Jeffery Dahmer, Inevitable? or maybe...

   Ahh the effect the media can have on us. When something is   deemed worthy of sensation we get pummeled in the media with words that are supposed to simultaneously grab our attention and inform us. The net effect is we think we know a lot but we have only seen a snapshot of a life that probably would fill a harddrive with images. Derf Backderf in his graphic novel reminds us that there is always more and the life we are examining is many shades of gray not black and white. Backderf in his own words tells us about memories of a fellow student that later commits horrible acts against humanity. He often asks the question; Where were the adults?  Was Dahmer destined to be a killer or was it free will? That is a Gordian knot of a question that can't be answered in this post. But teenagers learning, striving for autonomy while still under adult authority is an experience that Backderf addresses with this book. 

       Using experiences with friends and Jeffery Dahmer, that while are             unique to them, also have a universal aspect. The moral comes through loud and clear. Ignorance, exploitation need to replaced with concern and questioning. Whether the adults ignored Dahmer or just were unaware is unacceptable and should be a lesson to all adults. It is the adults that are supposed to have the wherewithal and responsibility to help. Backderf, literally, draws pictures of a teenager that was ignored and exploited by adults and peers. (I could not resist the literal comment, I do not apologize for it). This may be a better book for adults but I am sure teenagers can also find cringe inducing moments that they can relate to on one side or the other of the exploitation/ignored line. A potential benefit is that a teenage reader may recognize the need for self advocacy and seek help rather than wait for adults to throw a rescue line. Self advocacy is often, in my opinion, under-taught to teenagers. It is difficult to almost impossible in some situations but the results can be extremely positive. As I reflect on this book I don't want to blame Dahmer's lack of ability to help himself but more so lean on the adults in his life, whether they were there by choice or circumstance. Was the end game of Dahmer's life inevitable? Were the stars aligned or was it the absence of any adult awareness? I think this book contains a powerful message/reminder for adults to be more vigilant. Easier said then done, I know.  End of Transmission.