Twitchell

When I was a naive freshman in High School, I believed that designer handbags were what defined your popularity. I wanted people to take notice of me at my new school, as well as a certain upperclassmen boy. I begged my mom to buy me a louis vuitton purse, but she argued that it was way too expensive and unnecessary. I was very upset by her decision, but refused to give up there. I saved up all my Christmas money and when we took our annual trip to New York for new years, I bought myself the most beautiful louis vuitton I have ever seen! When returning to school after Christmas break, I initially thought the upperclassmen boy I had a crush on would notice my new buy instantly. I was unpleasantly surprised when I realized that having a louis vuitton made no difference. I did not grow more popular, and I did not get the guy. I agree with Twitchell's statement that "we live through things," however, I do not agree that "we create ourselves through things." I disagree with that because buying a new designer handbag did not increase my popularity.

Banish

If I could vanish one person from this universe it would be my ex-boyfriend, Cole. He did nothing but make my life miserable for eight months. Lying is one of my biggest pet peeves and Cole was the master of lies. Of course, with my luck, I did not find out he was so deceiving and manipulative until the end of our relationship. When I actually thought I received a genuine apology from him it turned out to be the exact opposite. He told me he wanted to get back together, but little did I know he already found my replacement and was playing her as well.
I do not regret meeting him because through everything I learned a lesson. I realized that I cannot be so naive and believe everything a guy says. Thanks to Cole, I hold my heart that much closer and make sure I take things slow. I believe that everything happens for a reason, but if our paths never cross again, that would be fine by me.

Social Norms

Normality is in the eye of the beholder. The media presents the basis of social norms, however individuals interpret them in many different ways. What is normal to a teenage girl who frequently reads Cozmo, is not going to be considered normal to a teenage girl who lives on the Georgian farms. The girl who is up to date with Hollywood fashion is going to take risks when she gets dressed, and the girl off the farm is most likely going to play it safe in jeans and a t-shirt. Everyone believes that their actions and choices are normal, as long as they have someone else who also shares those same beliefs. This is exactly how friends are made; individuals sharing the same rules and social norms. In society, everyone is ultimately considered normal because there will always be multiple individuals who believe in the same things you believe in. If all else fails, you will always have your family by your side, because they are the ones who taught you what it is to be "normal".