Kvin, I feel the same way you described here about teens and the mall issue, it is pathetic, I am glad my son doesn't subscribe to all of this, hey, maybe it is one good reason he is an "individual", well adjusted and generally happy, yes?
And maybe our parenting? I do not know but I can't complain, he himself frowns at the teens that just hang out, do not work or go to school, etc. Funny to hear a teen say "why don't they get a life", ha!ha! I just am so thankful my kid is like the way he is.
Getting back to your reply, there is so much truth to all you said, I had to laugh at the SUV thing, people cry about gas consumption, but golly, those things are eating most of our gas (I have a small car, and like them small) also when I hear owners of them cry about the money for gas and how they are guzzlers, I say "why don't you get a more economical car"? They never have an answer that sounds logical ( well most of them) it usually is I like them, my come back is then don't complain, and don't complain when we are on "empty" in this country, ha!ha! Ah, no sense of me whining on, but I loved one reason/explanation you gave here on this issue

BTW I hope you are doing well

DE

In giving advice seek to help, not please your friend
SOLON