I read Tricks by Ellen Hopkins, which is a novel written in prose form. The five teenage characters are real, facing some major hardships of life, and making choices. Their choices lead them to a life they never imagined in Las Vegas - Sin City as they each refer to this place they call home.
The story is disturbing. It is disturbing in that these characters and their experiences say so much about our culture, our priorities, and what we expect of ourselves as a community, as adults, as parents, and as teenagers.
What these characters learn to do and,ultimately, want to do, for another dollar, another high, another sense of superficial self-worth is beyond the capacities of even these teens.
How these individuals became intwined with a world beyond their maturity and capabilities is disturbing. If they had any foundation for making choic.es, and making good choices, it crumbled. How they found themselves in certain situations, even they don't know the answer. However, if these characters were to look to when and in what state they made the decision that lead them to where they wore a mask, they would regret what they did, what they said, and what they thought would be better "on the other side."
I hope that such situations can change, maybe end, and that more teenagers are part of strong families, supportive schools, and have access to adults to whom they can turn for direction and guidance.
I hope that our culture will someday reflect on its priorities, its needs, and acknowledge that what might be an "underworld" or another "sin city" across the country does exist. Such places and poeple need help, self-cofidence, and a hug; not prosecution.
