Forever Young
“The American Male at Age 10,” By Susan Orlean is a rather interesting look into the life of the “everyday” 10-year-old. Little Colin is exactly as you would image a little boy to be. He loves pizza, comic books, football, superheros, and his current best friend, Japeth. Naturally, he hates girls, because they are so unpopular and just plain dumb…who would have guessed.
This feature story is different from any other one I have read because it’s not so much an interview, but an actual day in this boy’s shoes. Most reporters and writers would not find a child’s life newsworthy, or even applicable to any story…However, Susan thinks quite the contrary. The beautiful, boyish innocence and unconscious longing to belong is apparent throughout the entire story. The reporter got to know Colin by putting herself on his level and living life through his eyes. I personally thought this was genius and absolutely adorable, as I have three brothers and can see so many similarities. However, I sadly don’t think this is the case today with every 10 year-old boy. I think our society has become so corrupt that innocent little Colins are few and far between. His ideas of what marriage and being grown up consist of are so far-off, that I doubt hardly any 10 year-old boy today would agree. But these viewpoints are very refreshing and sweet.
I think the lead and ending were very fitting from this story. The opening totally grabs your attention as it lists off all Colin’s ideal lifestyles for his future–from no sex, to TV every Friday night, you realize being a kid is what matters most to Colin. The ending scenario, with the Evil-Spider Web trap, almost makes me want to cry! His imagination is what drives him and keeps him forever young. You only have to wonder how far his imagination will take him; before he actually grows up, and the days of video games and baggy jeans have ceased to be. This touching feature story takes you on a journey to a place we have all been before, but now is a place that only exists in our memories.
