Texace,
I know exactly what ya mean. I'm 17 as well and in the same position. The biggest difference between us and "them" is that we take in the whole scene for what it's worth, we see the big picture. Most of them are wrapped up in their own small, miniscule worlds in which the only thing that matters is themselves. You can only get so far with that. Most of them are too wrapped up in their little clicques and other non-important things. They're more concerned with getting wasted this weekend, who they're going to get high with, and who they're going to bang. Seriously... in a small suburb with a high school of about 900 students.. (I'm not surprised anymore) I know maybe 20+ girls who've already had one or more abortions. You can't "convert" them... its their own choice to be ignorant, hypocritical, and selfish. They'll learn the hard way. I also know of some who are completely capable of being like us and deliberately choose that path just because they're too afraid to think for themselves. Its sad.
However, the
entire age group is not lost. Take us for example... you'll meet more dudes like yourself and I and find you're not alone. They are, however, few and far between. I can find them easily on the internet because its only minds talking to one another. (of course it's still possible to hide behind an ego on the i-net as well.)
I have a good friend in my community that lives a few blocks away. We think so alike its scary

. If it weren't for him, I would have probably been sucked into all that BS you described. I like to think that we're getting a head start on being decent intellectuals. When you meet someone like yourself, you can just tell. I stick around after school some times and shoot the toejam with teachers, coaches, or whoever and I hear them say or imply when they see other degenerates... "Look, its your future employees." I laugh. Its depressing.. but true. Think about it.. If you have a kid at age 16, your life is pretty much over. That responsibility right there will take up 99% of your time. Its extremely difficult to do something you've dreamed of when you're that young and have a baby on your hands. I have friends that have been in jail, I have friends that have their own kid(s), I have friends that are on the right track... its a huge mix.
Most teens can't begin to
comprehend the things me and my close buddies discuss. Its just too far over their head and its normal for us. Normal conversations in the O'club would baffle 75% of the students at my school. Another difference between us and 'them' would be that we
want to learn... not simply "get through school and be out of this hell-hole." My friends and I buy books on physics, calculus, philosophy, etc because we WANT to learn. I know for a fact that I'll be successfull in the years to come. I have a good work ethic, have a good head on my shoulders, and I know a damn well I won't fail. I have my life already planned out.
My advice to you is to continue doing what you're doing. Help others out on your journey if they need it. If not, dont waste your time on them and the other degenerates. They'll eventually learn the hard way.
oct out.
[EDIT: Punctuation and stuff... oops. After reading this over I cant believe I wrote that much

And please dont think I'm putting myself up on a pedestal. I may be blunt, but thats the way it is.