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Teen Years (13-18)

Society's Child In high school, some are part of the in-crowd and others are not. By Rajiv BhutaPublished: January, 2004

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Visit any high school across the world and there will be one similarity among all of them. Every high school's student body will be segmented into defined social groups. And it's amazing, this ease of identification. You've spotted the popular crowd when you see eight people huddled closely together, all sporting the latest trends and best-looking faces on campus. The jocks will be nearby, readily identifiable by varsity letterman jackets. The stoners or druggies will be strewn around their "special" corner of campus and accompanied by their "special" smell. Books in their hands and notebooks in their laps, the nerds will be discussing the answers to the latest test or bragging about a recent success on a physics project. Known as cliques, these social groups range from the fluid to the rigid in terms of their accessibility and oftentimes strongly influence the actions as well as future of a teenager. Although often carrying a negative connotation, cliques exist because everyone has an inherent need to feel accepted. What is accepted in one group may be harshly rejected in another. For instance, wearing brand-name clothing may be necessary in some groups and threatening in another. Being a serious student may be a prerequisite to be part of one crew and it may be criticized in another. Sometimes race or ethnicity is the determining factor, whereas others embrace all cultures. Are cliques dangerous? Maybe. The first step is to realize whether you are a part of a group that is either fostering your growth or limiting your potential. It is essential to avoid groups that are destructive to your well-being, both physically and emotionally. The worst mistake is becoming part of a group in which you feel alienated. At the beginning of my freshmen year, I had made it my mission to become part of the "popular" crowd. I bought the clothes, pulled the stupid stunts and cared very much about what other people thought. I awkwardly tried to be a part of their tight-knit circle during lunch, desperately attempting to be funny and charming. I failed miserably. Not only would they barely talk to me, but they would virtually push me out of the circle. Too many times, while the guys raved about last night's WWF wrestling match, imitating the coolest body slam, I would be complaining about homework or studying for a biology test. I just didn't fit in. The most important thing to understand is that cliques offer both security and certainty. Many times, they serve as the backbone of our self-image and provide us with self-assurance. However, you always must be alert that the safety net of a clique does not become a trap. Too many times, teenagers miss out on new ideas and experiences because of a deep fear to venture out into new surroundings. Only when you can move through all cliques and make friends with all types of people do you truly understand what it means to be "popular." Rajiv Bhuta is a senior at Troy High School in Fullerton.

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