The Complex Life of Youth: A Transatlantic Exploration
Being young in today’s world is fraught with challenges. Dae-Jaun, a 14-year-old from a complicated area of south London, embodies this reality. His journey to play basketball took a dangerous turn when he was attacked and threatened with a knife. In a bid for self-protection, he began carrying a knife himself, but this decision led to serious consequences when it fell out of his school bag. Dae-Jaun is just a teenager, yet he finds himself caught in a cycle of violence.
But what about the youth in a small town like Mena, Arkansas? This is the question that Channel 4’s new documentary series, School Swap: UK to USA, seeks to explore. The show follows a group of British teenagers as they transition to a predominantly white, Christian high school in Arkansas, while their American peers experience life at Elmgreen School in the diverse cultural setting of Lambeth, London.
Arkansas, as described by Mena’s high school principal, Mr. Maxwell, is “a very conservative state.” Among the students is Jayla, a reserved girl who identifies as bi-racial. She recounts a troubling experience: when she wore a Black Lives Matter bracelet, she faced attempts by her peers to cut it off. Meanwhile, Sailor, a vibrant blonde who proclaims her closeness to God, is preparing to travel 4,500 miles to London. She will be staying with Zoe, a teacher at the inner-city school, and her wife Kate. Sailor expresses her surprise at the couple’s living arrangement, saying, “You don’t see a lot of that type of thing in Mena, but I’m glad.”
Contrasting Experiences
While Jayla and Sailor adapt to their new surroundings, the American boys, particularly Waylon, present a stark contrast. Waylon is accustomed to hunting deer after school and has never encountered an escalator. When introduced to his host family’s pet snake, Pistachio, he casually mentions, “I catch snakes. Or if they’re by my house, I kill them.” He shares a story about roasting a raccoon, repeatedly abbreviating the animal’s name in a way that raises eyebrows. He requires gentle reminders that such behavior is inappropriate.
Dae-Jaun finds himself staying with Waylon’s family, who own an array of crossbows and knives, and don’t always secure their numerous firearms. The decor of Waylon’s room, adorned with the skulls of animals he has hunted, overwhelms Dae-Jaun, prompting him to quietly shed tears upon his arrival. The starkness of his new environment is a far cry from his life in London.
Meanwhile, in London, Jayla is blossoming. “I don’t feel judged by anyone anymore, and it’s awesome,” she shares. Witnessing her transformation is inspiring, as is Sailor’s growing awareness of the struggles her friend Jayla has faced. Sailor begins to understand how the environment in Mena has stifled Jayla’s spirit, leading her to express that her “light has died.” This journey offers valuable lessons for both the teens and the viewers, highlighting the ease with which we can overlook the suffering of others, even those close to us.
Mena High School boasts a vibrant school spirit, complete with cheerleading and community sporting events, which is presented to viewers through engaging graphs. Dae-Jaun immerses himself in the school’s basketball team and enjoys attending American football games. However, the experience is marred when both he and another British student, Richae, encounter racist remarks—Dae-Jaun from a student at a rival school and Richae in the halls of Mena High. Richae, having been conditioned to downplay such incidents, carries the weight of these experiences with her.
By the end of the first of three episodes, Dae-Jaun finds himself on a picturesque lake, learning to fish for the first time, while Sailor resolves to be more observant of her surroundings. Although I have reservations about filming teenagers—even with their consent—the documentary’s focus on their vulnerability adds a compelling layer to the narrative.
Ultimately, School Swap: UK to USA paints a poignant picture of the struggles of youth in both America and the UK. These young individuals are funny, sweet, and intelligent, yet many carry profound burdens of sadness. I find myself rooting for their growth and resilience.
‘School Swap: UK to USA’ continues next Tuesday at 8pm on Channel 4
