Why Does It Important To Be Portrayed In High School?

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While I was a teenager, I attended three different high schools. I hated it at the time and constantly harassed my mother for ruining my life (sorry mom!). Now as a young adult, I am thankful for the experience and enjoy reflecting on what I learned as an outcast. The anti-bullying campaign is more popular than ever, and for good reason. Bullying ruins the self-esteem of the victim and can lead to depression, anxiety, drug abuse, ect. However, at all three schools that I attended, there was a bigger monster fueling the low self-esteem of students: the hierarchy system reinforced by the school’s faculty and programs… Pep Rallies Who wouldn’t like a pep rally? Not only do you get to miss class, but you get to dress up in fun spirit wear and scream …show more content…

The home coming queens in all three of my schools were leaders. They were attractive, kind, and intelligent. They deserved to be recognized… but why do it publicly? There may be plenty of good intentions fueling the practice of crowing a queen. However, is it realistic to ask a bunch of teenaged girls to watch the Queen get crowned and not feel less about themselves? You might as well say “this girl is not only prettier than you, she is also smarter and everyone likes her more than they like you. Now clap and be happy for her, shame on you for being jealous, you insecure girl …show more content…

The students who were recognized for their leadership, academics, and athleticism were asked to stand. They were applauded for their hard work, and yes, they deserved to be recognized. But again, why do so publicly? The students who are left sitting are likely to feel like crap. Yes, the award ceremonies are meant to reward hardworking students but in a way, it also tells those sitting that “yes, you are graduating, but the ones standing are actually going places.” Okay, I sound bitter. But I’m not, I promise (okay, maybe a little bit…). I’m just trying to bring attention to the hierarchy system that we often forget about once graduating high school. These high school traditions are just a few that set up a foundation for a superior vs. inferior relationship among peers. They may have the good intention of recognizing accomplishments, but it also forces students to see themselves below or above others. The hierarchy, along with bullying, is a contributing factor to low self-esteem in our youth and deserves equal

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