Our own little dystopias

Last week, I shared a few thoughts by YA authors on why dark fiction is so popular. One article, however, made me pause. It contained a sentiment I’ve come across a few times before. The idea has always bothered me. 

The question of why these dark novels appeal to teenagers has been around awhile, and there’s a pretty standard response. It tends to be some variation of “these are dark, pessimistic times with the economy and culture; the darkness of the subject matter reflects those fears.”  

My thoughts on that? Ha and double ha. I don’t believe it.

In my experience, the teenagers who are loving the dystopian themes are generally the ones who don’t have to face it. Would we be so enamored with dystopian fiction if we lived in a culture where violent death was a major concern? It wouldn’t be escapism.

Well, of course not. When reading the Hunger Games, I don’t think “Oh man, I hate it when my dystopian dictator takes on a personal vendetta against me!”

So indeed, dystopias and dark fiction in general don't reflect the outer world of the American teenager. But maybe they reflect the inner world of a teenager. Maybe the average teenager doesn't live the danger of apocalyptic events or war. A lot of teenagers can have moments when they feel like their world is ending.  In terms of the suffering of the world, that could be considered quite small. But is that comparison really fair? Your pain is the only pain you know. Comparing your own suffering against the troubles of the world isn't really the key to erasing your sorrow.

The point is, my world doesn't have to be a dark, terrible place for me to identify with dark fiction. Reading a character who shares the same type of sorrow (no matter the world they live in) can be very heartening. Finding out the kind of sorrow you feel as a teenager isn't unique can make you feel less alone. 

At least, that's how it was for me.