The question that I want to pose is: Does society effect young adult literature being read?
I personally believe over the years the way adolescents look at life has changed dramatically. It seems as though teens no longer see the world as wholesome, but more in a darker view. Teens are no longer worried about what Ma and Pa think, but now looking towards social media for advice and answers. It seems as though over time adolescents have donned to be darker in the way of their thinking. As a means of escape they turn to literature of fantasy and gore, books like Twilight by Stephanie Meyer, Harry Potter by J. K. Rowlings , and Lord of the Rings J.R.R. Tolkien. Although, the literature may be "dark" and full of fantasy it is allowing adolescents the chance to read literature that is not assigned in school.
Meghan Cox Gurdon discusses this in the Wall Street Journal article, "Darkness too Visible". Gurdon evaluates how authors have changed their persona as well as placing this dark view on adolescent readers. The literature being read by the reader should validate the readers experience. Gurdon mentions how parents have started to realize that the literature their children are reading may be the cause of their dark views toward life and society. Gurdon states, "Whether you care if adolescents spend their time immersed in ugliness probably depends on your philosophical outlook." (www.wallstreet.com, 2011) Often times, parents are unaware of what their children are reading. Adolescents that cut themselves or depressed are more likely to read about some one who is feeling the same way that they do. Would it be healthier for authors to write books that students could actually relate to instead of filling their heads with things that will never be? One could argue that their really isn't a controversy because it is, after all, just business.
Gurdon, Meghan Cox (2011). Darkness Too Visible. Retrieved from http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303657404576357622592697038.html?KEYWORDS=Gurdon on 29 September 2011.
It seems most of the comments were against what was interpreted as condemning current YA writers. I have to ask the question: does life imitate art or vice versa? Life IS darker than it was 60 years ago. The media focus on darkness exposes children to the gruesomeness out there. Television shows such as CSI, SVU, etc reflect adults own obsession with it.
ReplyDeleteImagery is a powerful thing and the use of it in literature and on film makes the realities often visited in "old time" stories much more shocking.
Personally, I don't think it's healthy to have images in my head of gruesomeness. I try to avoid details on sexual crime. Knowing what happened is fine. I don't need the author to appeal to all 5 senses so I feel like I'm there and can see/hear etc. An example of presenting a dark topic without the gruesome details is "How I Learned to Drive" by Paula Vogel. The stage directions keep the abuse completely abstract. On the contrary, the musical "Spring Awakening" has a very real simulation of teen sex - made even more shocking because it's onstage; we don't have the camera lens as our chaperone.This, however, was not a criminal act, but a consensual one.
Because "conversations" among people in general consist of electronic abrevs more than face-to-face talk, parents may be less connected to their teen's culture. Perhaps we just need more discussion.
One article comment included a thought provoking link: http://halcyon4eyes.blogspot.com/2011/06/we-all-go-into-dark-critical-engagement.html
I think as humans we are naturally attracted to dark or seedy topics and elements, especially dealing with our own experiences. That is just the reality of our society. While Twilight may not seem to be steeped in reality, it is appealing to many readers, especially middle and high school students, because they can sympathize with the characters. A character and be completely alien to us in regards to appearance but if we can connect on an emotional level then a bond is forged. I do not believe the attraction to these characters are a result of a societal shift. I believe it is a natural progression of both interest and content. What was thought of as dark in the 1920's was considered tame by the 70's. What was dark in the 70's is considered tame now.
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