On Popularity

by Rachel Stockman
Assistant Editor

Popularity among teens is a state of mind that enraptures many of us. We are consumed with questions like, "Why is he so popular?" What makes that group cooler than that one over there?" "Are your shoes the right style?" "Is your boyfriend cute enough?"

Teenagers are constantly being judged by other teenagers on the way that they think they should live their lives. Everyday we are faced with the responsibilities and pressures to do well in school along with the burning pressure/desire to be liked.

It is important to fit in and be liked, but we all know those classmates who go overboard, and are willing to do almost anything to get more attention, and I mean ANYTHING. Have you ever stepped out of your bed in the morning to be reminded of your senseless behavior the night before? Why did you do those things? Or more importantly, did anyone pressure you indirectly to make the wrong decision?

The basic components of this so-called popularity might just be kids trying to earn attention and praise by feeling included in a tightly enclosed circle of teens. I would think that this need to belong may be even greater today with so many divorced parents, single parent homes, fathers who are always working, or mothers who never seem to be around. But, what actually makes you smoke that cigarette or take that drink of beer? Some teenagers feel that if they perform these "cool" rituals of passage, they will automatically be included into a social group. The resulting inclusion may not be worth the performance. Are these friends really worth it? Could teens really be expressing in their actions a longing to spend time with their family?