Although American high school has an iconic image that exists on the silver screen it also has a side to it that is not often shown in films an/or movies. The side I am referring to is its social hierarchy. This has been the subject of much scrutiny and analysis over the years especially when discussing bully but it seems no one has accurately portrayed the true social hierarchy that exists. Perhaps the American public's knowledge of high school is just outdated because most films that portray social structure in school are inaccurate enough to make a high school student cringe. Usually, in these films, there exists two very distinct and clearly labelled groups of those who are "popular" and those who are "not popular". Though there is a grain of truth to this depiction, in my experience the groups are not so black and white and those who are deemed "popular" are never explicitly named as such.
In reality the idea of "popular" really dies sometime during Sophomore year. It first enters the school with the new wave of freshmen every year who have predisposed ideas of what high school is like. They never directly refer to someone as such to avoid the obvious irony since many of them mock these movies. One thing that is accurately portrayed in the films is how these people are self chosen. They treat others not like noble-people treating peasants as seen in films, but rather as the Brahmin treat the Dalit in India. They rarely socialize with others outside of the group and just refer to them as weird. They try to avoid contact and show disgust or distaste for those outside of the group.
As high school goes on this group splits into various splinter groups and there is almost always some sort of teenage drama at the heart of the division. This is when the original members of the group begin to truly develop as people. They begin to socialize with many different friend-groups and make a myriad of friends within various social groups and expand their pallet. However some members of the group continue to hold on to the old ways and live off of the drama and gossip around them like ageing junkies on speed. They form their own splinter groups and have unspoken wars against one another like the nations of old. The only difference being, drama and gossip replace diplomacy and battle but espionage and sabotage are still very much employed.
All in all the classicism is unnatural as seen by its inability to survive. The only reason for its existence is because of preconceived notions given by television, magazines, etc.
I really enjoyed reading this post! I thought it was definitely a refreshing look at high school, and one I can definitely relate to! I really liked your point about how the "popular" group are only popular by their own exclusivity, and that it is everyone else who gives that exclusivity power. It would be interesting to see the dynamic were people to disregard that idea. I would have liked to have seen you elaborate a little more on how this directly correlates to Fairfield County--how it relates to other group dynamics you've experienced, etc. I like how you place the blame on the media, rather than human nature. I wouldn't end your blog post with etc.; maybe add a sentence add a sentence at the end to drive your point home, or a thought-provoking question? Overall, it was nicely done, and made a good point that people often overlook. Good job!
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