So recently I was attacked by my mother who feels that instead of doing the “adult” stuff she used to do in the ’80s, I enjoy stuff for kids. She tacks all kinds of “mental” disorders to my enjoyment of video games, toys, cartoons (Japanese anime, I try to explain the difference), sometimes reading children’s fiction and manga/comic books, and playing laser tag at my local bowling alley. Don’t get me wrong, I go to clubs to buy $10 dollar drinks. I’ve only been to one concert, and that was for Utada when she was in town. I prefer to spend my “happy time” doing things I love. I hang with friends, but I’m not always under them like she was. I need my space for introspection and relaxation. My more extroverted mother doesn’t get that. She can’t really understand people who think differently from her. Just like she can’t really understand my love for ALL KINDS of music. Every time I listen to rock music, or K-pop, I’m considered “weird” or demented because I’m a black girl who doesn’t care about Beyonce or the latest in wack rap music. I’m tired of being called the next Michael Jackson and I’m tired of being pinned with the Peter Pan syndrome.
Not to unload my familial issues on everyone, because that’s not the point of this article.
The point is it’s ridiculous how there’s this “code” that defines you as an adult. Like you have to make these certain “rites of passage” to be considered a successful adult and your own personal quirks are not included. You’re not allowed to like what you like, regardless if what you like is timeless and wholesome. It’s as if what I like harms anyone, which it doesn’t. I do enjoy doing adult things like taking vacations, spending extra time with a lover, and partying all night, but why can’t I also enjoy a good Disney movie, an interesting video game, and a well-made toy also? I feel people who let go of their childhood interests are only making themselves older. Some of them even look older. My uncle gets the same hounding, and he’s 10 years older than me! He was working on being an entrepreneur, and what did my family tell him? Get a real job.
The thing that really fires me up is when people want to pin immaturity with interests. I always thought one’s “actions” defined maturity. And I can name many people who do “adult” things irresponsibly. Like drinking and driving…To me, THAT’S immaturity. Or drinking so much that you miss work altogether…Recently, something like this happened on youtube where a girl age 17 attacked my channel saying that I was in my 20s and liked kiddie things, calling me immature…but what kind of action was that?
To me, we are living in the 21st century and all kinds of “old” and “outdated” rules are being demolished, especially the societal behavioral standards that are just outright dumb.
What “rites of passage” am I talking about? Some are very important, but some are downright stupid.
1) By age 8 you should know how to ride a bike and should know how to clean a home.
2) By age 12 you should have had a crush or boyfriend/girlfriend
3) By age 14 you should no longer be playing with toys (not even looking at them)
4) By age 17 you should have your driver’s license, and should be full-bodied
5) By age 25 you should have a job, college experience, or marriage with kids, and this is where you shouldn’t have time for cartoons and video games.
Well, I have a job and college experience, but I still like what I like. And what I choose to do with my money and time is my choice. Ya know, it’s as if people don’t like to see others happy. When they’re miserable and lonely, they want you to feel their unhappiness.
BTW I can’t stand my family.
So have any of you had this experience where you’ve been pinned with the Peter Pan syndrome? Leave a comment and let me know! Shout out to all of my Big Kids!
Generation Next 
very nice post,i like it!
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Thank you for your post! 🙂
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