Students should not face pressure to conform

Perfection: the quality or state of being free from flaws or defects. An overwhelming amount of pressure seems to engulf people in their daily lives as they strive for their own defined version of what they deem “perfection.” With the stress of academics, sports, clubs and activities, high school students often times struggle with the ability to find balance. While all of these pressures may weigh on students, a less visible strain plays yet another role in the struggles they face.

After surveying 110 students, about 71 percent say they feel pressure to look a certain way. Students represented by this number face an additional factor in everyday struggles; a problem that should not plague high school students. High school students should not be preoccupied with the thoughts or judgements of others, and instead should be able to focus on other activities. Perceived thoughts of others may seem miniscule to certain people, yet pose major threats to others, such as senior Sheridan Barnhart.

“After you get into middle school, you start caring about what you look like,” Barnhart said. “This can lead to eating disorders and people who are unsatisfied with their looks.”

The preoccupation with looks and constant comparisons between students can lead to lowered self-esteem. According to simplypsychology.org, self-esteem tends to decline during adolescence, particularly for girls. Low self-esteem makes students more vulnerable to outside influences, such as the media. Junior Raaham Sheikh believes the media is a contributing factor in the insecurities of some high school students.

“Society and the media, in a way, set certain standards,” Sheikh said. “This is most likely due to the heavy influence of the media.”

The media’s strong influence has led to people viewing what is portrayed as what should be accepted. The media largely determines what is deemed as attractive or normal, causing those who don’t fit the image to question their looks or actions. Women specifically have been found to be influenced by images they see in magazines, women they see in movies or photographs on social media.

“The media has created this image that women should act and look a certain way,” Sheikh said.

The media’s portrayal of women specifically has created pressure to look picture-perfect at all times and act in ways that appeal to society as whole, rather than the individual themself.

Although this plays a major role in the declination of self-esteem, its effects can be fought with support from other people. Along with outside support, it is crucial that people themselves understand and realize their own self-worth.

“Now, I’m more confident,” Barnhart said. “All I know is that when I go to college, I’ll just be focused on school.”

Barnhart said she has been able to overcome the challenges with self image she has faced in the past, and now encourages others to be more confident and comfortable with themselves. Despite Barnhart’s increased confidence, others continue to face the struggles of fitting in and remaining self-assured. Spanish teacher Elizabeth Camacho has noticed the effects of these struggles on students.

“I think there’s more and more pressure,” Camacho said. “It’s an expectation for you to come to school with your makeup on, have your hair styled or at least looking nice, and have nice clothes.”

This perceived expectation leads to students spending more time getting ready in attempt to look their best for a day at school. Rather than viewing looking nice for school as a choice, it is at times viewed a necessity.

In attempt to fit in, students inevitably waste time preparing for the day or create unnecessary stress over what should be simple tasks, such as selecting an outfit.

“I think all students, to some degree, modify their behavior or appearance, whether it’s makeup or making sure they have a certain kind of jacket,” Camacho said. “You don’t see as many people who dress differently.”

Despite efforts to promote the acceptance of a diverse student body, the feeling to conform continues. Modifications to behavior or appearance by pressure, rather than choice, damages the individuality of students. Students should use opportunities to express themselves to their benefit, and this creativity should be viewed as a positive, rather than a negative. Junior Emma Robertson said her decision to express herself through her makeup reflects her, not the expectations of others.

“I wear makeup every day,” junior Emma Robertson said. “I like to do it, not because I’m trying to impress people.”

The difference between the individual’s decision over group mentality is critical. Instead of wearing makeup, buying nice clothes or following the latest trends in order to fit in, some students do so by choice. The elimination of worrying about the opinions of others opens the door for self-expression.

Throughout the duration of high school, students will face a plethora of issues. Finding balance is key, and the elimination of fear to deviate from what is considered “normal” can simplify the lives of high school students.

“I think having a more open-minded perspective would be helpful,” Camacho said. “Diversity is very important.”

Though external pressures may seem to push students to act, dress or think in certain ways, the support of classmates, teachers, other students  and the community in general can combat this and help students to be themselves. Rather than attempting to “fit in,” students should feel comfortable to be who they want to be, wear what they want to wear, and do so without worrying about the opinions of others. Nonconformity is key to creating an environment where students are able to express themselves without fear.