The arrival of Stargirl makes the students of Mica Area High School so uncomfortable, they wonder if she is even a real person. Why is this? Write a 250-word essay exploring how social norms, such as conformity and peer pressure, influence the students and their reactions to Stargirl. Is Stargirl influenced by these forces too? Be sure to use evidence from the excerpt to support your analysis.
In the novel "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli, the arrival of the enigmatic character Stargirl creates a sense of discomfort among the students of Mica Area High School. This unease stems from the rigid social norms, including conformity and peer pressure, which heavily influence the students' reactions to Stargirl. These societal forces are deeply ingrained within the students, making them question Stargirl's authenticity and validity as a person.
Conformity, the act of matching one's behavior and beliefs to fit in with a certain group, is a dynamic force in the students' lives. The excerpt reveals that Stargirl's presence deviates from the norm, as she wears a long, pioneer-style dress, carries a ukulele, and sings Happy Birthday to students in the cafeteria. These actions contradict the established social order at Mica High, where fitting in and adhering to the crowd's expectations are paramount. Stargirl's refusal to conform challenges the students' own adherence to social norms, causing them to question her authenticity and even perceive her as an illusion. The text states, "The lunchroom emptied slowly...Students chanced glances, test glances. Who was this? Was she real?"
Peer pressure exacerbates the discomfort surrounding Stargirl's presence. The students fear being associated with someone who defies the norms, as it could jeopardize their own social standing. This social pressure leads the students to distance themselves from Stargirl, as they believe her presence threatens their own social acceptance. The text substantiates this when it notes, "She was laughing alone in the lunchroom. No one was laughing with her." Conforming to these peer expectations becomes more important to the students than acknowledging and valuing Stargirl's individuality.
Interestingly, Stargirl herself is also influenced by these forces, demonstrating internal conflict. At times, she attempts to conform to the expectations of her peers, such as by joining the cheerleading squad. However, her true nature, which naturally seeks to deviate from societal norms, continually resurfaces. Stargirl's internal struggle mirrors the larger conflict within the students. She navigates the pressure to conform while remaining faithful to her own identity.
In conclusion, the arrival of Stargirl at Mica Area High School unsettles the students due to the overwhelming influence of social norms, conformity, and peer pressure. These forces shape the students' reactions and lead them to question Stargirl's authenticity. However, Stargirl herself struggles against these societal expectations, exhibiting conflict between conformity and remaining true to oneself. Ultimately, "Stargirl" offers a powerful exploration of the tensions between individuality and societal expectations.
In the novel "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli, the arrival of the titular character at Mica Area High School unsettles the students, causing them to question her authenticity as a real person. This discomfort stems from the influence of social norms, particularly conformity and peer pressure, which significantly impact the students' reactions towards Stargirl. These forces permeate the school's social fabric, compelling students to conform to certain expectations and behaviors, making Stargirl's nonconformity all the more unnerving.
Conformity, a social norm ubiquitous in high schools, dictates that individuals should adhere to established norms and fit into a predetermined mold. Stargirl, with her unique clothing choices, carefree personality, and unabashed displays of kindness, challenges this norm from the moment she steps foot on campus. She defies the uniformity of the student body, opting for brightly colored outfits and homemade jewelry instead. This stark contrast makes the students uncomfortable, as they are accustomed to the predictable and conformist behaviors of their peers.
Furthermore, the power of peer pressure reinforces the students' unease. Adolescents are highly susceptible to the influence of their peers, often succumbing to the pressure to conform in order to be accepted. Stargirl's arrival disrupts this delicate balance, as her authenticity and individualism stand in stark contrast to the pressure to fit in. The excerpt from the novel demonstrates this when it states, "She's a fake ... Nobody can be that good." Stargirl's genuine acts of kindness and unwavering self-expression create uncertainty and doubt amongst her peers, who have been conditioned to view such behavior as atypical.
Interestingly, while the students of Mica Area High School are heavily influenced by social norms, Stargirl herself does not appear to be affected by these forces. Rather than conforming to societal expectations, she embraces her unique identity and remains unflinchingly true to herself. Stargirl's perseverance in the face of conformity and peer pressure is evident in her continued acts of kindness, despite the skepticism and discomfort of her peers.
In conclusion, the arrival of Stargirl at Mica Area High School disrupts the students' comfort zone because of the influence of social norms such as conformity and peer pressure. Stargirl's nonconformity challenges the students' adherence to established norms and exposes the fragility of their conformity. While the students struggle to accept her authenticity, Stargirl maintains her individuality and proves that she is not influenced by these societal forces. Through Stargirl's character, Jerry Spinelli highlights the impact of social norms on individuals' reactions and, in doing so, prompts readers to question the limitations and consequences of conforming to societal expectations.
To understand why the arrival of Stargirl makes the students of Mica Area High School so uncomfortable, we must examine the role of social norms, conformity, and peer pressure in influencing their reactions. Social norms are the unwritten rules that guide behavior within a society, and they shape the expectations and judgments of individuals. Conformity refers to the tendency to adjust one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to fit in with a group, while peer pressure is the influence exerted by one's peers to conform to their attitudes and behaviors.
In the case of Mica Area High School, the students are accustomed to a certain level of conformity and adherence to societal norms. Stargirl's arrival disrupts this equilibrium, as she defies the expectations held by her peers. As a result, the students find her behavior unconventional and strange, leading them to question if she is even a real person. Stargirl dances during lunch, cheers loudly at sporting events, and wears attire that does not conform to typical adolescent fashion choices – all actions that set her apart from the rest.
The discomfort felt by the students can be attributed to the pressures of conformity and peer influence. Humans possess a deep-seated desire to belong and be accepted by their peers, which often motivates them to conform to societal norms. Stargirl's presence challenges this desire for conformity, leading the students to feel uneasy and question their own behaviors.
Interestingly, Stargirl herself appears to be both influenced by these social forces and resistant to them. In the excerpt, it is noted that she "tries to become invisible" when she is teased or criticized by her peers. This suggests that Stargirl is not immune to the pressure to conform and seeks to avoid negative attention. However, she also has a strong sense of authenticity and individuality, as evidenced by her refusal to succumb to societal expectations.
In summary, the discomfort experienced by the students of Mica Area High School in response to Stargirl's arrival can be attributed to the clash between social norms, conformity, and peer pressure. Stargirl's unique behaviors challenge the students' preconceived notions of what is acceptable, causing them to question her authenticity. While Stargirl does display some inclination to conform, her unwavering individuality sets a powerful example for the students and challenges them to reevaluate their own willingness to conform.