Adolescence Influences Raise Concerns
The series explores the complexities of adolescence, highlighting the need for a collective effort to protect and guide young people as they navigate the challenges of growing up in a world filled with diverse influences, and the importance of addressing the root causes of harmful behaviors to prevent tragedies from occurring.
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Actor Stephen Graham has voiced concerns about the external factors affecting young people, particularly the influences that can shape their behavior and worldview during adolescence, as explored in his Netflix series Adolescence.
The series delves into complex issues such as incel culture, misogyny, and the online "manosphere" that can have a profound impact on young boys from ordinary backgrounds. Graham's inspiration for the show came from news reports of stabbings of young girls, which prompted him to examine the broader influences affecting young people. He suggests that it's not just parents or schools that are accountable, but also society, community, and the environment, which all play a significant role in shaping young minds.
Graham intentionally avoided directly addressing Andrew Tate and incel culture, instead focusing on exploring "male rage" and the complex influences that can shape young people's behavior. The series raises important questions about accountability and the impact of external factors on adolescents. With the separation between the home and the outside world no longer existing, young people have access to a vast amount of information and influences through their devices, making it crucial for parents and society to be mindful of these factors.
The final scene of the Netflix series has left viewers emotionally raw, with the boy's father weeping in his son's childhood bedroom, apologizing to a stuffed animal, after the son is accused of stabbing a classmate to death. The emotional response from actor Stephen Graham was achieved through a clever trick employed by Director Philip Barantini, who used personal photos of Graham and his family to create a poignant and raw performance.
As the series sparks important conversations about the influences affecting young people during adolescence, it serves as a reminder for parents, society, and communities to be aware of the complex factors that can shape the behavior and worldview of adolescents, and to take responsibility for creating a supportive and nurturing environment for them to grow and develop.
