The thing is, without memory (or what it is that we happen to call memory) human beings are scuppered. Imagine a fish for instance, supposedly, some fish only have a memory that’s about three seconds long. So, by our standards the fish can’t remember a thing. Perhaps there is a being who has a much longer or much more powerful memory than what we do. Would we be able to communicate with it? The fish has no idea that it has a short memory. Maybe we have no idea how short our memory really is.
In 1976, research showed that more than 80% of a sample of juvenile offenders were victims of child maltreatment. In 1974, it was noted that juvenile corrections facilities were filled with juveniles who were abused or mistreated. Violently abused children represent a high percentage of child killers and other violent offenders. Self-report data shows an even closer relationship between child abuse and juvenile delinquency, with numbers of abused delinquents ranging from 51 to 61% of delinquent youth. According to the Justice Department, youthful offenders incarcerated for sexual assaults were more likely than any other type of inmate to report having been victimized by sexual or physical child abuse. Young juvenile prostitutes are particularly likely to have been victims of sexual abuse or molestation.

“Last year alone, in our city-state, 1221 juveniles under the age of 15 were arrested for forcible rape. Studies show that young male and female attitudes about violence in dating situations are that physical or sexual aggression may be expected and even considered normal behaviour. Between 25-40 percent of all teenagers have been victims of dating violence. More than 70% of pregnant or parenting teens suffer from physical relationship violence. 33% of females will experience violence at the hands of a dating partner before the age of 18.”
Wait a second. How did I get here? I thought that I fell asleep in de Field. WTF?!

“Then comes the really scary part. Right now we know that at least 10% of teens experiencing intrafamilial violence become perpetrators of dating violence. And so the cycle of violence continues on and on. This is what it means to be human, right? Or is it? You tell me, because you are the next generation. How do you want this story to continue?”

Hey, dis the same class dat I was auditing before. Hey, Maro, why am I here again?

a young do-good baby-sitter to arm herself wid a butcher knife in order to ward off her unseen adversary. Because he’s doggin former acquaintences wid a sense
o’paranoia dat makes’em sweat over crimes he has yet to commit... when Spark’s old-school tricks flew round like nobody’s business, soarin on a wing and a prayer, believin dat he hardly needed either... Spark de shootin star... Dodgin cops wid one sure-footed leap through de chase o’da night. Most o’da time he left‘m just outta reach, den teased an taunted dem by goin back for more. What he did was, he’d escape through a maze o’darkly lit paths and arrive in jus de right spot at jus de right time to appear innocent.

“As far back as the late 1950s, a survey of women found that 62% had been victims of sexual aggression as high school seniors. 44% of the respondents identified their assaulters as fiances or boys they were going steady with. A study in 1977 found that 83% of female college students reported being victimized by male sexual aggression. 61% had been victims since starting college, 24% had been date raped. In 1983, 60% of the male college student respondents questioned admitted to raping or having forced sexual relations with females. In 1988, it was estimated that 38% of date-rape victims were females between 14 and 17 years of age. In that same year, another study showed that 56% of the adolescent females surveyed believed that forced sex was acceptable in certain situations. Well, children, what do you think of all this? Let the session begin."

K Jan looks at me an says, “There are times when I wish I could be anyone but myself. You know, just step outside myself, abandon me completely, come back to me some other time when I actually like who I am and wha's going on in my life.”
I sympathize completely.
K Jan sits on da Pew an watches while Spark as usual, skates down from outta de blue...But dat ain saying much. In Townsend, everythin comes in from outta de blue. I’s fulla pedimens risin from a wasted farmland. Empty-ass fields as far as yer eye can see.
“You finish yer homework?”
“Yeah, right. You?”
“Well, actually...”
“Don tell me you actually did somethin.”
“Jus dis thing on King Tut.”
“Yeah? Who dat?”
“I’s for our presentation. We got audio-visual fx an everythin.”
“Das cool.”
“We’ll see.”
“When you gotta do that?”
“Nex week some time.”
“You early an everythin. Right on, right on. Duude.”
flippin his board round. trickin all de way to da portables.
“Nice of you two to show up. So, as I was saying in terms of people getting together for the good of society... The closest thing we’ve got right now these days... And that was created mostly for the security of people’s material goods. There’s also the Detox, of course. But... Now, I want you all to think about the kind of opportunities that this situation lends itself to. As I say, the future, my friends, it’s in your hands.”
[PAUSE.]
“With a diverse workforce of over 13000 men and women, we are serving the City in units covering every aspect of community service. We are looking for talented men and women who want to help make a positive difference in the lives of our residents. With excellent opportunities for career promotions and advancement, there has never been a better time to be in Townsend. We offer men and women the opportunity to utilize the latest methodologies and technology tools.”
[PAUSE.]
A CAREER AT TOWNSEND
“The responsibilities of being a resident-worker in Townsend are both exciting and challenging. Officers have the opportunity to work in various areas of interest such as Patrol, the Mounted Unit, the Marine unit, or the Traffic Unit, along with many others. A career in Townsend also offers promotion opportunities to positions such as Detective, Gang Specialist, Field Training, and several Department Technician positions. The ranks of Sergeant and Lieutenant are obtained by a combination of educational requirements and competitive examination.”
[PAUSE.]
A CAREER WITH A FUTURE
“You can go as far as your determination takes you. Every sworn member of Townsend, from the highest-ranking position down, began his or her career as an Officer. The experience and knowledge you gain, along with the problem-solving skills you develop, can be used anywhere. Become part of an internationally-respected department and experience Townsend’s rich culture, diverse neighbourhoods and the difference you can make in a world-class city-state.”
[PAUSE.]
THE PROCESS
“The first step in the Townsend residential-employment process is a written examination. An information sheet and briefing guide about this test will be given to all candidates when they apply. The hiring process begins by passing a written exam. The remaining steps include a physical fitness test, drug screening, a psychological test, background investigation and a medical examination. Being on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of acceptance.”

I wonder what K Jan is thinkin bout all dis.
Sure ting, honey. I’ll show ya wha’s excitin.
And’as exactly why he’s here.