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It's not because the article says things about YA we haven't heard before: reading about bad things will make teens do said bad things, they shouldn't be exposed to such dark material, where have the Judy Blumes of the world gone, etc.
No, I've read crap like this before. And, sadly enough, I'm fairly sure I'll be reading it again.
I just don't get why so many adults think that teenagers are blind, idiotic sheep. They don't think the next generation deserves a little respect? I DON'T GET IT.
I don't get why we would recreate a characters life when we see how horrible it is for them. I DON'T GET IT.
I don't get what they want us to read if we don't read YA. Is it adult fiction? Is that so much better? Or are we just supposed to keep reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar until we're "of age"? I DON'T GET IT.
Well, Wall Street Journal, let me introduce myself to you:
My name is Jessica Secret. I've devoted a good portion of my life to reading, writing, and reviewing YA literature since I was 12.
When I read The Hunger Games, I did not stab anyone--despite my strong urges, as The Hunger Games really glamorizes killing and death.
When I read Looking For Alaska, I did not start smoking, drinking, pleasuring men, or self-destructing. And I read that book twice!
When I read Crank, I didn't go out and try meth.
When I read Hunger, I didn't start starving myself.
When I read Twilight, I did not start biting people.
No, instead, I am no longer blind to what goes on in the world. I am not sheltered or ignorant to any of it. And--shockingly--I'm not that bad of a kid. I spend most of my time writing, actually, thanks to some of the above books I've mentioned, even if they are challenged.
Please explain to me who these teens are that have been morally corrupted because of YA fiction, because I cannot find them.
Jessica
(This was a purely rant-y, repetitive post written in a time of pure rage. If you'd like some other better-written, more heartfelt blogger's views on it, go read Nicole's post, the Bloggers[[Heart]]Books post, and Forever Young Adult's post. Then go read Gayle Forman's thoughts about it, cause that woman says genius things.)
We too loved FYA's snarky response and Gayle's very thoughtful one. Yours is wonderful as well!
ReplyDeleteWe will say that yesterday, one #YAsaves blogger confessed that she did start cutting herself b/c she got the idea from a book... BUT that the "dark" thing inside of her that led her to do it was already there. The book didn't glamorize cutting, and it certainly didn't mess up her life or her emotions to the point where she wanted to start doing it.
well said ^_^
ReplyDeleteSounds to me like the girl in the story needed Middle Grade. Maybe B&N should have a MG section too?
ReplyDeleteIt took me four hours to write my post on this tonight, because honestly, I was angrier than I have been in a very long time. I think you put it better than I did, though. =) Awesome post and GO YA!
ReplyDeleteAwesome post. Have you seen the #YAKills hashtag yet?? Because you should. It's ridiculously hilarious.
ReplyDeleteLove your post, you make your mama proud!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/06/06/137005354/seeing-teenagers-as-we-wish-they-were-the-debate-over-ya-fiction
ReplyDeleteMaybe this will help you feel like there are still people with a brain in this world.
PS: I "love" how the author of the wall street journal piece criticizing librarians, the ALA and blames "The Outsiders" as the start of the downfall of literature. Some people are just ignorant and will always be. What's next? Is Anne Frank too dark for them?
Suck it! hahahhaha! That was fantastic. I loved it. Like so many of the authors, writers, and bloggers I did not like this article at all (and preceded to rant and rave at whomever would stand still long enough to listen)
ReplyDeleteGreat rant. Loved every minuet of it. Especially when you said you read twilight and didn't have a sudden compulsive need to bite people.
Been stalking you a while. Old follower.
~Trish Just a YA Girl