Social Pressure

We have all had times in our lives when things just get too heavy and too much. Where we feel done with everything. We try to blame it on work, school, responsibilities and other likely things that could’ve caused it. But deep down, it's the expectations and social pressure that do the most harm. High school is all about social pressure, and no matter how much we try to convince ourselves otherwise, it is never-ending.  

Hey! Welcome to my second blog entry! In today's world, social pressure is a huge problem in today’s youth, and it’s time someone addressed it again. Much of the pressure starts in high school. Many movies try to depict this through bullying, teasing, or even academic stress. But those are different monsters altogether. Truly, social pressure is just another word for expectations and appearance. Many people make it their sole purpose to reach the ideal picture that other people have about something. In the process of doing so, somehow “I want to” becomes “I have to”. 

In terms of school life, pressure is not reserved only for homework and academic stress. The lack of being able to freely express your feelings can shadow your true personality. Now, you can argue that you feel no pressure whatsoever to speak up about something between your peers. But what will you do when people start taking decisions that you personally don’t want to or can’t take? Can you still speak up about your true opinion when everyone else takes a different path? What if you get ridiculed in the process? 

Small, ever-changing things like clothing style and personality may not seem like a huge deal between schoolwork and home life. But they can take a great toll on someone’s confidence if they aren’t careful. You can walk into high school with pigtails, black-rimmed glasses, a jovial and sensitive personality, and a bucket full of confidence. But within just a few months, it's hard not to turn into a monotone shapeshifter that can morph into any type of person just to get public approval. Personality change is not a problem at all. But losing your original identity and values is a great loss.  

But through this immense journey of finding out your true self and identity, there will be times when you try things out. Lifeguard duty? Give it a go! Going for a marathon? Sounds good! But never forget your core beliefs and values.  

“Unicorns are the most powerful beings ever.” 

“Kindness and love are things that the world can never run out of.” 

“Gandalf the Grey is the best character ever created.” 

 Whatever makes you you. Your core beliefs and values should be one of the few things that no one can ever take away from you. You might end up going from a blonde to a chocolate brown or a philosopher to a scientist. In any way, your core still guides you down your path. 

For the people who are starting to venture into a similar world like me, just know that things will get better. If you stay true to yourself and bring a huge pair of invisible headphones along with you to block out the judgments and comments, you are officially ready for the never-ending battlefield that is the world. 

What do You Think? 

That was a fluffy ending. Cheesy? Yes. But the point is there. After my confessions and commentary, here are a few questions to ponder. What do you think? 

• What are some core values and beliefs that you have? 

• If you’ve ever felt social pressure, how did you get out of that wormhole? 

• What advice can you give people struggling with social pressure or finding their identity?