by Tim Driver

Created on: April 21, 2008

In the school world, one can be basking in the glow of the limelight one minute, and be cast out of the social circle on their ear the next. This is the world of school society. The pros of this come when one does not seek this attention, but rather has it come to them without intention. The cons come when people intentionally tailor their actions and efforts in an attempt to BE popular, regardless of what that might cost. The final part of determining pros from cons is whether or not people allow that popularity to change their values, beliefs, or actions. Here are the pros and cons of such popularity.

The PROS-

People care what you say and do.

This is quite a feeling of acceptance. There is nothing wrong with this, provided one does not get an overinflated sense of self-importance. One must realize that as quickly as people jump on the bandwagon, they can fall off.

You can influence groups of people with your actions.

Beyond people merely accepting someone on a broad scale, those same people may act in ways a popular person would like. Being a spokesperson for good causes or positive school change can make a bigger difference coming from someone of perceived value. The key here is to be PART of the action or positive change. Don't just SAY what needs to happen, be part of the DOING of it as well. In school lingo, don't just talk the talk, walk the walk.

School staff know who you are.

Much as employees would hate to admit it, kids who are positive and are seen as positive and popular with the masses are treated better by adults. There is almost an unconscious underlying desire on the part of adults to be in good with those who are popular. Whether it be getting some slack on an assignment due date, given the benefit of the doubt, or even better access to staff resources such as job connections or college recommendations.

The CONS-

Surprisingly they are exactly the same.

People care what you say and do.

If popularity is what one seeks, regardless of how one achieves it, then trying to please others becomes the motivation. This can lead to a compromise of values, causing trouble for many.

You can influence groups of people with your actions.

Whether willingly or unwillingly, people of popularity get thrust into a "role model" status. One need not look further than the role that professional and college athletes have on younger kids. The same is true in schools where the popular kids who choose to do questionable things, cause others to do the same in order to fit into the expectation. Sadly, few of those supporters are around when it all comes crashing down.

School staff know who you are-

When someone is in a social spotlight and chooses to do something questionable, they become a target for staff. Those who assume a sense of entitlement simply because they are well like often get vindictiveness or desire for some sense of social retribution from adults. Often this comes from a deep seated dislike for those who abuse attention, and can date back to adults' feelings of inadequacy as kids themselves.

Popularity therefore, is neither good nor bad. It is how it is HANDLED that determines whether it is a positive or negative within a person's life, the school, and the community.

Learn more about this author, Tim Driver.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.