop calling me "kiddo". It is disrespectful.

How about "punk?"

[veoozo]

Can you please explain to me what I did that makes me a spoiled brat and a punk?

[eerelations]

Can you please explain to me what I did that makes me a spoiled brat and a punk?

Your argumentative attitude and rudeness towards the expert volunteers here.

[cdwjava]

Your attitude is what earns you the moderately derisive comment of "kiddo." But, face it, you ARE a "kid." If you were to be polite, respectful, introspective, and consider the position of others (such as your neighbors who believe they were victimized by you), maybe you might earn a different moniker such as, "thoughtful young man," "intelligent," "considerate," or even "pleasant."

We all understand that teenagers are by their very nature, confrontational and defiant. It's what helps ease the pain of their leaving home when they graduate high school and head off to college or work. Not only have all of us been where YOU are, many of us have also raised kidlets of our own - even had to deal with a spoiled tantrum or three. My kids are hardly perfect, but, the three oldest all finished school with good grades, are well adjusted, athletic, and are all in college and working 20-40 hours per week in addition to their schooling (and, for one in college, football as well). My youngest (who is your age) is still in school, never been in trouble with the law, has good grades, is popular, is an athlete, and can also have his defiant eye-rolling moments with mom and dad from time to time. All in all, I'm rather proud of them even if they did give me my gray hairs.

veoozo, you do not have to be angry, defiant, and self-defensive all the time. Someone may occasionally believe you are guilty of something you are not. A kid riding around at night - perhaps zipping around fast and maybe recklessly - is likely to be seen with a suspicious eye. Getting into a war of words with a neighbor who refuses to believe your denials is not going to resolve the matter and may serve only to make you look like a defiant brat. Most adults expect some level of deference and respect from children. Children do not usually receive the same level of "respect" in return unless they also demonstrate it, and even then there is a societal expectation that children defer to some degree to their elders. You may not like it, but there it is.

Now, as for your problem with the police, if you are out late, be sure you obey the laws. I do not know the bicycle and juvenile laws in your state or locale. But, riding a bike at night is almost inherently unlawful in most states. If you ride late, be sure you do so when it is not in violation of any curfew laws. Where a helmet (if required), obey the rules of the road (i.e. travel on the right side of the road, yield to pedestrians, stop at stop signs and lights, etc.), make sure your bike has appropriate reflectors and/or lighting devices, don't do stupid stuff (kick trash cans, slalom between parked cars or driveways, etc.), and be polite to passersby. If you do not want to be bothered by the cops, don't do anything to give them a reason to!

So, go on, move on, and pay attention in school.

[itwannaknowme]

Your attitude is what earns you the moderately derisive comment of "kiddo."

Just have to point out, the "moderately derisive comment" was used before he ever copped an attitude.

That being said, veezo, you'll be deemed a kid just due to your age. 200 years ago, that wouldn't have been the case. But we live in a society where parents helicopter and children aren't being taught responsibility at a young age. Therefore, all the young folk are "kids". Even 20 year olds are considered "kids". It's just the downward spiral of a responsible society at work.

[cdwjava]

Anyone half my age or less is a "kid" ... it's not always meant as a derision as I find a great many young men and women to be deserving of respect that I will refer to as a "kid," simply because they are at or about the age of my own children or - in the case of many I now locally - I have known them since they were tykes.

Kids are growing up in an age where their views on society come from YouTube, music, and flashpoint/soundbite media; learning respect and decorum, even responsibility, are not always that high on the priority list both for parents and even many parents.

Sadly.

[Dogmatique]

Just have to point out, the "moderately derisive comment" was used before he ever copped an attitude.

That being said, veezo, you'll be deemed a kid just due to your age. 200 years ago, that wouldn't have been the case. But we live in a society where parents helicopter and children aren't being taught responsibility at a young age. Therefore, all the young folk are "kids". Even 20 year olds are considered "kids". It's just the downward spiral of a responsible society at work.

Yes, I used it. And clearly, it proved a point I wasn't actually trying to make.

[itwannaknowme]

Anyone half my age or less is a "kid" ... it's not always meant as a derision as I find a great many young men and women to be deserving of respect that I will refer to as a "kid," simply because they are at or about the age of my own children or - in the case of many I now locally - I have known them since they were tykes.

Kids are growing up in an age where their views on society come from YouTube, music, and flashpoint/soundbite media; learning respect and decorum, even responsibility, are not always that high on the priority list both for parents and even many parents.

Sadly.

Correct

Yes, I used it. And clearly, it proved a point I wasn't actually trying to make.

And correct again.