In 1994, R&B singer Aaliyah released one of her breakout jams entitled, “AgeAin’t Nothing but a Number.” Granted, she was probably referencing her underage relationship-turned-marriage with 90s R&B legend R. Kelly, but I think she had the right idea in mind. The idea that age should not be the only factor that determines a person’s maturity level and limits what he/she should be allowed to do. In New York City, a city filled with red velvet ropes and parties lasting until sunrise, age can occasionally leave you on the outside looking in.
Recently, I had my own encounter with age preventing me from supporting a friend performing at a local nightclub. I am nineteen years old and proud to say it. I have never purchased or owned a fake ID. On this occasion, I was not aware of the fact that the nightclub had the “21 to Party” policy and needless to say, I was effortlessly turned away when my ID showed my age. Until that moment, I had never realized how much grief I would catch from clubs and parties regarding my age in New York City. It would be easy to tell a lie and simply add two more years to my age or invest in a fake ID but I would struggle with keeping up with my lies. I cannot count how many of my friends have pressured me to get a fake ID, but I know that there is nothing that I am missing at the club.
In March 2013, the state of New York announced its intention of implementing a new design for its state identification cards in hopes that it will help make replication for fakes more difficult and easier to spot by law enforcement. The new design will include a retro black-and-white portrait laser engraved on polycarbonate cards. In addition, a second portrait will be transparent in a small window making the image accessible from the front and back of the card. In a nutshell, New York is just one step ahead of the business in the counterfeit market but that does not mean we are the losers in this situation.
The only difference with the parties or clubs with the “21 to Party” policy and a regular party is having the ability to drink alcohol. Truthfully, all the regular parties I attend always have alcohol and most of the people at the “21 and over” parties are all underage with fake IDs. From experience, I have been admitted into a “21 and over” party and seen half of my underage classmates there partying. The bouncer at this party did not feel the need to check IDs that night. The distinctions drawn between the two parties is unclear until that one bouncer snaps you back into reality and reminds you that “pretend time” is over.
I believe it will not be long before someone finds a way around the new design and the business of fake IDs will continue to boom. However, I am not interested in buying a fake ID or lying about my age. I enjoy being a teenager and just because I cannot do one thing does not mean I am limited to doing other things. I am old enough to vote, drive, watch R-rated movies, go to clubs and parties where it is “18 to Party,” and so much more. In two years, I will be proud to call myself an adult and take all the responsibility that comes with it but for right now I am enjoying my youth. My youth allows me the opportunity to explore myself and make decisions without the increased pressure endured by adults. I have time to try new things and take risks without concern. My age is nothing but a number.
Tené is a junior majoring in Journalism + Design with a minor in Culture + Minor at Lang. An Atlanta native, she moved to New York City with the desire of pursuing journalism as a career. She enjoys writing about pop culture, music, sports, and wrestling. She hopes to write for a magazine publication one day and ultimately, start her own magazine. Some of her favorite publications are Vibe, Complex, Bleacher Report, and Vice. In her spare time, she likes to listen to music (Kanye West, Rihanna, Aaliyah, Outkast, etc.), shop at thrift stores and American Apparel, and watch reality TV.
