Similar to the stereotype that Barbie sets, social media also sets a negative stereotype in our society. Just like how we want to believe that "Barbie is just a harmless plaything for little girls" (Prager), we tend to think the same of social media. However, the reality of social media is quite the opposite. Everyday, almost everyone uses some form of social media, whether its Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, etc.. While it is true that social media has impacted generations before ours, the extent to which social media impacts our generation today is quite dramatic in comparison. Our generation tends to base most of our lifestyle choices off what we see on social media. We strive to look like the models, athletes, or actors/actresses that we see, however this leads to unnecessary stress and even unhealthy choices. For example, when we try to look like the models we see--especially girls--we sometimes end up making choices that can be quite unhealthy. In some cases they lead to eating disorders, depression, etc.. We have been raised around social media and the internet that are decision to strive to be like figures we see is inevitable and in our nature. Our "idols" lives seem so glamorous, however behind all the glamour is a lifestyle that's not so as impeccable as it seems. When this is put into perspective, it makes us think, are our inspirations truly setting positive examples for us? Social media hides our flaws and is not the realistic side of our lives. Therefore, when we base our lives off of social media, we are stuck in a superficial cycle that never seems to end.
The Stranger's Meursault, displays a pattern of behavior that is very uncommon in most literary works. While readers are usually able to relate to the main character and sympathize with the emotions that they are feeling, Meursault is the opposite. The way Meursault interacts and feels about certain situations and characters is quite strange, as if he's almost a stranger (hence the title) to the readers throughout the novel. We begin to wonder, is he a sociopath? Where are his emotions? Or why does he act this way? We wonder these questions because of how unfamiliar his character is to its readers. A term to somewhat describe Meursault's perspective and type of behavior would be nihilism. A nihilist is someone that does not believe in anything, has no loyalties, and ultimately believes that they, and society, have no purpose. Wow, that sure sounds like someone I'd love to be around! Meursault's detached personality erupts strange emotional behavior. For example, du...
I really liked how you used the quote from "Our Barbie's, Ourselves" to relate to our generation's social media. As you stated that it may seem like harmless thing, its effects are nearly the opposite. I think as society changes, the technology for youth may change, but the effect is all the same.
ReplyDeleteI like how you introduced a new idea that influence stereotypes in society, like Prager did. In society today, I totally agree that society media has a big impact on setting positive / negative examples for many teens especially.
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