Should Jason Have Gone Back?
In Black Swan Green, we watch Jason Taylor try to find his place in a world where being different can make you a target. One of the biggest challenges Jason faces is trying to fit in with the older boys at school who are part of the Spooks. These boys take part in bullying, peer pressure, and testing the limits of loyalty. When Jason is invited to participate in a cruel initiation ritual, he makes a choice that says a lot about who he is becoming. Even though his friend Dean Moran has been excluded and mocked just like Jason, Jason chooses to go back for him when he falls into a creepy neighbor's yard. This decision might not win him any popularity points, but it shows the strength of Jason’s morals. At this point in the story, Jason is stuck between wanting to be accepted and not wanting to betray who he really is. He’s often afraid to speak up and tries to keep a low profile, especially to avoid being mocked for his stammer. Being invited to be a part of the Spooks is a big deal...