The above link is a clip from a Texas news station short focusing on a new kind of high school clique - teen werewolves.
What do you think the transformation from childhood to adulthood has to do with wanting to be a part of such a circle? Typically, what type of high school student do you think would be drawn to the wolve pack and why? How does the way one physically expresses him/herself reflect on society's view of their character?
Happy bloggin'!
15 comments:
First Oh My Gosh!!!!! Crazy!! When they say that they are just trying to be themselves and not trying to be people that they aren't...they are completely contradicting themselves. I could see if someone wanted to do this on Halloween, but they are taking this way out of proportion. They said that they don't want to stand out, well they are on television first off so they obviously want some attention and second off if they stand out then they would be wearing status quo outfits.
@Jo
It's interesting how you say that they are contradicting themselves. I only agree partially with you because they did contradict what they said on television about how gang members are posers. The part that I disagree with is the fact that you mentioned that they blew the whole thing out of proportion. The reason why I say this is because many different fan groups show their interests in unique ways. This is basically no different than the emos or goths or even the jocks. The people in the “wolf pack” dress this way to identify their group because that’s what they like. Jocks and preps do it, too. I think that when they said that they didn’t want to stand out, they meant that they didn’t try to stand out on purpose. Their purpose was to find out who they were as teens, which is the main job of a high school student. Like the video said, everyone is part of a group in high school, and that’s where a big transformation in life occurs. It is the exact same concept as if you walked into Comic Con and saw people in costumes, or when you watch Role Models and see Augie and his friends in the Medieval reenactment grounds. It’s just the way that the teens have identified themselves. Society is very close-minded and when something unusual appears, people tend to frown upon it and criticize it.
Jo, are you saying that if someone wanted to fit in, they should wear outfits that fit the "status quo"? And what proof do we have that they are "trying to be people they aren't"?
I think the transition from childhood to adulthood has left most every teen at some point wondering who they are or where they fit in society. I think every person needs something to identify themselves with, whether it be something personal within them or if it's a group of like-minded people. I think maybe some one who doesn't identify with any other clique would identify with this group. I really don't see why the wolf pack is a whole lot different from a group of cheerleaders or jocks. What could it be about this group that makes them "weird"? Who's to say what is "status quo" and what is "weird"?
So I'm not saying I'm going to don a wolf tail and join these pre teens, but I don't see that much wrong with this fad. With celebrities such a Lady Gaga who keep repeating and selling the "creative expression, embrace who you are" mantra, I'm surprised there actually aren't more of these fads. The initial impression of punk in the 90's was WTF too. (you know...if acronyms like WTF existed back then) I'm not saying Teen Wolves will last though. A fad is a fad, and I'm thinking this will be a short lived one because 1) if you read the comments, there are a lot of pre teens who haven't even had this fad reach their school yet, and 2) Teen wolfs are too closely associated with twilight which already has a whole "fan base" of haters.
Teenagers making the transition from childhood to adulthood naturally crave a sense of belonging. I think high school students who feel misunderstood, and who aren't interested in or don't feel comfortable being part of "traditional" groups like sports or musical ensembles would be drawn to the wolf pack. I think it is great that these kids have found this sense of community but I am curious as to weather or not this is a fad they will outgrow and, if not, what their place in society will be post-high school.
Teenagers making the transition from childhood to adulthood naturally crave a sense of belonging. I think high school students who feel misunderstood, and who aren't interested in or don't feel comfortable being part of "traditional" groups like sports or musical ensembles would be drawn to the wolf pack. I think it is great that these kids have found this sense of community but I am curious as to weather or not this is a fad they will outgrow and, if not, what their place in society will be post-high school.
I think that this video is extremely interesting. When I was done watching it, I couldn't help but think, "what's the harm". they are just kids trying to express themselves. Although in an extreme and new manner, I feel a though it isn't as bad as people are portraying it to be. People make fun of them because of their unique new style, BUT i couldn't help but think of Lady Gaga. She probably has one of the most unique styles I've ever seen....how come people don't make fun of her trends? She wore a dress made of meat...come on. Just because they are dressing up as "fictional things" doesn't mean that there is anything wrong with it. I just feel as though they are acting like kids and finding themselves along the way. It may be a weird trend, but I'm sure there will be way weirder in the spand of our lives.
Rita I agree with you...I think my point wan't well stated and I didn't really state it how I was meaning it. Jocks, preps, music people, cheerleaders, whatever you associate yourself with, you usually continue to keep being a fan of it maybe not as crazy but still enjoy it and probably participate in it once a week. Thus my question...How is this "fandom" going to continue on in their later years? Imagine being at work. Everyone is talking about what they are going to do this weekend and maybe sporting a shirt for their favorite team or favorite musical. What is this person going to do???...Wear their tail???? I mean I know that we shouldn't judge, but I don't know how much an employer would like you wearing a tail around on business calls. What I really think is this is a phase for these students. They somehow felt that they didn't belong so they made an out of the ordinary club that everyone had to be so eccentric in that when they were with each other they felt normal. I think it is like how most people like a set schedule and being in their comfort zone. They felt like they never fit in so now they do if everyone is out of the ordinary.
PS 1. Sorry if I offended anyone 2. Sorry to the group that is presenting that this post is so late :).
Ada, from my point of view to fit in and be normal(definition of normal is:conforming to the standard or the common type; usual; not abnormal; regular; natural.) is not wearing a tail...but maybe someplace that is normal?
Twilson 390: The question was: How does the way one physically expresses him/herself reflect on society's view of their character? Like you said in your last sentence: "Society is very close-minded and when something unusual appears, people tend to frown upon it and criticize it." I guess I am just the norm in society.
Sarah: The majority says what is weird...even if some of us want freedom of expression the majority says what is the status quo because it is the majority of us. I don't think the majority of us are walking around with tails on.
Anna Marie: I agree with you. This is a fad. It is different from band, glee, sports, and cheerleaders. Years from now people will be saying OMG people with tails, but people will still be into band, glee, sports, and cheerleaders. It is like fashion...your kids will say, "Why did you wear those Uggs, leggings, and sweaters(this is thrown out to our teacher who loves this style)?"
Emelie: People do make fun of Lady Gaga's style just look at the magazine People.
Ps I think that David posting on the blog messes with the validity of the comments that follow his post
Also, this is addicting. I feel like it is game that I must win!!!!;))
Since we pretty much destroyed the third question, skimmed the first, and not talked about the second I will throw in a couple of ideas for the second. My roommate and I were talking the other day, and she said she had friends that wore tails in high school. I asked her why? She said some had had bad situations while they were growing up and some she really had no idea about. I believe, fight me if you want, that these people had something traumatizing happen in their life, weren't given enough attention, or just really love racoons(just kidding about the last one).
Again sorry to the presenters...but you won't even see this sorry because it's after12.
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