Stereotype: a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing. In society, there are stereotypes everywhere, but on specific place is High school, and during teenage years. Nerds, jocks, bullies, hipsters, just a few of many that are in a teens everyday life. Not knowing, everyone tries to be a certain stereotype, and has a certain idol that they look up to. We don't see the other side of people, we only look at how they are the star of the football team, or a 4.0 student. But what we don't realize is that this is an issue that has been happening from forever, and we should focus on it. Following stereotypes do not lead to success; by limiting you to associating with certain stereotypes, change your priorities of life, and making you feel obligated to act a certain way.
There are some stereotypes that just don't go together. For example, not everyday do you see a "nerd" with a bully hanging out together.There are certain limitations that you have by trying to be a certain stereotype. A certain society that won't let groups mix and socialize each other is not acceptable. Some may agree, but are too scared to tell their own friends because they're afraid that they will get teased. Everyone in their life had or has a friend that is not the same stereotype as them. But, the thought of trying to be the person you look up to makes you forget that you can be friends, or hang out with that person. The peer pressure gets to you, and you forget about anything other than trying to be a certain stereotype.
Being the perfect idol that people look up to is a goal for most people. People put aside other things to be on the top. 30% of students are failing to graduate high school. For example, a "jock" may be the all-star quarter back for the high school team, and many other "jocks" will look up to him. But there may be another side to him, like he might be failing another class because he's focusing to much on sports. According to CNN, some college students play sports like adults, but read like 5th graders. This also applies for other stereotypes, too. A "nerd" may be getting all A's, but what about physical health? That's important, too. There's always another side of a person. Don't let something like trying to be the perfect person distract you from what's important. Try to balance everything, so life can be easier.
One very important topic about stereotypes, is the feeling of being obligated to act a certain way. This is something that people feel pressured about through everyday life. Some may say that having a role set for you is good because then you aren't pressured to pick a group. But, in the long run, you will get affected because you will be forced to do things, even if someone isn't telling you to. Other people's opinion will make you do certain things. "Bullies" are known for being mean people, and just go around hurting others feelings. You may just have picked the wrong group of friends, and because of that you have to do as they do. Or else, you're going to get bullied by them and criticized for not being them. Being pushed around is not a good feeling.
Trying to be a certain stereotype is not always the best for you by; limiting you to who you interact with, messing up your priorities, and making you act a certain way. Not everyone agrees with stereotypes being a positive thing. Hopefully, others will realize that everyone is affected by it. Instead of trying to be someone else, everyone should be the same stereotype, where you get to act as who you want to be. Everything will affect you in the long run, so try to be yourself. Maybe one day there will be a society where everyone interacts well together and accepts each other for who they are. When that day comes, stereotypes will disappear, and the world will be a better place.
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