#6

            No matter what outward front people hold, everyone is afraid of being treated as a social pariah. Everyday, mental and physical differences collide and transform into wars defined by their disagreements. In society, no one wants to speak up about their opinion, if they are not supported by others. This leads to many ignoring their true beliefs and instead adopting other people’s, even if they do not agree with them.

            Typical among teens is peer pressure, the act of kids persuading their friends to do things the way they think they should. Smoking, drinking, whatever the cause may be, it seems a common thread strings the reasons as to why kids pressure each other. Maintaining a “cool” appearance and holding a strong stance to that exterior can be seen as a reason as to why kids fall into the trap of peer pressure. Besides, no one wants to be left as an outcast.

            Like everyone else, I tend to go with the flow. I’ll follow my friends, but if I strongly disagree with something or find it to be wrong, I will speak up. Yes, peer pressure is a difficult barrier to pass through, but you have to know your limits. I can hold my own opinions, but my friends can persuade me through reason and logic. Friends should be able to have different views, but share them at the same time. Friends should be able to ask their friends to try things, instead of forcing them. Friends shouldn’t bring each other down through peer pressure, as that is not a true friend.

Society is influenced by everything and nothing is truly original anymore. But when suggestive influences turn into forceful pressure, it is a sign that things have gone down the wrong road.