Teenagers can still have trouble discerning fiction from reality, particularly in groups. I knew kids in high school who were absolutely convinced they had known each other in past lives, and would tell elaborate stories of their past histories. My husband knew kids who were convinced they had multiple personalities. One of the powerful things about Slenderman is that he has no face. He is a blank canvas upon which anyone, particularly those with an overactive imagination and a shaky grasp on reality, can project their own ideas, their own darkest desires. Still, I disagree with those who might say that the stories are responsible for what happened. The idea might provide the ager, but the growth upon it is all due to the girls, and it could easily have grown on something just as sweet.
Giving a Face to the Faceless
- Tagged
- slenderman
Published by eileenmaksym
Eileen Maksym studied philosophy at Yale and theology at Boston College, and now uses both to write science fiction. Currently she is an academic nomad, following her astrophysicist husband around the world, two kids in tow. When not writing or kid wrangling, Eileen is a hopeless fangirl. She can be found on Twitter (@eileenmaksym) squeeing over her favorite shows, most of which involve famous detectives, dashing time travelers, and creatures that are never, ever referred to as zombies. View all posts by eileenmaksym
Published
Various and Sundry 