Why are vampires all the rage with teens right now? Because “Twilight” isn’t just about vampires, it’s about misunderstood vampires. The poor, high fashion, upscale undead who look like they just stepped out of a cryogenic spa and went shopping at Goths “R” Us. Nobody understands them. Does that sound like anyone in your house? Maybe your teenager? Being misunderstood is practically the definition of being a teenager. Well, they think they are misunderstood. The truth is, we understand them all too well. After all, we were teenagers, too, once.

Critics who think “Harry Potter” is about magic and “Twilight” is about vampires are missing the point of these books and movies completely. They are about teen angst, heartbreak, awkwardness and unease. They are about the feeling that the only purpose grown-ups have in life is to make teenagers miserable.

“Why do I have to study history? I’m not going to be a historian.”

“Why are you always spying on me?”

“Why can’t I go out with Billy? He’s got his own motorcycle.”

“Everyone else has a tattoo.”