Today's topic was centered on the disappearance of the "rites of passage" for young adults, with Patrick Barrasso and Molly McGinn joining Lon Woodbury. To clarify what a rite of passage is, Patrick explained that traditional tribal and ancient rites of passage was a test with a ceremony symbolizing the transition from childhood to adulthood and the recognition of a change in the young person that was naturally occurring. "We've lost touch of the importance of these stages in a young person's life, of dying to the old and giving way to something exciting, unique and affirming. These rites of initiation, a celebration of these conquests to adulthood and where a young person feels that they are 'arriving' to adulthood." Molly added that the "intentional, formal rites of passage led by skilled elders and guides are basically non-existent today and yet the need for that recognition for our young people is still present. Without the role of mentors and elders who would normalize the separation of youth from adults in the community, this has left the youth to initiate one another into the adult world (i.e.: gangs)."
When a young person performs their rite of passage, it is the creation of new adult behaviors and healthier patterns and the loss/or death of the old child ones. A severing of the old life style and a birth of the new one.
"We have treated kids as adults and young adults as children. We expose them to adult situations and yet treat them as children…we are in a state of elongated childhood. Look at how we as a culture have watered down the rites of passage for our young people: when they turn 21 years old, we have them drink 21 shots of alcohol" Patrick explained. Parents want their kids to not be hurt, or as Lon calls it: they are "risk adverse", and now we have all of these kids feeling entitled… to everything, to getting everything without earning anything. Participating in a rite of passage gives the young person the feeling of arriving and earning something. It is about jumping over that fear and the feeling of accomplishment in doing so.
If we as a community expected all kids to go through a rite of passage, Molly shared "we would be forced to put those rites into place and become the adults we are supposed to be. To be the elders and create situations for the kids to discover who they are." In agreement with Molly's thoughts, Patrick added, "When we lose sight of our elders, we lose sight of our youth. Kids would feel more value and have more meaning and purpose in life. Kids want to belong. If we expected all kids to go through a rite of passage, we would do nothing but benefit as a country or as a community."
To listen to the full interview, go to
What Ever Happened to "Rites of Passage"? on
LATalkRadio.
Also available in Podcast 
Lon Woodbury is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports, Inc. and
www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent Choices for Struggling Teens.
Patrick Barrasso is the Owner/Founder and Executive Director at In Balance Continuum of Care and is a licensed psychotherapist who has been in practice since 1991. Patrick is a recognized presenter and professional trainer on adolescent issues and substance abuse.
Molly McGinn, PhD is a learning specialist who has owned her own business leadership consultancy for 22 years, is the three time recipient of Forum's Chairman's Award for excellence in client services and is also the co-founder of BloomTree Learning communities, a network of residential sites for college students in recovery from drug and alcohol addictions. Dr. McGinn holds a MA and PhD in Cultural Anthropology from the University of California at Los Angeles.
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