Maybe I'm not subject to all the pressures and stresses that most other teenagers face every day. Or maybe I'm smart for my age. My point is that as a whole, teenagers yell about the stigma they face, the distrust and suspicion adults have for them. I used to agree that this was an unfair stereotype. But now that I'm on the inside, I see the man behind the curtain. As kids we couldn't wait to become righteous, prideful teens. Ones who fended for themselves and staved off corruption. To be the heroes we pretended we were. But that purity is dead. Innocence has contracted leprosy and started coughing up blood. Middle school was a time where kids were just starting to explore the possibilities of independence. That was great, I reveled in the experiences I soaked up. I made mistakes, but nothing too serious, and learned from them. But now, High School, the shit has hit the fan. I could name at least a dozen drunks, smokers, stoners, and druggies without even having to think. Purity my fucking ass. I would like to think of myself as a high class teen. I read for enjoyment, I keep up to date on politics and government affairs, and I like to better my intellect. I don't have much to complement myself on, but when I look around now, I would say my will is greater than most teens. I seem to overlook the lustful, sex-filled side of adolescence, but maybe that's because that stuff is in my genetic code. However, getting drunk/stoned out of my mind, or smoking myself into cardiac arrest is not. I live everyday in fear that what happened to my uncle will one day happen to me. I can't afford the risk or the temptation, nor can I stomach the incivility of it all. So what I'm trying to say, is that if you've every consumed alcohol to get drunk, smoked to get high or to get that nicotine fix, or done some illegal drug for your recreational enjoyment, I no longer wish for your friendship.