Youth / OPINION : L.A. From Afar: ‘A Land of Excitement and Confusion’ : MAYRA SOTO / Senior, 17, Hope High School, Providence, R.I.

When I think of South-Central L.A., I think of a room with a child sitting alone, crying and wondering whether or not this would be the last time she breathes a breath.

Should anyone have to feel that way, alone, confused, or even uncomprehending of the chaos that was evolving in front of them? Should anyone feel helpless even in their own city? It took two words to destroy a city, it took two words to disrupt life as we know it. Should we as a society of diverse cultures let two words destroy our dream of peace and freedom?

I see fire that is growing faster than life. I see hate that is burning and killing life. But what really ignited the fire? It was more than just Rodney King.