We have created a generation of feral kids. In different places they dress differently or act differently, but make no mistake: they are feral. It is no longer the usual mistrust of youth for adults or the dislike of youth for authority. I first noticed the 'phenomena' about thirty years ago in Kingsway Mall in Edmonton.

I hadn't been to that particular mall in about two years. They'd done some construction on it, added pieces on, and I was lost. I saw a group of kids and approached them seeking directions. While walking over I noticed the stares and glares of various adults passing by--directed at the kids. The kids were different, each making his or her statement of independence in terms of dress, hair style, jewelry, meaning boots with steel caps, spiked hair and staples or studs in noses, eyebrows or ears, etc. Anyway, as I approached they seemed to get a group-look of "What the fuck have we done NOW?" I said, "HI. Could you guys and gals please tell me how to find such-and-such a store? I am completely lost."

Well, try to listen to seven kids giving you directions all at once. I started laughing and so did they. The male leader of the group and the female leader of the group decided that it would be easier to walk me there, and they did. They managed to bum a few smokes, but we had a decent talk along the way. I made it a habit to go there about once a week, and until I left Edmonton, I'd usually meet a few on my visits. I learned all their names and they called me by mine: Bruce. Nice people. But they had home lives that most of us wouldn't want. These kids aren't our enemies, they are our children, and imo, we have let them down.

We have certainly let down this kid, because he died and we had to read about it in some friggin' newspaper. That is tragic. YMMV.