But sadly the findings didn't really support that assertion very strongly. Partly because the study's definition of "delinquency" seemed so bizarre. "I'm surprised they found anyteenagers that were not delinquent, with such a definition!"Gramsci agreed. "It seems more like a definition of Teenagerdom than Delinquency!"
The Cow nodded sadly. But then, the study was American. In America, having the wrong political opinion, or observing the wrong religion, would be deemed "delinquent", if not constitute outright misdemeanours.
"Calling it 'nonconventional' behaviour also signals how unfamiliar the researchers were with real teenagers," she commented. "After all, how many teenagers do you know who've never engaged in 'minor crimes'? Especially," her voice rose slightly, "when they include things like damage to property, trying out drugs or -" she paused in shock "graffiti!"
Gramsci looked up, surprised. Graffiti was a crime? He'd always considered it a form of cultural expression, like wearing All Star Hi-Tops or skateboarding.
"Gmf!" The Cow snorted. "Tagging, maybe. Proper graffiti is an art form! Visually, conceptually - good graffiti artists rank up there with Joseph Beuys or Rene Magritte!"
Gramsci puzzled a little longer. "Perhaps that's exactly it!" he mused. "Magritte's pipe!"
The Cow looked up, perplexed.
Gramsci continued. "Never mind Foucault! Think Zapiro! uMalume's drooping, dripping shower head. Mbeki's perky pipe. Sexual incontinence vs 'normal' sexual potency!"
The Cow shook her head. She thought that was stretching it a little. And besides, she really didn't want another brush with uMalume's lawyers!