I hate shaving my legs - not so much the act itself, but instead the frequency with which I find myself reaching for a razor. Personally, I think its an annoying chore and I often find myself wondering, razor in hand, why I even do it. The answer, of course, is very simple. I shave my legs (or hide them in pants when I'm feeling lazy) because it's expected of women in this society and though I'm loath to admit it, I ponder what my peers would think of me if I didn't.
Superficial. A word I loathe like no other. According to Webster's Dictionary this adjective can be defined as "concerned with and understanding only the easily apparent and obvious; not profound; shallow." And as I look around, I find this word increasingly fitting in describing the Ithaca High School population (including myself).
How would you react to seeing a female student walking down the halls in a tank top, with completely unshaven arms? When a new student joins a class don't you immediately do an inventory of her/his outward appearance and judge accordingly? We all make first impressions without knowing people and for the most part that can't be helped, but superficiality in our society and our school has gone far beyond that.
Prime example: pop culture. Does anyone really believe Britney Spears is popular for her musical talent?
Beyond general society, however, IHS has become (or has always been) a veritable melting pot of superficiality. Cliques hardly interact. The cheerleaders look down at the nerds and the nerds look down at the cheerleaders. Girls check their make up and clothes between every period and few students would consider stepping too far outside the bounds of their friends. Want to interact with a certain crowd? Well, then you gotta make yourself fit in. You gotta act "cool."
Additionally, every day I notice how much emphasis is put on appearance. So much emphasis, in fact, that people will go out shopping with the only purpose being to pick out an outfit for the first day of school. Why are girls wearing make up at 14, 13, 12, 11 I've heard "I need it" as a common justification for piling on layer after layer of make up everyday before school.
But why? Why is wearing any make up necessary at any age? Why is clothing such an indicator these days of a person's worth? Why do people hide their true interests and opinions just to fit in? Why are people judged as targets for mockery after five minutes?
Parallel to the society in which we live, superficiality at IHS has gone too far and it has adverse effects. In order to bend themselves to the superficial world we live in, people go too far. More and more girls are developing eating disorded symptoms, high self-esteem is at an all-time low, while conformity has gathered strength. I see teens all around me completely changing themselves, hiding their wonderful personalities in a misguided attempt to "fit in." And as a result of these attempts, more and more teenagers are being caught in half-lives , ultimately ending up lonely, unhappy and without any idea of who they really are.
People will always be superficial, people will always make judgmental first impressions. That is human nature. Nevertheless, this doesn't mean we can't learn to become less judgmental and as corny as it sounds, it all begins with yourself.
Question your thoughts, try not wearing make up for a day or taking less time in front of the mirror in the morning. Try talking to someone you never would have thought of speaking to before and find friends who will support you no matter what. Express your opinions. Try new activities.
Most importantly, say No! to superficiality. Be yourself. See how good it feels to not worry what others think and although this may not mean tossing the razor, it will mean fewer worries and more happiness.