Youth / OPINION : L.A. From Afar: ‘A Land of Excitement and Confusion’ : J’JUAN KEITH WILSON JR. / Senior, 17, Hope High School Providence, R.I.

Thanks to the media, I’m not really sure about L.A. The media have a way of destroying any positive view of the city. It (the media) shows the negative parts and events that have and do shape L.A. But despite the media’s perception, some of my family members who live there say it’s not as bad as it’s painted out to be. Don’t get me wrong, it was probably bad during the riots. And I’m sure the racial tension between the many cultural groups there can be felt. But I’m a stranger to L.A., and I will not allow myself to be influenced by one opinion.