32nd Annual Student Research Conference
Addressing the "Monster" in the Room: The Importance of Discussing Drugs and Other Taboo Topics in the Classroom
Satiah R. Duval
Dr. Hena Ahmad, Faculty Mentor
In Ellen Hopkins young adult novel, Crank, sixteen year old Kristina becomes addicted to methamphetamine. Loosely based on the author’s daughter, Cristal, and her real life battle with drug addiction, the novel depicts the devastating effects drug addiction can have on not just an individual, but their family as well. The novel highlights taboo topics such as drugs, sex, and teen pregnancy, which has resulted in multiple attempts to ban this book from the shelves of libraries across the country. It is crucial to incorporate texts like Crank in the modern day classroom, because it encourages discussion about difficult topics that aids in the development of student awareness in order to combat peer pressure and other high risk situations they are exposed to on a daily basis. When parents and the academic community work together in classroom literature selection, it creates a united front against risks associated with adolescents.
Keywords: Methamphetamine, addiction, taboo, risk, awareness, peer , pressure, Crank
Topic(s):English
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 105-2
Location: BH 241
Time: 8:45