| This photograph represents teen trends on various levels. These two young women are learning to take pictures with a digital camera at the famous Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá, in the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico. This was the first time they had ever visited the site even though they are from an Indigenous village only about an hour away. While you can see the obvious Westernization in the girls’ clothing choice and use of modern technology, these teens were very excited to explore their traditional, cultural heritage. Later this year, however, they will continue another trend - leaving their Indigenous village to continue studying and eventually find employment far from their village, in Cancun. |
These young men are celebrating their pilgrimage to the Mosque of Touba in Senegal, West Africa. They are visiting their Marabu, the spiritual guide, and they'll witness the merging of Muslim religion and the animistic tradition. Senegal¹s most important Marabu were the prophet Bamba and his pupil, the Baye Fall. The Baye Fall dedicated his life to the prophet Bamba and dressed from fabric given by charity. His followers wear that same patchwork cloth (as shown above). Typical street fashion consists of American blue jeans, a football jersey (as shown above) and Nike shoes imported from Asia. Soccer is popular amongst young Senegalese - particularly since the Senegal national team reached the semi-finals in the last World Cup. Every day outside of Dakar there are hundreds of players training to become a famous soccer player. When one does succeed and move into the western world, he achieves a good reputation at home for his loyalty to the community and his closeness with his Marabu. |
These teenagers in school uniform are leaving the Ajip English medium school in Jimma, Ethiopia. They want to get a better education by learning English at an English medium school to compete on the same level with other children in the world. They also want to take advantage of the free education and are found studying as much as possible. The young girl on the left in the photo with the black top, red skirt and bag hanging over her shoulder hopes to attend Jimma Universtiy and become a doctor for her community in the future. |
