Skip to content

Kids will take shots of white strong liquor, they will…

“Kids will take shots of white strong liquor, they will smoke weed wrapped in thick blunts, they will even take Ecstasy or prescription pain pills, but they will not casually pull out an eight-ball of coke and push it across the table at a house party. Why? Because the specter of the cousin or the…” quote by Jesmyn Ward
Download Open image
““Kids will take shots of white strong liquor, they will smoke weed wrapped in thick blunts, they will even take Ecstasy or prescription pain pills, but they will not casually pull out an eight-ball of coke and push it across the table at a house party. Why? Because the specter of the cousin or the uncle or aunt or the mother or father who couldn't stop partying, whose teeth are burned brown from the pipe, sits next to them at the table. Young people who do coke lie about it, attempt to hide it, and often fight it.””

Jesmyn Ward

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Family trauma and social pressure discourage overt drug use, leading to secrecy and conflict among youth.

In simple terms: Family trauma hides drug use.

Key Takeaway

Address underlying trauma to reduce secrecy.

Themes

family trauma substance use peer pressure

Mood

somber concerned

Type

cautionary social commentary

When to use this quote

  • school counseling
  • community outreach
  • family therapy
  • peer support groups
  • policy reform

Key Concepts

psychology social stigma addiction

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does family history influence youth drug choices?
  • What interventions can break the cycle of secrecy?
A Different Perspective

Stigma may prevent seeking help and exacerbate danger.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Jesmyn Ward

Explore all 242 Jesmyn Ward quotes

More Coke quotes

Browse all 338 Coke quotes