Are Dramatic Depictions of High School Hierarchy Really That Dramatic?
At some point in most people’s lives, they have heard the phrase, “It’s not actually like the movies." Whether this is in regards to sports, relationships, friendships, jobs, or any aspect of life, it’s safe to say that that may be true for most things, except high school.
Let’s paint a picture: it’s three days before the start of freshman year. Sitting at home getting everything together and what’s playing on the TV? None other than the perfect movie for a freshly 14-year-old to watch before they walk through the front doors of their local high school Mean Girls.
Image Courtesy: Paramount Pictures
Dramatic depictions of social hierarchy, as seen in Mean Girls, are often considered satirical comedies centered around high school, not something that can be expected from real life. Portraying the athletes and cheerleaders as the “popular” kids and the arts as the “unpopular” kids. However, are they wrong?
In today’s day and age, high school hierarchy is still plaguing the hallways of most high schools around the world. Athletes consider themselves the kings and queens of the school, and arts kids the commoners. The cafeteria scene from Mean Girls is one example of a scarily accurate depiction of this concept, specifically where we see Janis explain the cafeteria setup to Cady, naming different tables and cliques such as “band geeks,” “jocks,” “plastics,” etc.
The real question here is: how is one deemed popular and cool? In many small-town high schools, it's common to be in the same class with the people you have known since elementary school. Awkward phases and middle school relationships were witnessed by everyone. But when high school comes around, the kid who joined the football team is automatically added to the top of the social food chain, and the kid who picked up the trumpet is at the bottom. But weren’t they just best friends two years ago?
Image Courtesy: Disney Channel
The concept of social hierarchy is not only a weird way of expressing superiority complexes, but it also dramatically impacts students in all grades. It leads to an increase in low self-esteem, peer pressure, social exclusion, and so much more. It is a pretty common occurrence to see everyone having fun at a party you weren't invited to on someone's social media story and wonder what it was that caused you to be an outcast. In an attempt to change this, your style changes, your habits change, your social circle changes, and eventually, you change. Many times, not for the good. It can be so enticing to give in to peer pressure until, one day, you look in the mirror and realize you’ve become a person you no longer recognize.
High school hierarchy is not only a thing of the movies—these movies are based on real life. It’s very easy to get caught up in all the drama and try to do what you can to just get a little higher up the ladder. However, it's important to remember that being true to yourself and protecting your peace is way more important than being ruler of the school. Take it from a former “band geek.”
Strike Out,
Madi Denizard
Boca Raton
Madi Denizard is a content writer for Strike Magazine Boca. In typical Leo fashion, she is a social butterfly and loves self-expression of all kinds. When she’s not writing, you can find her with her nose stuck in a book, mermaiding in the ocean, or crocheting her newest masterpiece. You can reach her by email at madison.denizard@gmail.com or on Instagram @mpaigee_
