YA Literature and the Contemporary World: Search for Identity

As I began to reflect upon the readings and wonderful reviews I have been and continue to read so far in this course, I searched to find some commonality. And in this search, I came to understand that one ever present theme in contemporary world YA literature is the search for identity and with that often the pressure to conform. As I further studied this theme(s) I realized the search for identity in regards to the female especially interesting.
First let me say to that YA literature has definitely become much more multicultural in recent years. Along with becoming more diverse in its charcters/culture many novels are featuring strong female protagonists, a position which was typically held by male characters in the past. More female authors too, are popping up- again a role previously dominated by males. Female authors are writing about all sorts of interesting topics and in different genres. In the non fiction book, Extreme Pets the author Jane Harrington shares information about the not so average "extreme" house pet from corn snakes to hissing cockroaches and how to care for them. While in The Christopher Killer, author Alane Ferguson pulls us into her mystery through her usage of great forensic detail and her development of a well rounded 18 year old female, who is also a very sharp aspiring forensic pathologist.
So when did the role of women really begin to change? It was the 1970's woman's movement that really started things rolling. Young adult females now in their search for their own unique identity have many strong females role models they can aspire to be like such as Oprah and Hillary Clinton. Despite however, the slew of young celebrities being arrested every other day making it seem going to jail a somewhat "in-style" thing to do, there are many positive young female role models such as golfer Michelle Wie and actress America Ferrerra. These females are not only solid diverse role models for girls, but they are easy for young adults to connect with. Diversity is key because it shows to today's YA's, both male and female that although we come from different backgrounds we still experience the same frustrations, successes and moments that make us YA's.
Erik Erikson in his 1968 theory of psychological development told us "The development of a sense of identity is the key developmental task or 'crisis' of adolescence." Therefore, we need to have literature that both young men and women can identify with. Adolescence is a time of many emotional changes. It is the search for understanding of what's right and wrong, a time to discover where they fit in in society. I think of such on going events such as teenage suicide and growing problems with cyber suicide. These are ongoing issuses here in North America, but other countries as well are feeling them too. I even came across a blog on Japan's Cyber-suicide trend. Young adults also feel pressure to conform from family and peers.
But are our novels accurately portraying these difficult challenges of life that YA's are facing and helping teens make the connections? I think many of them are. For example, in Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List Naomi is in love with her best friend. This sounds straightforward enough except her BFF happens to be gay. Now put another guy in the mix that both kiss... watch out! This scenario could easily happen to a love triangle of three girls, three guys, etc. But, however you mix it up, the end result is the same- a trust bond broken between BFF's. Will they work it out or not?
An excellent graphic novel that deals with a difficult search for identity is Inside Out: Portrait of an Eating Disorder. This novel explores the life of a girl who forever will struggle with anorexia and the effects of it on her mind, body and soul. Again body idenity is an ongoing issue with many young females. Actress/model Tyra Banks from her own issues recognized this as an important problem and started a foundation called TZone, to empower young women of varying ethnicities to help them deal with the issues of physicality and self-respect.
Providing variety is key to meet YA adults' interests. Other novels such as Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, Re-Gifters, Secrets of my Hollywood Life and Escape from Special are all examples of contemporary YA literature dealing with real issues of identity that YA's can connect with.