Gossip: Bane of The High School Student
by It’s everywhere. In mainstream magazines; on news channels; in coffee shops and tea parlors; in workplaces; in classrooms. Gossip is an unstoppable beast that feasts upon the innocence of everyone. Teenagers, it seems, are especially vulnerable to this lurking fiend.
“(Insert name here) did what!?”
“(Insert name here) slept with who?!”
“(Insert name here) said what about her!?”
The above are phrases that I hear on a daily basis. Walking from class to class, it is incredible how much sordid information I am able to pick up. I could write a whole book on the supposed wrongdoings of my peers. But, I won’t. Why? I don’t care about any of it.
Teenagers are far too concerned with appearances and reputations. The lives of too many are in shambles after they hear that their name has been slandered. When a popular cheerleader is exposed after sleeping with a football player, she feels that life is ruined. There is no way she could possibly keep going to school. Someone said that Johnny’s a pothead, and he breaks down. He’s a 4.0 student and he would NEVER touch the stuff.
Gossip is how some people get their entertainment. To many people, life without gossip would be the doldrums. Teenagers need to come to terms with the fact that gossip will go on until the world comes to an end. They need to learn to deal with it, and let it go in one ear and out of the other.
Gossip can kill popularity. Popularity is a false security for those who are too insecure to be alone. I’m able to go into a crowded cafeteria, get my tray, and sit down at a table entirely by myself and feel fine. I’m not cocky, or over-confident. My self-esteem isn’t even great. My secret? I don’t care what people say or think. I don’t care if people believe that I’m a pothead; if they believe that I’m gay; if they believe that I’m a threat to society. I live and let live and go on my own way.
To all teenagers: Find freedom. Seek liberation. Don’t be held down by the chains of high school society. Be yourself. Do what you wish. STOP WORRYING ABOUT WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT YOU.
I am more than willing to discuss this with everyone.
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Post CommentChristine Ramsay
On December 17, 2009 at 3:45 am
I applaud you. I have always hated gossip and wouls rather stay away from it than join in. A really good piece.
Christine
bailieman
On December 17, 2009 at 11:34 am
You have a very mature attitude. Teen years can be blighted by unfair or unfounded gossip but it does not stop there. Adults in the workplace continue the trend though the targets are usually more capable of dealing with it.
Writer1982
On December 17, 2009 at 11:58 pm
Sorry, I kind of blog about gossip.. Granted, I don’t use any real names or anything. And I only write things I know as a fact. Either I was there, or I was on the phone. But, I have also told everyone that I write about, that I am doing it. And no one is upset, mostly because they know I won’t lie. And, they already know how I feel about them anyway. So yeah. I do applaud you on your article. Even if it makes me look like a hypocrite. Though, I feel the same way you do. I could care less what people think of me too. But, I loved your article.
mkd1788
On December 20, 2009 at 1:15 am
interesting post…i enjoyed while reading..
Tommy Tompkins
On December 24, 2009 at 9:29 pm
Thank you for the compliments Christine, bailieman, and mkd1788.
Jewellianna, I don’t think you’re a hypocrite.
Cynthia Cox
On February 14, 2010 at 3:39 am
Very good article from a mature teen’s perspective. The sad truth is that teenage gossip is a factual indicator of adult reality. It goes on in the media with celebrities, in magazines and in music. It is very sad to see how opinions become facts quicker that the actions the we see. Great article post.