One of the general issues that this film tackles is the consequences of drug use. Michael Retiel decides to experiment with drugs for the sole purpose of understanding others who have taken drugs. The world of Jared Leiter is dictated by its integration of drugs and thus impacts Michael's perception of the gang and of drug use. The film does not show any of the actual usage of drugs, but it is ultimately the effects that are on screen that are really crucial to understand. In fact, it can be argued that showing drug usage on screen would only encourage curiosity of it. Michael experiments with several kinds of drugs and all have varied outcomes. Each type of illegal or legal drug abuse can have differing effects, which ecumenically makes naming the drugs and their possible reactions too ambiguous to differentiate. This is why some young people can't take the dangers seriously because of the discrepancies in explanations over the end results. This is because each user very commonly can have their own distinctly individualized results caused by their own sole psychological and physical interaction with the drug. In certain cases, I've met students whose personality can be completely altered for the worse by a certain drug or combination of drugs. Other users have been known to become confused over simple matters like not knowing what they were just doing a moment ago or where they are and where they have been. Very similar to those ailing from Alzheimer's Disease with however the ability to prevent the outcome, which is not the case with Alzheimer's. Addiction or constant use of certain drugs over a long period of time also causes memory loss and a diminishing ability to verbally articulate and concentrate. Michael's results go from personality change, hallucinations, memory loss, confusion, and to a lonely obsession over how he is feeling during possible withdrawals and reactions of resistance to the drug. Will himself ultimately gets into other indistinguishable drugs leading to an addiction that alters his personality and interaction with others. Because of the legal matters over certain drugs, some people, young and old, have worked methods to evading the law in order to create a profitable market. Depending on the administration or size of the drug, certain types can be hidden within mechanical pencils or pens, inside television sets, disguised with candy or breath mints, or sometimes in plain sight disguised with a plant or decoration. It is the character of Zebra who sells the drugs to others in the gang and elsewhere, and even promotes the items as good medicine. Even other gang members and characters offer drugs to make ailing others feel better. Drug usage can be as easily avoided as the motivations behind it such as peer pressure, arrogance, emotional dissatisfaction, and even specific kinds of simple illnesses. It is Michael who makes the mistake of hurting himself in order to understand why others are hurt. Sometimes the thirst for specific knowledge is the worst drug of all.

This film wishes to present a number of conditional scenarios that often do affect children as they grow into teenagers and at which can stay with them even as they finally mature into adults. The back story of the main character Michael Retiel is that he is an only child who was raised primarily by his mother. We as an audience do learn that his father had died at some point before he reached teenhood. In many cases of single parenting, such children of all ages (whether male or female) can grow up with a deficiency in knowledge and experience concerning issues a male or a female faces during this pivotal period of life. It is of course not the sole parent's fault for this deficiency. It is a consequence merely brought on by the teenager himself/herself when confronting situations that the absent gender could answer better than the present one. A girl reaching teenhood would have a lot more difficulty getting comfortable when reaching puberty and during with only a father present. In the example of Michael, he lacks a certain amount of confidence, self esteem, and dominance that usually a father naturally presents in the family. However since Michael Retiel did have the advantage of living with his father for a time as a child, he at least did have the knowledge of a 'father figure' in the early part of his life. Children often carry the psychological burden of being often referred as "thinking they are the center of the universe." Many teenagers and adults still unconsciously feel this. The character of Amman who states in the film, "Your life isn't about you and only you... Life isn't just about ourselves," is an attack on this assumption. In the case of Michael Retiel and other children who lose a loved one, they very often never let go of this loss. It could be concluded that Michael spends most of his time searching for a 'father figure' in the "Mr. Perfect" figure and advice to actions from multiple sources without any judgment as to what consequences may result from them being enacted. It is usually the father who is the judge in this. Single parenting can often produce similar results even when the sole parent's gender is the same as the child's. A sole female child may learn to constantly fear men (for lack of a male presence) even as they reach adulthood OR they may learn to see men in an overly objective way. This of course easily translates to male children learning to see women as mere objects without any subjective understanding. This psychological scenario can be avoided if a male child grows up with a sister and a female grows up with a brother or a friend of the alternate gender, which can balance out and create more of a conscious understanding. Sometimes, not always, these children do grow up to be more of a self reliant individual without a need for support, but at other times strive for more support in certain areas. They do tend to be more lonely and less friendly if they are not encouraged by their parent to seek friendship. In Michael's case, he is consumed by his loneliness as a distinction between him and his friends who in fact suffer from similar situations.

The character of Jacob Matthew is a victim of child abuse. This destructive relationship between the parents and their children exists in every culture in the world. It need not have to be a physically harmful relationship and can simply materialize as a mentally harmful relationship through harsh dialogue. Like Michael, Jacob appears to be an only child raised by a single parent. Jacob differs from Michael's raising however in having a parent that is of the same gender. In a similar situation that develops from single parenting, Jacob lacks a mother's nurture and the balance that is usually created by a mother and father raising a child. If a father produces an intimidating presence, the mother is usually an antithesis to this by having a more comfortable presence often to not duplicate the father's methods. Since Jacob lives without this balance, the father is the main source of interaction, discipline, and education. There is also no one to stop or soften the restrictions and discipline that the father imposes on the children. This is under the assumption that the father is a powerful force in the house. The mother can just as well be a powerful force that can be just as imposing without a male figure. In Jacob's case, his father (whose first name we never learn) has raised him while hypocritically ignores and physically/verbally abuses him. It is not known if Jacob's mother has died or has merely left her husband, but this lack gives the father absolute control over his son's actions. It is obvious that Jacob's father wants to raise him, but only under his terms and methods which allows very little freedom and virtually no way for Jacob to defend himself. Even at the age of 18 where it is still common to live with your parents, Jacob is still a victim of this horrific crime.

The very obvious question does emerge: Why can't Jacob simply leave his father and report the abuse to the police? Jacob "Jewman" Matthew's specific case of abuse was based on a real person who will remain anonymous out of respect for him. He was very often lashed by his father's belt whenever he disappointed or troubled his parents, however one thing kept him from reporting what he was aware indeed was abuse. It was not fear. It was his love for his own parents. As long as he genuinely loved his father and mother, he did not want to see them go to jail for what he felt was their way of showing how much they loved him. The punishment might just as well be merited, but not the abuse. The lashing was their "extreme" way of making sure he did not make the same mistake again. In the case of Jacob, it is the same conclusion of thought. Jacob often makes remarks on how much he hates his father in how he treats him while contradicting that with feelings of love for what little, but treasured unidentifiable things Jacob thinks he gets in return. It can be concluded that Jacob has learned to love something very specific about his father that prevents him from completely rejecting him. It is also seems apparent that his father depends on Jacob for support as well although never admitting this dependence.

Children who are victims of child abuse (and molestation) often fear and despise physical touch and verbalized profanity from loved ones to sometimes their own children who may assault them in a very invasive way as a consequence to times where they are feeling abused or ignored. Very often, victims of child abuse grow up to abuse their own children as an indirect form of retribution against their own parents, which can cause a constant chain of abuse throughout the generations. Another point one can inquire about is Jacob's nickname of "Jewman." His heritage and cultural upbringing has absolutely nothing do with his abuse, but due to an existence of some Anti Semitic persons who may hear this nickname can create other inadvertent abuse. Some abused people do inadvertently welcome abuse or discrimination in their lives while trying to avoid it at the same time. Although no one ever discriminates against Jewman, the possibility is there. The nickname "Jewman" is based off of actor Nate Kimball's own designed nickname of Nate "The Jew" Kimball and meant it to be seen merely as playful between friends. Never once did anyone discriminate him whenever his nickname was bounced around by non-Jewish friends, and he took no insult. Nate Kimball does not mirror the character of Jewman in anyway and indeed had a very loving relationship with his father. Rich Hillbourn who plays the father (camera operator Blake Hillbourn's father) is also very good to his own son and merely drew inspiration from times when he was overly and wrongly angry at his son. This case, even when the father is removed from the equation, can also create a more destructive scenario when the child feels responsible for destroying this relationship; causing to abuse himself. Sometimes advice that results in a denouncement of that love can be the worst possible solution.

Tracy Prynne is a homosexual irrevocably being discriminated for her orientation. Two college students in the film relentlessly use this against her as a way to boost their self esteem and as a way to display their power over her. Discrimination usually has no conditions or variables. Hate is hate. In the case of Tracy however, it is her confidence and self esteem in the matter, and that she is not afraid to admit that she is gay is what exactly Lonny and Harold see as a means of attacking her. Young people who usually become more open about their sexual nature can (not always) be more 'experimental' when they take part in sexual acts and often do it numerously, and later publicize it to prove their courage. Whether this is right or wrong is purely a subjective matter for those who feel it is necessary to do this. Tracy does not want to be discriminated, but she does not want to hide either. A young adult's sexual activities are purely the decision of the young adult. Since Tracy has also been known to have a promiscuous history, it can be said that Tracy also attracts the attention of people like Lonny and Harold. These two young men are prejudiced to Tracy's orientation in the hopes that she will give in to their hopes that it is for her "a choice" and sleep with them. This certainly is disproved when her teacher, John Gibbons, rapes her, in which after she displays her utter disgust (not just because of the rape) of the opposite sex. The question now becomes: is her promiscuous history just showing another experiment or is this past being used against her as a means to take advantage of her? This is, without a doubt, the worst type of discrimination where people use hate to promote other things. Lonny is prejudice to her beliefs by using the Bible wrongly against Tracy to ultimately take advantage of her. Harold, known as the Laughing Man, uses verbal abuse to take advantage of her. Even Tracy is aware that they are attracted to her and are obviously using harassment as a method of being near her while at the same time hating her for what she is. Tracy is aware that she can NOT use hate to fight back. The only solution is to prove their lowliness, and to perhaps reduce herself at their level just so she can prove how childish and arrogant they are. Incidents like these show that people like Tracy will constantly battle for their rights to be simply happy and being who they are.

Without a doubt, rape is one of the worst atrocities that can ever be committed against a woman or man. The character Tracy Prynne becomes a victim of rape. Without warning, Michael Retiel hears news of this from Tracy herself who is too devastated to go the police, and instead goes only to him for help. Also without warning is news about who committed it: their own teacher, Mr. Gibbons. Although the details on how it lead to this crime are not described, all results of rape are the same. This specific case was based on a similar incident. A female high school student who again will go unnamed was raped by a much older man a few years ago before she even reached high school. Although she never saw the man again after he was apprehended, a man who looked similar appeared before her as a substitute teacher in her class. With one glance, she understandably panicked and immediately ran out of the classroom. Later, she told the school faculty that she believed it was the same man who raped her. Although it was proved she was wrong, the horror of seeing a face so similar was very understandable. This leads to what would have most likely had happen if it were in fact the same man. The film then leads us to a hearing between a head official of the school/university, the accused, and the defendant in a very courtroom like scenario. The police would however be more involved of course, but since Tracy's case is littered with an almost criminal history in the eyes of university; Tracy becomes the subject of much speculation. The police are waiting on standby, but the University department's head official in this matter will be the deciding agent to whether this is authentic or not. Charges like these are indeed taken with a lot of investigation and questioning in order to authenticate the crime. In Tracy's case, she depends on her only defender, Michael Retiel, who has defended her before against prejudice over her sexual orientation and her everyday idiosyncrasies. Results of this crime usually produces similar reactions as seen with child abuse, but the monstrously forced singular action (multiple rapes cause worse results of course) are naturally more devastating than even the much longer duration and repeated assaults that can happen with those of child abuse.

Every single person in the world can be guilty of this silly bit of business. From a child worrying about what specific color of clothes their doll is wearing to an adult worrying about what clothes to wear in front of "important" people, it is the same superficial quandary. This is especially so if such people believe this obsession is the key to success in the universe. Celebrities of any nation have this dilemma clouding over them constantly. Michael Retiel and Gina do have this unconscious interest in a "better" image though through different means and motivation. Image does have its advantages in making friends, finding jobs, and of course in a love interest. It is when people obsess over the way their hair is combed, the type of shoes to sport off, and especially what endless kinds of jewelry to wear is when it becomes a pure egotistical device. When they are dissatisfied with their image and environment, they cry out for some way to fix it. Though none of the characters are openly obsessed with this ailment, the roots of it are present behind all the schemes to change their objective look and to control the objectivity of other people analyzing. It is this "Mr. Perfect" figure who is the biggest example. Behind all the words and advisories, "BP," which translates to "Be Perfect," can be read all within the label. This strife to reinvent yourself for lack of liking or growing tired of prior versions of yourself is a true danger to one's psychological health. Every time they look in the mirror they dream to become someone perfect in their own eyes. Although the definition of perfect means without faults, this definition depends on pure subjectivity rather than objectivity. In many ways, subjectivity is the worst obstacle to get beyond in understanding the world around and the people that populate it.

Pressured Will Henderson addresses this problem briefly. Peer pressure is the result of older acquaintances or fellow students' insistence (either through mental or physical means) to get their target to do something that they might not normally do. Young people who are pressured into doing certain acts only commit when they feel they have no other choice. Will in this case is pressured by his commitment to his studies and responsibilities to do well in college. He feels he has no other choice but to work as hard as he can even if it does cause him emotional strain. What people have to realize is that it is very easy to avoid peer pressure or an emotionally overwhelming scene. There are most always a choice or way around being trapped by a predicament. Relenting and falling into the trap of others is never a solution. In all cases, the person essentially needs to find people to talk to in order to find an intelligent means of escape.

In the film, Lenin represents a specific type of young man. On many occasions, I have met some students who believe that they need to represent some type of opposition to their environment. One anonymous student promoted the labels of being a communist and then later an anarchist. Although they claimed to know a good deal on their supposed beliefs, they failed to realize the impractical implications of it. Saying you're a communist and wearing Soviet insignia is one thing, but later stating you are an anarchist is complete nonsense. What government are you planning to attack? How can you be anarchist if you cherish the luxuries of having a comfortable house and freedom to purchase anything you want at a supermarket? It is a hypocritical thing for a person to say they are one thing and then contradict themselves with their other practices, but it is a condition that not many people are aware of. In the example of Lenin (whose name is definitely inspired by the famous Bolshevik), this person has no real reason to rebel. In order to separate themselves from the day-to-day routines and mass public that they may see as sheep, they claim to be a rebel without really having a true cause. Lenin does have a genuine desire to prove his worth and intelligence, but makes the great mistake in thinking rebellion is the answer. He is a very intelligent man, but is not so savvy when it comes to practical issues. Many people like Lenin do grow up to be politicians or "preachers" of some kind, but some do fall before they ever reach any legitimate kind of practice. This rebellion can be fueled by real threats like a dysfunctional family or a destructive environment, which usually leads to the young man to take part in gangs and drugs. For Lenin, his only motivation is a disenchanted view of the world that needs changing, and his method of proving its faults is to fault himself. Reminiscent of the late 1960's where many Americans rebelled against issues at the time, Lenin represents a sort of past figure who feels he needs to fight despite being unaware of the consequences to him and to others-- just for the sole purpose to prove one point. It proves in some ways that we are all hypocrites; consumed by our own pursuits.

There are a lot of characters in this film that are guilty of manipulation. Besides "BP's" hand in it, the character of Sam Tirq is definitely a factor of it. Manipulation is not exactly a crime, but results of it can be. Michael's handicaps in the matter works to Sam's advantage in controlling him. Sam claims that he wants to help Michael and the apparent criminal case in front of him in order to prove to his stepfather, Detective Sheridan, that he does have what it takes to be a police officer or detective. Michael does have run ins with Sheridan a couple of times, but it is Sam who really tries to play detective. Since Sam is doing this for himself, he is automatically using Michael to better his situation. Many people do not realize that "working" with someone in order to achieve a goal without them really knowing what your intentions or means to accomplish this task is simple manipulation. It is very chauvinistic for the person to even think this without letting other people who may be involved to have a complete understanding of what dangers they might run into. Sam starts to tell Michael what to do instead of letting Michael make the decisions and eventually plans to dump Michael in order to complete the task. Michael has made the unfortunate conclusion that Sam is here to help him. Yes, they will both benefit from these actions, but Michael is not aware of the subtext Sam is implicating. In simpler terms, people like Sam step on others while retaining some supposed vindication. This can happen very regularly in any school like set up. One student wants something, so he or she will get the other student to do it for them. Young women can be guilty of this just as much as the other gender. When a young woman wants to get a young man to do something for her or to become something she desires, she might use friends or some middleman to indirectly influence this young man. In all cases, this almost unconscious type of influence goes mostly unnoticed unless people involved question the motives around it. Those manipulated rarely notice it, and hopefully may spot it later down the road. Manipulation is a cruel, disgusting act that threatens peoples' trust and confidence in you.

I have met only a couple of runaways, and most of them had said the same thing: they were wrong to have left. Children who run away from their homes seem to have a rational explanation to have left, but over time as they grow (depending on the longevity of their time away) many may question the reasons for why they ran. Most often, they do refuse to return in fear that they will be rejected by their family or that their family is still troubled and angry at them for what ever reason. Amman of the Jared world is a runaway and only mentions it for a moment. He later briefly confesses to how much he remembers his former life and the importance of the people around him then in contrast to a life where you only think about yourself. In many ways, runaways like Amman can only think about themselves and the importance of their surroundings since they have a tendency to separate themselves from others who may still have a family to go to. Due to the fact that they have to be very self reliant and live and sleep wherever necessary, they have more of an understanding of survival and the means to protect themselves. Runaways do get mixed with a gangs regularly and discover they have talents in unorthodox things. Amman has taught himself to be good at refining and dispensing drugs at his own designated lab, but is acutely aware that he can not do this forever. They tend to build doubts over real life matters and hope to find some means of escape later. Since Amman becomes a target of the gang, he realizes its another reason to run away. In a sense, Jared and the children he strives to save also become runaways from a family of gang members. The only way for runaway children to find some sort of closure is for them to be taken in by those who care.