The American Man at Age Ten

In Susan Orlean's essay, “The American Man at Age Ten”, the profile, lifestyle, and habits of a ten year old boy, Colin Duffy, are flawlessly observed and analyzed. Orlean provides us with a descriptive analysis of Colin Duffy's personal experiences, obstacles, and common ways of life, all of which take part in shaping his character immensely. She creates a comfortable environment with Colin, as well as his, family, friends and teachers. She takes the time to get to know the subject and his characteristics allowing the interviews to unravel naturally. Whether it being his choice of friends, hobbies, and/or mission in life, the depiction of culture, particularly in younger males, is expressed and examined.

Susan Orlean spends many hours interviewing and interacting with Colin's friends (parents), family members and school teachers, revealing the effects these individuals have on Colin himself. She provides the readers with specific examples of Colin's favorite places to hangout with his friends, such as Danny's Pizzeria, where Colin spends most of his free time. Colin asserts that, “At Danny's, you will find pizza, candy, Nintendo, and very few girls”(Orlean 258). This quote communicates Colin's most valued aspects of his life and what he views as most significant and accustomed to him, considering he is only ten years old. Orlean dedicated many hours and weeks to observing Colin's school, Montclair, as well as his daily activities that happened at home. The majority of activities that Colin took part in were observed at home, school, and Danny's Pizzeria, where Colin spent the bulk of his time.

Personally, I believe that the focusing question of this essay was clear and precise: What components of culture shape ourselves as individuals, particularly when we are young and easily influenced. Susan Orlean was able to expose those characteristics that have a an influence on children and provides us with the knowledge that these aspects inevitably construct our culture. Susan Orlean researched these components of characterization through the experiences of a particular ten year old boy, Colin Duffy. I think that she used Colin to represent many young children experiencing the same thing. This is the prime time for experience, adventure, and identity. Susan Orlean did a phenomenal job a analyzing this young boy and relating the information she acquired over time towards a bigger picture. At the age of ten we are easily influenced by those around us, including our families, friends, and social settings, all of which have an extreme affect on on character. Whether we want these influences to effect us or not, they represent our culture and what values/customs make us who we are.