Drugs, Sex, Alcohol and Other Mature Topics in YA
This was originally going to be a "Won't Shut Up". This meaning that I was supposed to deal with this topic in a mature and calm way. Then I started thinking about it and then realized that I'm pissed off about this and so became the Nova Rants.
The topic of Drugs, Sex and Alcohol is one I constantly have to deal with as a teen. I was reading Perfect Chemistry during class one day and then someone asks: "what's it about". For those who don't know, Perfect Chemistry is about Mexican Gangs. So naturally, I got looks. And then after those looks, I asked the person what their problem was and got into a little staring match.
Anyway, that's what brought this on.
I'm tired of hearing that YA shouldn't be a genre where these things happen. Um, look around you, geezers! There are teens getting preggo, drinking underage and dying. So why should we have to ignore what's going on? Realistic fiction. Notice the word realistic? As in teenagers of the 21st Century are not having high-tea parties, they're dirty-dancing in a club.
Don't freak out on me. This is what's going on. I know a girl in my high school that's honestly doing things for money. Do I talk to her? No. Do I know what's going on? Yes. All this stuff is going on in YA and sure it's a little a lotta screwed up, but don't deny that it's happening.
Is it fair to leave us in the dark? Is it fair to teach us about these things when we can drive and only then? Why do you think I learn Sex Ed when I'm in Grade 5? It's cause there are teens getting preggo at like 16. We have to learn about these kinds of things to help us in the future and sue me if I want to know about these things to help me make smart decisions.
And then there's the flip side.
Don't be the dumb-assed author who decides to write about this topic in a really rude, untrue and just stupid way. I read this one book and the word/idea of "rape" was carelessly thrown around. Mmkay, that isn't true. Rape is a serious and traumatic issue that should be dealt in a classy way (like all of these serious issues). When a book is written in such an offensive and disgusting way, it gives readers the wrong impression, which just boils me.
Here's what I think, overall. Read these books. Don't shy away from them. Know these things and get a taste of what life really is. It isn't all happy and "Sound of Music" like.
And if you're reading a book with mature themes, swallow your stupidity. Don't go "ew" when girl think she's pregnant. For f*cks sake, grow up people. And stop judging people like me who do read these kinds of things. It isn't porn, it's a lesson for the future if a problem happens and a mature decision has to be made.
This one was a lot more serious that I thought. Do you see why this has to be a rant? The next thing I write will most likely be a "Won't Shut Up" where my Bitchy Opinions will have to take a backseat. I do think, however that this wasn't that Bitchy and a lot more tasteful that what I imagined myself writing.
What do you think on this topic?
I think there is a very fine line, though, with topics like that. If someone is uncomfortable reading them, then they don't have to pick up the book. As a parent who also reads primarily YA, I choose to be aware of what my kids (8 and 10) are reading. My 10 year old reads YA with some more mature themes. His current favorite theme though seems to be dystopian, which can contain a lot of things most would not consider appropriate for younger readers. I use it as a point of discussion. "Now, I know they were killing people and getting very violent. Why do you think that happened?" To which my 10 year old son will reply, "Well, Mom, the world around them basically went to crap. They were doing what was necessary to survive. Now, if I acted like they do, though, you would probably kick my butt."
ReplyDeleteSee? It's about perspective and maturity. Some people, even though they are much older than 10, still lack the maturity to understand the difference between what happens in a book and what reality is. Or, to realize that the situations in books are very real and they could learn from them. Interesting post, though, and it really got me thinking.
Lisa @Just Another Rabid Reader
I really, really agree with you. I see a lot of reviews (especially on Amazon) about YA books in which the reviewer gets mad (and gives a low rating, of course) if the author even brings up the hint of sex or alcohol or whatever. Listen, if these books were aimed at seven year olds, I might agree. But no. Young ADULT is the key here. Like you said, these are legitimate issues that teenagers are dealing with. Write responsibly about them, but write away! FWIW, I have two young (3 and 8 months) kids, and I would never limit what they were reading unless it was something incredibly messed up or they were ridiculously young. But if they were teens wanting to read a book with some tough issues? Absolutely! Hey, maybe it'd even lead to a discussion.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I prefer a book with more mature themes! They tend to affect me deeper than books with lighter themes. They're much more reflective of the world we live in and they have the ability to teach us valuable lessons.
ReplyDelete