Stereotype of the Typical North American Teenager
             Sullen, disrespectful and cynical, these are character traits North Americans generate when they reflect of what a typical teenager is. Are these adjectives appropriate for describing an average adolescent, one of which one was themselves? In J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye the behavior and attitudes displayed by Holden Caulfield, the novel's protagonist, do much to bolster an unflattering stereotype of the contemporary North American teenager. Stereotype, an oversimplified conception: a standardized image or idea held by one person or group of another. J.D Salinger's implication of how the American movie industry corrupts rather than improve the quality of life is quite prominent in Holden's speech. Holden describes how he hates his brother, D.B. because he doesn't like him being in Hollywood as a writer. An unfortunate reality in North America is the high number of dysfunctional families. Even more, an obvious reality that has massive effects on human beings is the death of a loved one. This event may disrupt the growth period of one's emotional state, especially during adolescence.
             Are the family and specifically the parental role the only influence on a child's personality and attitude towards life? Not always. The American film industry has a great effect on the development towards a child. It is appalling to accept how easy it is for children to be introduced to drugs, alcohol, and sexual activity. At least one of those components are referenced or shown in the media and the entertainment of today's society. How does this reflect of the American movie industry? How does it show one to what North Americans are entertained by today? One cannot protect their children from ideas such as these. Holden's brother, D.B is in Hollywood as a writer and he dislikes his brother as a result, of his occupation. Holden be
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