Peer Pressure To Belong
Many people believe that a person must have the respect of their peers in order to survive. They believe that they are worth nothing without acknowledgement, or unless they belong to a group. This makes them afraid to live, or be alone in any decision they are faced with, in their personal lives. They grow dependant on a single group or social structure, that may not be as solid and safe as it appears to be.
Personal judgement is undermined, and the individual's ability to distinguish private dreams from those that belong to the group is diminished. It leaves them without a personality apart from their group. Such a dependency can be hazardous, from my point of view. It can leave a person feeling destitute and lost, if their group collapses without warning.
When I was younger, I experienced these feelings. I had a group of friends that seemed to be both secure, and warm. These friends later parted company with me, leaving me as if everything in my world had turned upside down. I didn't know what I was going to do.
Luckily, I was young enough to adjust, and find my own individuality once more. I rediscovered my talents, and my goals; all of which are very important to me. Although it took a lot of time for me to adjust, I am happier today than I was. I am thankful I was able to remember who I am.
It is necessary for people to understand that their own individuality is what makes them who they are; not the groups of friends they hang around with. If they learned this, they could find out for themselfes what was important to them. Then they would understand what I believe in: That a person does not need to give in to peer pressure, in order to belong. by Celia Helen Tracy
copyright © 2001 Celia Helen Tracy