Confronting Adultification: A Deeper Dive into Childhood Maturity with Ty Taylor

Picture this - a rambunctious child, full of energy and curiosity, yet pegged as an adult long before his time. Sounds unthinkable, right? But it's a harsh reality for many black and brown children due to the disturbing phenomenon known as adultification. To unpack this sensitive issue, we've invited the one and only Ty Taylor(@taylorty), lead singer of Vintage Trouble (as well as a million other things you may or may not know him from), down to the studio to help chop up this delicate topic and put the male perspective on the other side of this 2 part episode. 

Our heartfelt conversation with Ty brings light to the challenges faced by black and brown children who are unjustly pushed into adulthood because of societal perceptions and punitive justice systems. Ty's personal stories, along with our discussions around identity and self-reflection, reveal the damaging consequences of adultification. We also touch upon the hypersexualization of children, a distressing repercussion of the weakening family structure in black and brown communities. But it's not all darkness and despair. We also explore the potential of positive role models and influential celebrities in bringing about change and rebuilding these communities.

The episode concludes on a hopeful note as we explore available resources and emphasize the importance of unity and solidarity during such challenging times. A revisit to our past episode with Maya and KC (@dazitdazall), adds a different perspective to the conversation. We urge you to join us in this enlightening exploration into the adultification of our brothers and sisters children - an episode that promises to stir your emotions, provoke thought, and inspire action.

The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline has counselors available 24 hours every day to talk with children and adults about abuse and neglect. To reach a Childhelp counselor, call 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) and then press 1.

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SLAP the Power is written and produced by Rick Barrio Dill (@rickbarriodill) and Maiya Sykes (@maiyasykes). Associate Producer Bri Coorey (@bri_beats), with assistance from Larissa Donahue. Audio and Video engineering and studio facilities provided by SLAP Studios LA (@SLAPStudiosLA) with distribution through our collective home for social progress in art and media, SLAP the Network (@SLAPtheNetwork).

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