Response to Beingbadviran (Viranjit Kaur)

Hi Viranjit

I agree the film Kids was a bit like a fly on the wall type documentary which I think made it feel realistic. Like you I found this film shocking but I can’t say I was surprised by any of the content. This film was set in the USA 12 years ago, but it could just as well have been here in the UK today; having spent the last 4 years working in some of the most deprived areas of a city in the West Midlands, I know this behaviour goes on.

I think I found the scene where the man was beaten up most disturbing. The level of violence involved was distressing and the way the bystanders stood laughing and appeared to be enjoying it and encouraging the perpetrators was sickening.

I think the opening scene where Telly was telling the young girl how much he cared about her so that he could have sex with her was quite upsetting – she only looked about 13 – and I desperately wanted Jennie to ‘save’ the 14 year old (whose name I can’t remember) at the end of the film but sadly there was never going to be a happy ending to this film.

I grew up on a council estate in the 1960s/70s. When I was 16/17 (many years ago) I used to go to parties and misbehave sometimes. I knew people who took drugs but I never got involved and was certainly never offered any – I would have been too scared of my dad finding out anyway. I know STDs were around back then but to be honest the worst fear was of getting pregnant. There is so much more to be worried about nowadays. As the mother of 17 year old and 12 year old daughters I like to think I know what they’re up to but I’m not with them 24/7 and I can’t help but worry.

Best wishes,
Joanne