Based on my own knowledge, Tank Man was the standpoint of silence and defiance, an act of rebellion against the Chinese military. One of the most iconic pictures ever taken in the 20th century, the legacy of Tank Man remained in tact as the 'aggression' against the government.
The events leading up to this incident was a major catalyst, as the government cracked down on violent Chinese protests, and no other could be brave enough to stand in front of militarist machinery.
If teens aren't reading enough. Then their brains start to sort of lose smarts. So the more you read you learn information and it builds up personal experience. This answer make not make much sense but I tried.