Scribble's Issue 10 features a diverse collection of creative submissions from various authors, showcasing their unique perspectives and storytelling styles. The issue includes essays, narratives, and poetry that explore themes of age, relationships, and childhood fears. Notable pieces include a reflective essay on the significance of age in society and a vivid recounting of a memorable Christmas party. This compilation is perfect for readers interested in contemporary literature and creative writing. Each submission offers insights into the human experience, making it a valuable resource for aspiring writers and literature enthusiasts alike.

Key Points

  • Features essays and poetry exploring themes of age and societal norms
  • Includes a narrative about a memorable Christmas celebration
  • Presents a reflective piece on the emotional weight of goodbyes
  • Showcases a childhood fear story that resonates across generations
Alvina Akhlaq
7 pages
History
Alvina Akhlaq
7 pages
History
89
/ 7
Submission 1
From Legislative Restraints to Dinner
Tables: Does Age Matter?
When we try looking at the question of whether age matters or not, after a moment of
wayward confusion, a very distinct answer floats into the mind of all of us. When I asked this
question to my friends and teachers, their answers varied from a very firm stance on their
self-defined ‘spectrum’ to a very variable and fickle one. The only fact that does not change
when presented with this hypothetical, is that when we talk about the importance and the
very necessity of age, we understand that this topic is indeed quite wide stretching and
applies in a lot of aspects.
Age is, as people say, just a number. A number denoting the number of years a person has
been alive. The number of earth orbits one has completed. The number of years one has
spent living. No matter what you call it- it is still the same, a number denoting the amount of
time you have spent alive. Although with mere wording this whole concept of age seems
grand and purposeful if we take a step back and look through a stranger- perhaps an alien’s
point of view- we’d see that age is a relatively unimportant matter. However, we as a
civilization perhaps, think otherwise.
Age matters in almost all cases related to judicial and legislative matters. Every law book of
every nation takes age very seriously. There is an age for consent. An age for driving. An
age for drinking. An age for voting. An age for marrying. An age for going to prison. An age
for even being considered a legal citizen and an age for renouncing one’s legal citizenship.
So, the answer from a legal perspective is yes, age matters. Of course, if it had not, the
results might have been quite gruesome.
If the concept of age had not existed, we would have had twelve-year-old sentenced to
prison longer than they would have been alive- all because of a useless attorney. Child
marriage would have been termed just marriage. Something such as paedophilia would not
exist. However, all this could happen only if we consider a hypothetical world where all
concepts of age and maturity have been suspended. This is to say- a newly born is held up
to the same standards as a fully mature grown adult human. However, if the concept of
maturity still existed and we still decidedly group people based on whether they were
pubescent, pre-pubescent or fully adult then perhaps the world would remain the same.
Almost the same- one can only hope.
There would still be some debate and discussion on specific ages like when can one start to
vote and when can one be legally independent? Is it when we reach a certain level of sexual
maturity? Is it when we reach a level of emotional maturity? How will we judge those
parameters? If people reach maturity at different levels, will they be given these specific
rights and liberties at different ages to? All these questions leave us more if not equally
perplexed as the question which forms the thesis of this essay- Does age matter?
In the critically acclaimed, Lois Lowry authored book ‘The Giver,’ age is an important factor
in society. Lowry imagines a dystopian society where each age holds a significant stand in
society. In a complete community involving society-1-year-old kids are given their names and
assigned a housing unit, 8-year-old kids are given their bicycles, and 12-year-old kids are
assigned their respective jobs. In J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter, every child having/showing
magical abilities but born to non-magical parents gets to know about the existence of the
wizarding world only and only when they turn eleven to receive their acceptance letter.
People say fiction is a reflection of society and in this case, the reflection makes it crystal
clear- age matters.
Age matters for the courts. It matters a lot if truth be told. Age, in legal cases, is not just a
number but rather it is an important parameter used to determine the degree of
punishments, the severity and intention of actions and many other such trivial yet impactful
things. Contracts signed by a minor are non-binding. Minors are sent to juvenile centers, and
other detention facilities instead of prisons. Minors below the age of criminal responsibility
may also be pardoned for their crimes/actions. Sometimes this simple numerical value is
used to escape the law more than abide it. However, if one inspects closely, one might find
this system of dependency on age to subject somebody to judicial review is quite archaic
and somewhat flawed.
The reason age is used in courts is to see whether the assailant or the victim or the
petitioners or the respondents are/were mature enough to understand their actions or of
those around them. An 11-year-old child with high exposure to the world around them and
high emotional and physical maturity is not on the same level as 16-year-old one who is
mostly alienated from society and has, as Hermione Granger once said, and I now quote-
the emotional range of a teaspoon. Although, my criticism can be easily dismissed we must
remember that each fault that we find only helps us in refining our system evermore.
Moreover, another aspect we must look at is that the age of majority in nations varies from
country to country. The age of majority is a specific age an individual must be legally of to do
certain activities like consume alcohol, drive, consent to sex etc. Angola and Philippines
have the lowest age of majority i.e., just 12-years of age. Whereas other countries have set it
to eighteen, some even twenty-one. This “created” range pushes us into a bigger rabbit hole,
begging further answers, asking more questions. Does age really matter all that much? If it
matters so much why isn’t this notion universal? Why are people divided on which age can
be considered the age of majority?
The existence of age creates another issue- the issue of ageism and age discrimination.
This, like the rest of the concepts related to age is just as paradoxical; because on one end
old people get discriminated because they are deemed fit to be participating in the
workforce, and yet young people are told that they are too hot headed and that their opinions
are too loud. Although people would tell a seventy-year-old to not touch a basketball, they
would in the same heartbeat let you know how they think that the older you get the wiser you
get. Similarly, several hypocrites would also tell you how the youth “will change the
tomorrow” and how young people these days don’t have any shame. This dichotomy was
first noted in a pamphlet by Youth Liberation of Ann Arbor- an anti-ageist and youth liberation
organization based in Michigan. Ageist ideas are so common that they are less likely to be
corrected or spotted and so many children grow up believing in ageist ideas. This means
that ageism finally ends up being a self-fulfilling prophecy for several people.
Age does not matter to the school shooter running rabid across United States. They will
shoot a freshman and an elementary kid indiscriminately. Age does not matter in the pride or
women marches people go to- they get ignored by politicians regardless. Age does not
matter when it comes to death- everybody dies some way or the another. And age maybe
just a number but it sure does serve as a weapon against many. The moment I thought I was
old enough to share my opinion on the workings of the world at the dinner table, I was told
by my father to shut up and eat my food and of course the staple “you’re too young to know
what you’re talking about.” It is not surprising to know that everyone has gone through this
treatment at least once whether they are seventeen now or seventy-seven now. And it does
not matter that I am a 15-year-old talking about LGBTQ+ rights or if in another fifteen years’
time I am a grown woman talking about having an abortion or going childless. The thing is- I
will always be too young or told and forced to believe that I am too young. Too immature. Too
reckless. To my father and to countless other fathers who invalidate the opinions of their
children age does not matter. They will always see you as a child and will always deem you
to be unfit to take decisions about yourself… and even about world order.
What is ironic is that if you ask dinner-table-me whether age matters to I would refute it
vehemently. However, thought technically me and my father might end up on the same side
of the chessboard I am the bishop, and he is the rook. Our paths and our moves are
different. I want age to not matter. I want to be held in the same regard as my father when
we talk about politics. When I say something, I want the world to listen and to think about it,
rather than just pensively dismiss it. When do I say age does not matter for me what I mean
is that rather than looking at a particular statement I present as an opinion of a 15-year-old
why not look at it just as an opinion? Afterall paying respect has no age limit, right?
-Aditi Ghosh
Submission 2
A Memorable Christmas Extravaganza Unfolds at Genesis Global School
The air was filled with excitement and nervousness as it was our last exam. During the
exam, students impatiently waited for the clock to hit 10:05 so the Christmas party could
start. Finally, all students, teachers, and staff gathered at Genesis Global School to celebrate
the much-anticipated Christmas party. The school's halls echoed with giggles and laughter.
/ 7
End of Document
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FAQs

What themes are explored in Scribble's Issue 10?
Scribble's Issue 10 delves into various themes, including the significance of age in society, the emotional impact of goodbyes, and childhood fears. The essays and narratives reflect on how age influences relationships and societal expectations. Additionally, the creative submissions highlight personal experiences, making the themes relatable and poignant for readers. Overall, the issue presents a rich tapestry of human emotions and experiences.
Who are the authors featured in Scribble's Issue 10?
Scribble's Issue 10 features a diverse group of authors, each contributing their unique voice and perspective. The collection includes both established and emerging writers, showcasing a range of writing styles and themes. This blend of voices enriches the reading experience, offering insights into different aspects of life and creativity. Readers can expect to encounter a variety of narratives that reflect contemporary issues and personal reflections.
What type of submissions are included in this issue?
This issue includes a variety of submissions such as essays, poetry, and personal narratives. Each piece is crafted to engage readers with its unique storytelling approach. The submissions range from reflective essays on societal norms to imaginative narratives that explore childhood experiences. This diversity in content makes Scribble's Issue 10 an engaging read for anyone interested in creative writing.
How does the essay on age impact societal views?
The essay on age in Scribble's Issue 10 discusses how societal norms dictate perceptions of maturity and capability based on age. It highlights the legal implications of age in various contexts, such as voting, marriage, and criminal responsibility. The author argues that these constructs can lead to ageism, affecting how individuals are treated based on their age. This critical examination encourages readers to reflect on their own views about age and its significance in their lives.

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